Kenneth Everett "Ken" Zoeller

Kenneth Everett "Ken" Zoeller, 59, of Louisville, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Saturday, May 8, 2004, while traveling in Taipei, Taiwan, on business. Born December 10, 1944, Ken was the son the late Edward Jerome "Jerry" and Marie Zoeller. He was a lifelong resident of Louisville, and an active member of St. Polycarp Catholic Church. Ken graduated from DeSales High School and the University of Louisville, where he received an associate's degree in engineering technology and a bachelor's degree in commerce after 15 years of night school. (Now that is perseverance.) Ken worked for 37 years at Zoeller Company, a local manufacturer of sump, sewage and effluent pumps and wastewater treatment systems. He served the company in many capacities over the years, from toilet scrubber to president, but most recently as vice president in charge of engineering. Ken held nine patents related to pump technology on behalf of the company and had two pending at the time of his death. He was active in membership and leadership in the Sump & Sewage Pump Manufacturer's Association, the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association and the Kentucky Onsite Wastewater Association. Although devoted to always making things better, that focus and drive did not hinder deep relationships with all whose paths Ken crossed. His commitment to making things better motivated his volunteer work, just like it drove his career. He was an active volunteer, member and leader in the Dixie Kiwanis Club since 1976, serving as its president in 1980 and 1981. With his Kiwanis friends, he volunteered for the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Hazelwood Center and slung hot dogs at Bats' games to benefit the Western High School Key Club. In the past, Ken served on the board of the Southwest YMCA and taught Junior Achievement classes. He served as a YMCA Safe Place volunteer from its inception. He was an active member of DeSales High School's Finance Committee. He loaded and unloaded countless instruments for the Pleasure Ridge Park High School marching band when his children, Dominic and Monica, were members -- and managed not break any! "Like everything in Ken's control, he ran a tight instrument transport ship. We all had to carefully follow the rules of the efficient 'Zoeller' system. He served humbly in all these activities, from his heart, with his head, ready to do the right thing and help others do their best beside him." Ken was proud of his children, his grandchildren and the quiet strength he saw in his wife, Marian. "Our friendship with him got better over time - it grew from an acorn to a mighty oak. He was our oyster - rough on the outside but inside a precious pearl of a heart wrapped in softness that required a deeper look to recognize. Those who looked deeper grew to admire and respect him." Ken will be remembered by his family for giving strength, hope and love to his wife Marian. Theirs was an uncommon bond, forged in hardship and hard work with an ever present faith. He will be remembered for giving guidance, nurturing support and loving discipline to his children, Dominic and Monica; for giving love and support to their spouses Amanda and Todd; for his love of Shelby, Morgan, Spencer and Davis; and the joy he had in playing with them and watching their ways. Ken will be remembered for his generosity; his commitment to trying to do whatever he did better; for being a "bull in a china shop"; for how he appreciated a good joke, a game of cards, a fishing trip, a great big bowl of ice cream, a run or bike ride with Bill and Carole Sanders and a "noogie on his noggin'" before parting. "We love you and will forever miss you Ken, Pops, Big Daddy, Papa Ken, until the day when we join you and the hole in our hearts, in our souls, is once again filled."
He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Zoeller Leppert. Ken is survived by his beloved spouse of almost 39 years, the former Marian Evangeline Martin of Louisville. He is also survived by his son, Dominic Allen Zoeller of Midland, MI, his wife, Amanda Lea (Mattingly), and their two beautiful and smart daughters, Shelby Nicole and Morgan Elaine; and by his daughter, Monica Elaine (Zoeller) Henderson, Esq., of Louisville, her husband, E. Todd Henderson, Esq., and their two handsome and sharp sons, Spencer Cruse and Davis Edward. His grandchildren lovingly called him "PaPaKen." Ken is also survived by his mother, Marie Ruth (Richards) Zoeller; sisters, Marjorie Zoeller Crone, Lisbeth Zoeller Perez (Manuel), Christine Zoeller-Hill (Mike Hill) and Theresa Zoeller Evans (D. Keith); and brothers, Reverend Thomas Zoeller of Ontario, Canada, Anthony M. Zoeller and William A. Zoeller (Marisa). Ken and Marian's second family grew from their decades-long commitment to Teams of Our Lady fellowship group. May God bless these brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus: Bill and Carole Sanders; Steve and Jan Smith; Tony and Connie Peerce; Bob and Marilyn Beam; Mike and Mary Clapp; and the Reverend Joseph Merkt. His funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2004, at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, 7718 Columbine Dr.. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2004, and 2-4:30 and 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2004, with a vigil beginning at 7 p.m., at Keenan's Funeral Home, 4724 Dixie Hwy. (at Rockford Lane). Memorial contributions may be made to The Kenneth E. Zoeller Memorial Fund, c/o The Cerebral Palsy School of Louisville, Inc. (The Mattingly Center), 1520 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40205.