Kenneth Zizelman

Kenneth Zizelman, 77, of Rockford, passed away at his home, Monday, October 30, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on April 30, 1940, in Rockford, Ohio, to Richard and Laura (Gibson) Zizelman, both who have preceded in death.  On November 24, 1960, he married the love of his life, Carol Lewis, who preceded in death on August 6, 2017.  Ken graduated from Rockford High School, in the Class of 1958, and then went on to enroll in Huntington Barber College.  Upon graduation from there, he worked with Clarence McSherry for a while and then opened his own barber shop.  He decided to change occupations, and began working at Huffy’s Manufacturing in Celina.  After 5 years at Huffy’s, he changed jobs and became a cutter and plate maker at Reynold’s & Reynold’s, also in Celina, where he retired after 35 years.  Ken always loved the public and working with people, so he loved his part-time job at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, where he worked for 14 years.

Ken lived his entire life in the area.  He was a member of the former Rockford Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee, and elder, and was very active in all aspects of the church.  He then became a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Rockford.  Ken competed in many dancing competitions during his life and also taught ballroom dancing to many people.  He and his partner won the Van Wert Annual “Dancing With the Stars” in its first year.  He also loved roller skating and competed in skating competitions; he also was active in Sr. Skating in Lima, Ohio, until 2016.  Ken was a member of the Lakeside Players in Celina and had a ball the two times he zip-lined, and loved his parasailing adventure just as much!  He was a member of Shanes Aerie #1292 Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rockford and was a Degree Team member; he was a member of the Shanes Lodge #377 F & AM in Rockford where he went through the degrees and was a Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.  Ken loved working at the food tents for school activities—he volunteered for band boosters and athletic boosters at both the Mercer and Van Wert County Fairs.  He loved his two girls and their husbands, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—he loved going to all his girls’ and grandchildren’s events in band, choir, and sporting events.  And he loved and missed his wife, Carol very much.

Surviving are his two daughters, Carla (Rob) Frank and Lee Ann (Paul) Frank, both of Rockford; his four grandchildren, Hillary Frank, Kendall (Sara) Frank, Caleb (Amie) Frank, and Cole Frank; and his two great-grandchildren, Amelia Frank and Owen Frank.  Also surviving are two brothers-in-law:  Richard E. Lewis of Riverside, California and Roger Andrews of Chattanooga, Ohio.  Deceased in addition to his parents and his wife Carol, is his sister, Janet Kay Andrews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Oregon Road, Rockford, with Pastor Mark Rutledge and friend, Doug Rich officiating. Friends may call on Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford from 2-8 p.m., and on Saturday at the church, one hour prior to the service.  Memorials may be directed to the church.  Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.