Richard William Zeltwanger

Richard William Zeltwanger, age 82, of Patterson Rd., rural Bremen, IN passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2006 at 8:36 A.M. in his home of natural causes.
Richard is survived by Doris, his wife of 57 years; children Susan (Ron) Goerzen and Margo (Glenn) Balsis, both of Colorado Springs, CO; Janna (Jeff) Siemon of Pasadena, CA; Gwen (Lon) Keaton of Fort Wayne, IN; Beth (Don) Hendricks and Ron (Lana) Zeltwanger, both of Bremen, IN; and Janine Zeltwanger of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren Grant & Jan Goerzen; Katy & Kristen Balsis; Tim Keaton; Andy, Heidi (& her fiance' Michael Gilliam), Lynn Hendricks; Rob, Renee & Eric Zeltwanger. Brothers Don (Marceil), Earl (Marge) of Bremen and Harold (Marge) of Mishawka, and sister Mary Ann (Gene) Witzig of Morton, Illinois;

Richard was born on June 27, 1924 in Latty Ohio to Carl & Minnie Zeltwanger who preceded him in death. He graduated from Madison Township High School in 1942, where he was a four-year starter on the basketball team. He served in the 9th Army division (and later the 1st Infantry Division) in Germany during World War II from 1944 to 1946. He completed his military service by playing on his division’s basketball team which won the ETO championship. He married the former Doris Scharlach on February 6, 1949.

Richard was a Madison Township dairy farmer until retiring from milking dairy in 1981, and from farming in 1999. He was an active member of Community Gospel Church in Bremen since its founding in 1967. He served on the Madison Township Trustee Advisory Board for many years.
As a caring husband, brother, father, “paw paw”, and friend, gentle compassion and love for people characterized Richard’s life. He walked humbly with God and revered His Word. A true Hoosier, Richard loved the land and sports—especially any sporting event where he could watch his children and grandchildren play! He leaves behind a rich legacy of a life of integrity, kindness, and trust in the God who made him the man loved by so many.

Visitation is from noon to 8 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at The Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 10:00 A.M.in the Bremen Cemetery. A Celebration of Life follows at Community Gospel Church, State Rd. 331 N., Bremen at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, following the Graveside Services.

Memorials may be made to the 3C’s Scholarship Fund, the Arthritis Foundation, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.