John Wade Zehnder Jr.

Zehnder, John Wade, Jr.,

60, said goodbye to this life on Thursday, April 20, 2017 after a 15 month journey with brain cancer.

John was a walking "Ray of Sunshine" and a true "River to his People" to whom family was everything. His outlook on life was incredible and made you a better person simply by being the example. He lived every day with energy, purpose, humor and the hilarious ability to entertain himself. John was passionate about art and has left a treasure of drawings, stained glass, brass and other metal works as well as his house which has been a 36 year project of love. He was our hero and he will be missed.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 24 years, Rebecca Diane Flaherty; children, Wade Matthew Zehnder (Ashley), Sarah Zehnder Steger (Shane), Nicholas Gaddie and Austin Flaherty (Jordan); his adoring grandchildren, Layla and Athan Zehnder and Nolan, Raegan and Rowan Flaherty; sisters, Kathy Simmonds and Teri LeMay (Vince); brothers, Steve (Cindy), David (Rachel), Phillip (Stephanie) and Douglas Zehnder and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Johnny Zehnder; granddaughter Eliza Flaherty and brother Mike Lynn.

John began working in his family's foundry as a teen and ended his career as a Project Manager, Estimator and Draftsman for WR Cole and Associates. He loved his work family and very proud to be a part of so many buildings in this area.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Ratterman and Sons, 3800 Bardstown Road. Funeral services in celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Ratterman and Sons.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Home of the Innocents or Hosparus in John's memory.