Vernon Zolman

Vernon Dee Zolman April 6, 1942 - June 14, 2015 MISHAWAKA - Vernon Dee "Bud" Zolman, 73, came to rest June 14, 2015, at his home in Naples, Florida. Bud was predeceased by his parents, Maynard and Irma Zolman of Claypool, IN, and his childhood sweetheart, best friend and wife of 49 years, Diane Kay (Silveus) Zolman. Together they had 3 children and 10 grandchildren: Stefani (Zolman) DeSchepper (Dan), Heather, Holly & Hannah DeSchepper of Osceola, IN; Jacquelyn (Zolman) Gizzi, Cory (Amanda) & Rocky Gizzi of South Bend, IN; and Nathan (Tabitha) Zolman, Jared, Brock, Meadow, Noelle, and Avory Zolman of Granger, IN. Bud is also survived by a brother, Jan (Joyce) Zolman, nephew, Brad (Kathy) Zolman, and their daughter, Brooklyn of Warsaw, IN, a sister, Jeanne Hoffman, and nieces, Daphne, Dana, Dyan and Danielle of Simi Valley, CA. Bud became the man of the house at the age of 14 with the death of his father. He spent each day, for the rest of his life, working hard, mentoring and modeling integrity to everyone he met. He was a 1962 graduate of Warsaw High School, attended Manchester College, and was a 32nd degree Mason. He initially worked for Corporate Firestone as a Roaming Store Manager & Credit Manager. In 1966 Bud helped Ray Monteith and Paul Zurcher open the first Monteith Tire in Warsaw. In 1978 the Zolman family moved to Mishawaka and opened their own store, Bud Zolman's Tire. With Bud's guidance and wisdom, he and his son Nate grew the family business. Now called Zolman's Tire & Auto Care, the company has expanded to 7 locations, 10 departments, and over 100 employees who are truly extended family. Bud had a contagious smile, ornery twinkle in his eye, a generous heart, and the love and respect of all who knew him. He had a thirst for speed and quenched it by racing snowmobiles, testing Indy cars for the Andrettis, driving supercharged muscle cars which he fine-tuned himself, and a brief stint with motorcycles in the 80's. Bud left this earth unexpectedly with the speed he loved and has now rejoined the love of his life on that eternal dance floor. Visitation will be held at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka, IN, June 26th from 4-7 pm. Visitations will also be held June 27th from 10 am-12 at First United Church of Mishawaka, 201 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, IN. A memorial service will be held at noon and a meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 1 pm. Both flowers or memorial contributions to Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Joseph County may be sent to Bubb Funeral Chapel.