John Edward Zeller, 68, of Panama, died Thursday, June 12, 2025, in his home, surrounded by friends and family who loved him dearly.
Mr. Zeller is to be cremated and his final resting place will be in his beloved garage.
Mr. Zeller was born Wednesday, Oct. 17, 1956, in Old Ripley to Edward Henry and Susan Ella (Braswell) Zeller. He was raised in New Douglas and went to Highland High School, where he later dropped out in favor of the workforce.
Mr. Zeller lived in Sorento for his adult life and worked in construction for Local 397. While living in Sorento, he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Bone, and the couple decided to live together in Panama.
Mr. Zeller, more commonly known as “Papa”, was a very reserved man to anyone who didn’t know him. But to friends and family he was kind, outgoing, caring and an all-around hoot to be around. He was a very adventurous man by nature; even in his old age one would never catch him staying in one spot for too long, aside from the occasional nap.
Mr. Zeller was a man who always needed something to do, even going as far as buying broken down vehicles to put his time and money in. No matter the challenge, whether it was something as small as a motorcycle or as big as a tractor, nothing could get the best of Mr. Zeller. He was always thoughtful towards his blended family and always treated them like his own.
Mr. Zeller was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Susan; and sister, Joann.
He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jo Bone; daughters, Joni Zeller of Greenville, Jolene (Noah) Notter of Panama, Nina (Tygur) Whiteside of Sorento, Jeana (Jimmy) Lang of Hillsboro and Dana Thomas (Dmitri Plum) of Panama; grandchildren, Catherine (Austin) Garcia, Dean (Isabel) Whiteside, Joseph (Emily) Notter, Eddie Zeller, Logan Notter and Garrett Notter; great-grandson, Tyson Notter; siblings, Jackie (Robert) Bone of Panama and Jerry (Rita) Zeller of Livingston; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made out to the family, PO Box 692, Panama, Illinois 62077. Condolences may be left online at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
