Dale "Sam" Zizelman, 95, of Rockford, Ohio died Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his home. He was born March 13, 1930 and was the son of the late Albert and Thelma (Webb) Zizelman.
On June 30, 1951 Sam married the former Lucille Felver, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2023.
He graduated from Rockford High School in 1948. Sam went on to serve in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the Army, he worked as a warehouse manager at Stokley's for fourteen years, then as a group leader at Huffy's for four years. Sam went on to become the warehouse manager at Fremont Company (formerly Sharp Canning Company) for over twenty-six years. Sam was also a member of the Rockford United Methodist Church.
Surviving are a son, Mark Alan (Kathy) Zizelman of Celina, Ohio; a daughter, Vicki (Barry) Clay of Celina, Ohio; a brother, Robert (Elaine) Zizelman of Mendon, Ohio; five grandchildren, Ryan Clay of Rockford, Ohio, Brent (Nikki) Clay of Celina, Ohio, Melissa (Lucus) Minnich of Rockford, Ohio, Corey (Garratt) Zizelman of Columbus, Ohio, and Kyle (Julie) Zizelman of Washington State; and eleven great grandchildren, Camdyn, Cooper, Makynlie, Maylie, Holden, Hudsen, Sienna, Kruz, Taylor, Trevor, Adeline, and Xander.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Lucille, Sam was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Dale Zizelman, and a brother, Albert Zizelman, Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 am Tuesday November 4, 2025 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Bill Halter officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio 45882.
The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Tuesday November 4, 2025, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Sam's memory may be made to Everheart Hospice, 1350 North Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.
Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
111 West First St., Rockford, OH 45882
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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