Junell D. Zedaker, 87, Bryan, passed away in the arms of her family Friday evening August 24, 2012 at Bryan Care and Rehabilitation.
Mrs. Zedaker was born in Bryan, Ohio on December 26, 1924 the daughter of the late Dorothy A. (Brown) and the late Lester W. Motter. Graduating from Bryan High School in 1943, she worked at the Aro Corporation administering IQ exams and interviewing prospective employees. One day she gave the test to Calvin L. Zedaker. Then one rainy April day as Junell was standing outside and waiting to walk home, Calvin pulled up along side and offered her a ride home. They were married six months later on October 16, 1948. Mom always said “Thanks Heaven for April showers.” Their union lasted 54 years until Cal’s death in October of 2001.
After they were married, they lived in Defiance County until 1960 when they moved to West Unity, where they raised their three daughters. In the 1970’s after wintering in Florida for many years, they made it their permanent home. In the 1990’s they lived briefly in Texas, returned to Florida, and then made their final home in Bryan, Ohio in 1999 when Cal’s health began to fail.
A dedicated homemaker, Junell was a talented seamstress and later became a skillful co-pilot and navigator as they took to the sky. Flying became a passion for both of them. A lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church in Bryan, she was baptized and married there and her memorial service was held there also.
Surviving are three daughters; Holly (Jay) Gadomski of Tennessee, Ann (Mike) Norrick of Montpelier and Janie (Duane) Peugeot of Bryan. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, one step-grandchild, nine great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-great- grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, Calvin, her parents, sister June Miller and many dear sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-law. As Mom always wanted to help others, we ask that you would consider donating to the National Parkinson Foundation in lieu of flowers. We would also like to thank her dedicated caregivers who made it possible for Mom to remain in her home.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 28th at the First Lutheran Church in Bryan with Pastor Richard Franks officiating. Visitation was held on Monday at the Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker and prior to the service time on Tuesday at the First Lutheran Church in Bryan. A private interment service will be held at a later date at the Rochester Cemetery near Cecil, Ohio. The Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker has been entrusted with arrangements.