Lynn Zeller

Funeral services for Lynn Zeller were held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating.

Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist, and Geoff Smith, soloist.

Shirley Moerike and Judy Bartels were in charge of registration, and Rylan Peska, Ragyn Peska, and Jocalyn Peska were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Kristin and Blaine Dunne, Kelly and Levi Fettig, Nathan and Cassie Ford, Allison Sundquist, Aaron Sundquist, Cooper Hodge, and Callie Jo Hodge. Honorary pallbearers were Lynn’s nieces and nephews, her coffee friends, and her lifelong friends.

Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Lynn Agnes (Durfee) Zeller was born on July 26, 1948, to Calvin and Mildred (Graham) Audiss.

Calvin passed away at a young age, and Mildred later married Omer Durfee. Omer later adopted her and never considered Lynn anything but his very own. This accepting love played a vital role in Lynn’s belief that born into, adopted into, or just tagging along, all children were a part of the family. Later Lynn was joined by sisters Betty and Barb, and a brother Bill. Lynn lived most of her life in, around, and north of Gregory. She was a class of 1966 graduate of Gregory High School.

In 1968, she married Ormal Zeller. To their life together, they added three daughters: Amy, Paula, and Holly. Lynn and Ormal spent their early years working and growing their farm, raising cattle, and raising their family to live and believe family comes first and friends are forever. In later years, their family grew with the addition of two sonsin- law, Troy and Kyle, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Kristin, Kelly, Nathan, Allison, Aaron, Cooper, and Callie provided G-Ma and G-Pa years of entertainment, laughs, and mostly importantly love.

Lynn enjoyed gardening in her enormous garden, preserving the fruits of her labors, sewing, quilting, baking chocolate chip cookies, and visiting with friends over the always brewing coffee pot. Lynn’s favorite activities occurred anywhere one or more of her grandchildren gathered. Lynn had a love for animals and was often the home of wayward animals. She loved her various black lab partners over the years, and a multitude of farm cats called her mom. The animal loves of her life were Tom and Gerry, her two town housecats.

Lynn’s smile and laugh were prominent in any social gathering of friends and family. She particularly enjoyed coffee with Dianne and Pat in the country in the earlier years and later with her town coffee group. She loved the yearly trip to Sturgis and riding on the back of Ormal’s bike. Many days and hours were spent with her group of high school friends traveling and reliving the old days. Lynn and Ormal went on many adventures with Lyle and Shirley, including trips to Hawaii, Texas, Kentucky, Washington, and various other places.

Many family get-togethers and trips were a highlight for G-ma with a never-ending supply of food, fun, snuggles, and bed-time books. As empty nesters, Lynn and Ormal decided to try out camping, leading to many family camping weekends and time spent in the outdoors.

The last decade placed many hurdles in Lynn’s path. She used her strength, bravery, and courage to overcome so very many of them. She is an example of never giving up and facing challenges head on. Persistence, a positive outlook, faith, family, friends, and many angels in the form of health care providers gave Lynn the confidence and assistance to live life to the fullest despite the hardships.

She was bolstered by phone calls, text messages, cards, and personal visits. Frequent visits in the last years became a lifeline for Lynn as she was limited in her mobility and independence. Her sister Betty visited often where they spun tales of their lifelong shenanigans. They had a special sister bond full of a lifetime of laughs and life experience. Her special cousin Abe visited frequently and spent whole days with Lynn.

Surviving Lynn are her daughters: Amy Ford, Sioux Falls, SD, Paula and husband Troy Sundquist of Gregory, SD, and Holly and husband Kyle Hodge of Harrisburg, SD; her grandchildren: Kristin (Blaine) Dunne, Kelly (Levi) Fettig, Nathan (Cassie) Ford, Allison Sundquist (Parker Thomas), Aaron Sundquist (Steph Bauman), Cooper Hodge, and Callie Jo Hodge; great-grandchildren: Maverick and Beckham Dunne; sister Betty Durfee, brother Bill Durfee, and sister-in-law Sharon Zeller.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ormal Zeller; parents Omer and Mildred Durfee, and Calvin Audiss; parents-in-law Reubin and Viola Zeller; sister Barb Durfee; and Dianne Vedral, a true friend.

Knowing the importance of visitors to mom, we ask that you take the time to visit friends and family who cannot visit you. Life is busy, but take the time. You just don’t know how important that time truly is.