Eldon Burdette Zellmer

Eldon B. Zellmer, age 85 of Kingsley, IA passed away Thurs., May 15, 2025 at his home near Kingsley.

Visitation with family present will be Friday, May 23, 2025 from 4-6:30 p.m. There will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Jason Letsche officiating, all at Kingsley Funeral Home & Monument in Kingsley, IA.

He was born June 4, 1939 to Ernest and Alvena (Hopp)Zellmer. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran in Moville. He attended Elkhorn No. 5 school thru 7th Grade. 8th grade through High school was in Kingsley graduating in 1957. He farmed with his Dad until he was drafted into the Army, January of 1962, spending his time at Fort Carson CO.

Eldon and Lois met in 1961 at Shore Acres Ballroom. January 13, 1963, Eldon and Lois Mueller were married at St. John’s Lutheran church in rural Ireton.

Their life was spent farming for 62 years. In 1984, Eldon started making music with the Merlyn Hansen family. With Merlyn’s encouragement he started playing guitar, entertaining at different nursing homes in the area. In 1985, he started entertaining with the Siouxland Country Music Association, becoming acquainted with so many people. He also played music with the Willis family, going to many nursing homes, and festivals. Eldon always called Harold his brother.

Other activities over his life included leather and woodworking. He played in church league softball, and dartball leagues, sang in the church choir, and held different offices at First Lutheran Church in Kingsley.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois, Daughters Lisa (Terry) Gottburg, Amy Sommers and Wanda Zellmer. Grandchildren Robert Gottburg, Danielle Sommers, Jackie Sommers, Patrick Gottburg, and Alexis (Taylor) Pickett. Sisters Mary Ellen Rice, Mildred(Glenn)Rice, Shirley(Gordie)Menken and Brother in Law Allan(Pam)Mueller. Also Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Alvena Zellmer, brother Ardean in infancy, In laws Lloyd & Irene Mueller, sister and brother in law Norma & Don Olson, brother-in-law Garey Rice, Brother and Sister-in-law George and Ruth Mueller, Nephews Richard Zellmer, Ernie Olson, and Jared Menken.