Francis "Frank" William Zeller

Francis “Frank” William Zeller, Sr., 66, of Paxico, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was a life-long resident of the community.

Frank was born August 29, 1958, in Wamego, the son of Donald E. and Edna (Flach) Zeller. He attended Newbury Sacred Heart Catholic and Paxico grade schools and graduated in 1976 from St. Mary’s High School.

For almost forty years, Frank worked for Hallmark Card Company in Department E as a Mechanical Adjuster. After his Hallmark retirement, he also worked for the Stuewe Ranch as a ranch hand and then more recently worked for his son’s ranching operation. Frank loved anything tractor. He fixed, repaired and restored them; and his collection was a source of pride for him. He had a love for John Deere tractors, but also worked on other companies’ models. Frank was a member of the Flint Hills Tractor Club and enjoyed the club rides and events. He also enjoyed attending tractor shows, camping, boating and antiquing but his passion was attending his kids and grandkids activities and spending time with his wife.

Frank married Terry Banks on September 6, 1980, in Paxico. Terry preceded him in death in 1992. Frank then married Lori Hawkins on June 5, 1993, in Paxico. They shared their lives together for thirty-one years. Lori survives at their home.

He is also survived by his children: Lisa McCue (Jackie), Paxico, Francis Zeller, Jr. (Rita), Paxico, Jamie Theel (Adam), Osage City, Kimberly Sims (Jason), Eskridge, Samantha Zeller, Paxico, and Shane Zeller, Paxico; also Laurie Rutherford and her family, Salina. His grandchildren, Dylan,Kaylee, and Devyn Theel; Grace, Trey and Ty Zeller; Abagail and Austin Sims; and Jackie McCue, III; his sisters, Jeanette Loughary (Steve), Theresa King (Kurt), Rosalie Wike (Pat), Mary Wood (Paul); his brothers, Dan Zeller (Lisa), Joe Zeller (Barb), Jim Zeller (Cheryl), John Zeller, Tony Zeller (Kathy), Mike Zeller (Mikol), and Patrick Zeller; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Bobbie Teresa and wife, Terry (Banks) Zeller; and his in-laws, Harold and Lois Hawkins. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newbury. Fr. Swamy Nannam will be the Celebrant. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends Friday evening, at the church, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A Rosary prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm. They suggest memorial contributions made to the Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center and sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com