Karin Gertrud (Bredenkamp) Zeller |
| Posted 2017-08-02 by Sharla |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, August 02, 2017 Karin Gertrud Zeller Jan. 30, 1943 - July 23, 2017 Karin Zeller passed into eternal life at her home on July 23, 2017, after a courageous fight with cancer. She was born in Kempten, Allgäu, Germany, on Jan. 30, 1943, to Ernst and Martha Bredenkamp. Karin was preceded in death by her parents, along with stepfather Fred Herrmann and stepmother Erma Bredenkamp and her husband’s parents William and Gladys Zeller. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William H Zeller Jr.; sons Helmut J. Zeller (Tammy) and John S. Zeller (Teonna); granddaughters Crystal, Jennifer, Heather and Sara; brother Bernhard Herrmann of Nuremberg, Germany; brothers-in-law Richard A. Zeller and Kenneth C. Zeller. Karin met William (Bill) while he was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany. Although they did not speak each other’s language, the language of love brought them together. They married and had their first son, Helmut, while in Germany. Karin and Bill moved to Michigan upon his discharge from the Army. They resided in Michigan for nearly five years, having their second son, John (1968), and living in close proximity to the rest of the Zeller family. They moved to Wickenburg in May of 1970, following Richard and his family who moved to this community earlier that year. Karin learned the English language and studied hard and became a U.S. citizen on Sept. 21, 1970. Karin was a real people -person, enjoyed her work in banking and found great pleasure in giving back to others. She was a volunteer with the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of the Valley, and a 21-year member and officer of Soroptimist International of Wickenburg. Karin had many interests, including square dancing with her husband, bowling, singing in the Redeemer Lutheran Church choir, visiting the casinos in Laughlin and enjoying a good German beer. While celebrating her 70th birthday on a Zeller family vacation to Alaska, she acquired the love of cruising. She and Bill were lucky enough to continue cruising to locations such as Hawaii, Panama, Mexico, Caribbean and a repeat trip to Alaska. Karin enjoyed spending time drinking Sunday morning coffee, playing Farkle with friends, teaching her kids and grandkids how to cook German cuisine, and sharing her culture and traditions (advent calendars, candled Christmas trees, soft boiled eggs, hair braids, lace doilies, and Easter egg ditching). San Diego and the Grand Canyon are two of Karin’s favorite places. In lieu of flowers in her memory, friends and family may make a donation to Soroptimist International of Wickenburg at P.O. Box 676, Wickenburg, AZ 85358. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 450 Rose Lane, Wickenburg. See Also: Find A Grave |
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