Michael James Zehnacker

1954 - 2023

Mike Zehnacker, a gifted and dedicated fitness enthusiast, ran his final run on July 13, 2023 in the company of some of his closest friends in Baker Park, one of his favorite running spots. He was born to the late Joseph Raymond Zehnacker and Charlotte Irene Zehnacker (Pfeiffer) on August 4, 1954 in Hyattsville, MD. Thanks to a frugal lifestyle and smart planning, Mike was able to retire in his late 40s from Montgomery County Maryland Signal Department, where he worked with a cast of characters about whom he told many hilarious stories. Mike had many gifts, one of which was his sense of humor, and he never tired of telling comical tales of the antics of his former classmates and co-workers. These stories were enhanced by the nicknames that he was so gifted at assigning. If you were an acquaintance of Mike's, you most likely had a nickname that he may, or may not, have shared with you. Mike was assigned the nickname of "Charlie" because he ran mostly with women who liked to think of themselves as his angels. His friends were devoted to Mike due to his graciousness, generosity, gratitude, and willingness to help with any problem. Most of all, Mike was a great listener, making him wonderful company for the many miles he ran with his angels. He also had the uncanny ability to measure running mileage down to the 10th of a mile without the benefit of a GPS.

After his formal career, Mike, a lifelong dog lover, began a part-time career walking dogs for Happy Paws. His work ethic, loyalty, and dependability made him a highly valued employee in both of his vocations.

Mike's fitness endeavors included swimming, running, biking, weightlifting, and disc golf. In fact, he met his late wife, Dr. Carol Zehnacker, on a bike ride. Their enduring love and devotion to each other lasted more than 30 years until her tragic passing from ALS in November, 2021. Mike proved to be a "saint" during Carol's illness, a well-deserved label that she gave him. She also liked to tell him how "buff" he was, since he worked so diligently on developing his abdominals!

Besides his parents and his beloved wife, Mike was predeceased by his brother Greg and his stepson Rob. He is survived by his loving stepdaughters Virginia Jago and her husband, Chris, and Vicki DeVriendt and her husband Andrew and step-grandchildren Rakim Hamilton, Jace and Cooper Jago, Alex, Alli and Amber DeVriendt. Last but not least, he is survived by his many friends including his angels.

A Memorial Mass for Mike will take place on Monday, July 24th, at 2:00 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8428 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21702. What would make Mike happy is that you have a cup of coffee with a friend and laugh about his many antics. You may also honor his memory by making donations to Frederick County Humane Society, P.O. Box 3185, Frederick, MD 21705-3185. Michael James Zehnacker