Fred E. Zeller

1939 - 2025

Fred E. Zeller

December 31, 1939 - January 28, 2025

Frederick Earl Zeller, 85, of Manhattan, Kan., passed away on January 28, 2025. Fred was born on December 31, 1939, to Kenneth and Lois Zeller in Westmoreland, Kan. He was the fifth of six children. Fred grew up on a farm outside of Onaga, Kan. After graduating from Onaga High School in 1957, he joined the Army and served a tour as a communications specialist in Europe.

Fred returned to Manhattan, Kan., and worked in construction trades. He soon started Zeller Construction and built many homes in the Manhattan, Kan., and Kearny, Neb., communities until he retired in 2012.

Fred married Claudia Gail Meyer of Topeka, Kan., on September 20, 1969. They raised their three children in St. George, Kansas. He was an active member of the community supporting 4-H and church activities with his family. Fred and Gail moved to Kearney, Neb., in 1994, where they served regularly with their church and stayed active with golf and other activities.

Fred and Gail moved back to the Manhattan, Kan., area when they retired. Over the last several years Fred enjoyed traveling, attending church, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Fred is survived by his wife Gail; three children; five grandchildren; and two sisters; son, Brian Zeller, wife, Lana, and granddaughter, Georgia of Kansas City, Kan.; daughter, Sara Blankley, husband, Wayne, and daughters, Jessica and Kiersten, of Westmoreland, Kan.; daughter, Rachel Prinkey, husband, Michael and daughter, Abigail, of State College, Penn.; granddaughter, Taylor Hicks; sister, Marjorie Thompson, of Ashby, Minn.; and sister, Marilyn Brown, of Holton, Kan.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on February 2, 2025, in the Meadowlark chapel at 2121 Meadowlark Road, Manhattan, Kan. 66502. A private graveside service will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Meadowlark. Information can be found at www.meadowlark.org/giving.

The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kan. 66502, is assisting the family with service arrangements, ymlfuneralhome.com.