11/07/2025
John Michael Zenner Obituary
John Michael Zenner, 1946-2025
of Spencer, passed away at the age of 79 in the early morning hours of Thursday, November 6, 2025, while in hospice care at House of the Dove-Marshfield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer with Rev. Nathan Thainase officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday from 10 AM until the time of service. He will be laid to rest in Saint Paul’s / Saint Jude’s Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer, WI. The honor of pallbearer belongs to: Tyler Steczynski, Ashley Hoffman, Paige Hildebrandt, Austin Hildebrandt, Aaron Zenner, Nora Zenner, Caden Hildebrandt and Lauren Zenner.
John was born in Chippewa Falls, WI, on July 26, 1946, the son of Sylvan and Eleanor (Stoffel) Zenner. He was a graduate of Bloomer High School and continued his education at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Education. On December 26, 1964, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Krueger, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer. Together, they raised three wonderful children, Kelly, Eric and John.
John started his teaching and coaching career in 1970 at Stoughton High School where he coached wrestling and tennis. In 1976, they moved to Spencer where he taught Industrial Arts and Driver’s Education at Spencer High School until his retirement in 2001. He was also a dedicated coach for the wrestling, track and cross country teams.
During his years in education and coaching, he formed numerous long-lasting relationships with students and their families. When he wasn’t busy coaching other students, he loved coaching and watching his own children in their many sports events, cheering them on and encouraging every athlete to do their best.
He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer.
John and Shirley loved to spend their winter seasons in Fort Meyers, Florida which they were able to do for 17 years together. In Florida, John enjoyed helping his close friend Allen Householder with his bicycle ministry where they acquired and repaired bicycles for the homeless through the Salvation Army. In the warmer months, John and Shirley enjoyed camping near Bloomer and visiting with extended family. In his spare time, John enjoyed woodworking, spending hours tinkering in the garage and working on small engines.
He will be deeply missed and carried in the hearts of his daughter, Kelly (Cary) Hildebrandt of Port Edwards; his sons, Eric (Vicki) Zenner of Spencer and John (Diana) Zenner of Spencer; his grandchildren, Tyler (Danielle) Steczynski, Paige, Austin and Caden Hildebrandt, Ashley (Tanner) Hoffman, Aaron Zenner, and Nora and Lauren Zenner; his great-grandchildren, Jade, Kaia, and Cooper; his brother, James (Joan) Zenner of Bloomer and his sister, Ann Zenner of Madison along with many other relatives, friends and neighbors.
John was reunited in eternal life with his parents, Sylvan and Eleanor Zenner; sister, Joan; his wife, Shirley Zenner; his father-in-law, Herbert Krueger; and his mother-in-law, Eileen (Eugene) Proue.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name can be directed to: King’s Food Pantry at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer.
Compassionate care and arrangements are provided by Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. The family invites you to share memories and condolences at www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
