Zoeller, Michael "Mike" Wendell 1969 -2008

ZOELLER, UTESCH, WATTS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/8/2010 at 21:28:14

Michael "Mike" Zoeller

Date of Death
Thursday, December 11, 2008

Sioux City, IA

Michael “Mike” Zoeller, 39, of Sioux City, Iowa, formerly of Akron, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Akron. Reverend Jean Morse will officiate. Burial with military rites conducted by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron will be in Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2008, with the family present after 5:30 p.m., and a Prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Carlsen Funeral Home – Schroeder Chapel in Akron is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Wendell Zoeller was born June 28, 1969 in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Wendell “Zeke” and Judy (Utesch) Zoeller. He was raised near Akron, Iowa and attended school in Akron. He graduated from Akron-Westfield High School in 1987. He continued his education at DeVry University in Kansas City.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in April of 1988. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt in Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. For his service to his country, he was awarded several medals, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged in April of 1992.

After returning to the states, Mike worked for Thermo Bond Buildings in Elk Point. In 1994, he started dating Nichole Watts. They were united in marriage on May 27, 2000 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. In 2004, he went to work for Pella Corporation in Sioux Center, Iowa. He and his wife moved to Sioux City in 2005. In July of 2007, he retired due to his health.

As a child and young man, Mike became involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Through hard work and dedication, Mike attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor attainable. Mike was also a member of the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. Mike enjoyed watching the National Football League, and was a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed his annual camping trips along the Apple River in Wisconsin. He also enjoyed playing cards and listening to music. His greatest moments were the times he spent with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Nichole and their daughter, Olivia of Sioux City, IA; his parents: Wendell “Zeke’ and Judy Zoeller of Akron, IA; a sister: Cindy Barwick and her husband, Gary, and their family, Jason and Emma of Sheldon, IA; a brother: Matt Zoeller and his wife Kendal and their daughter, Mya of Sioux Falls, SD; his mother-in-law: Marsha Watts of Akron, IA; a brother-in-law: Brian Watts of Akron, IA; aunts and uncles: Leonard and Ruth Zoeller of Hawarden, IA, Jim and Jan Utesch of Le Mars, IA, and Paul Lockhorst of Hawarden, IA; his “grandma”: Marian Kilstrom of Akron, IA; and several cousins and other family.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents: Walt and Leone Utesch; his paternal grandparents: Henry and Elsie Zoeller; a sister in infancy: Ann Zoeller; his father-in-law: Richard “Dick” Watts; and an aunt: Geri Lockhorst.

Source: Carlsen Funeral Home
Akron, Iowa