Joseph Mark Zeller
December 31, 1954 - January 14, 2023
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Joseph Mark Zeller
December 31, 1954 - January 14, 2023
Obituary
Joseph (Joe) Mark Zeller went home to be with Jesus on January 14, 2023 after suffering from Alzheimer’s. He was born December 31, 1954 and was a longtime resident of Mission Viejo, California.
Joe wrestled for Redondo Union High School and was the athlete of the year his senior year. He went on to wrestle at El Camino Junior College and Long Beach State, and he wrestled two years for Campus Crusade’s Athletes in Action wrestling team.
Education was important to Joe. He made sure all three of his children graduated from college, and he paid their way so that they graduated debt-free!
Joe taught Math at Jordan High School in Long Beach and Capistrano Valley High School, but his real passion was coaching wrestling. He poured not only his knowledge of the sport into his young athletes, but also his good character. He loved his wrestlers!
Baseball was his other favorite sport. To help pay for college, Joe worked at Dodger Stadium as an usher and umpired high school baseball. Joe was delighted when his own son became a baseball player, and Joe happily followed him all around the country to watch him play.
After retiring from teaching, Joe worked at the Montanoso Recreation Center. It was a matter of great pride to Joe to know everyone’s name that walked through the door.
As a young boy, Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a Good News Club in his neighborhood. He met his wife, Judy, at North Redondo Chapel. Lately, Joe attended Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo where he loved to say hello to everyone and eat donuts.
Joe is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Judy, his 3 children, Arlene (Jess) Peterlin, Joe S. Zeller, and Rose (Steven) Higgins, his grandson Jordan Peterlin, and his father, Joe W. Zeller.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 4th, at Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo, 24821 Chrisanta Dr, Mission Viejo, California, 92691. The family requests donations to Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo in lieu of flowers.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: March 4, 2023 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo
- Location: 24821 Chrisanta Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691 - (Get Directions)
5 responses to Joseph Mark Zeller
Jody Sloan says:
January 26, 2023
Hey Judy.
. . .not aware of Joe’s illness, it is a shock to learn of his passing. The loss of the ones we love is hard . . .even knowing that the parting is temporary. We pray for your comfort in the arms of family, close friends, and our Savior.
We’re in His grip.
Jody and Claudia Sloan
Peter Noble says:
January 27, 2023
Judy,
Sharon and I are so sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful person, I enjoyed being with him, he was such a strong encourager to me. We remember our times together with the both of you and know that we will be reunited someday soon.
Our prayers are with you and your family for the Lord’s comfort and peace.
God Bless you, in Christ.
Pete and Sharon Noble
Don Zellmer says:
January 29, 2023
Judy, we are praying for you and the family during this most difficult time. You and Joe, and all your family were so impactful in my own life during the beginning of my faith journey. I will be forever grateful. Love you all…
Tricia Ruggles says:
February 14, 2023
Just so tragic to pass away of that illness so young. He was such a lovely man. He was both of my children’s math teacher at Capo. He would sit with me and my friends and watch the Capo Baseball games. God bless him and his family. A lovely man now with Jesus.
Van Martin says:
January 17, 2024
Judy
I just found out that my best fiend in California is now in heaven. I am praying for you and the family, but Joe is in a much better place. We have great memories and can share many stories with others. I loved Joe like a brother as we were growing up, and remember when he fell in love with you. You two were a blessing to many people . I love you and would enjoy a conversation sometime in the future. God bless.
Van Martin