Karen Sue Zeller, age 62, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her bedside, Sunday morning, December 11, 2016 at The Flower Hospital, following a courageous 4 year battle with cancer. Karen was born August 19, 1954 in Toledo, Ohio to Clifford and Alice (Payne) Bowser. She was a 1972 graduate of Penta Career Center, and worked as a Toledo Blade Newstand Collector as well as a Blade Distributor in the Swanton area for 20 years, until her illness caused her to go on disability in 2013. During that time she owned and operated the former Karen’s Kitchen and Long Horn Restaurant in Delta. She also worked alongside her loving husband, Thomas Edward Zeller, Sr., at the Ice Cream Crossing in Swanton.
Karen loved gardening and spending time at Oak Openings and just loved nature. She had an adventurous spirit and loved trying new things. Just recently she went on a 17 mile bike trip with her family. Karen has an extraordinarily close knit family, and she was the glue that held everyone together. She knew when everyone’s birthday and anniversary was and would send out cards to each and every one of them for the special event in their lives. She loved music and had an excellent singing voice and enjoyed singing at family get-togethers.
She and Tom loved spending time in Florida and enjoyed the wonderful friends they made. They loved attending festivals, movies and theatre productions.
Karen was the greatest wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend anyone could ask for. She will be greatly missed by her beloved husband of 44 years, Tom; sons, Thomas E. Zeller, Jr. (Pamela) Zeller, Brian Scott (Irene) Zeller; stepdaughter, Michelle Lynn Zeller; daughter-in-law, Sandra Zeller; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. She is also survived by her siblings, Sandra Scherf, Jim (Diane) Bowser, Joe (Lori) Bowser, Beverly (Shaggy) Hensley, Jerry (Robyn) Bowser, Diane Bowser, Gail (Scott) Blair and Mary (Brian) LaPoint; and many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; stepson, Christopher John Zeller; brother-in-law, Paul Scherf and infant brother, Gary Bowser.
Family and friends may visit Tuesday, December 13th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home, 204 Chestnut St. in Swanton (419.826.2631). Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 14th at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Harold Ratliff officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Swanton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Swanton Church of the Nazarene, 315 W. Airport Hwy., Swanton, OH 43558.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com