obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00
Steven Wayne
Steven Wayne
Zellmer
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Visitation: Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 11 am – 1 pm at WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL (330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213)
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Christian Victory Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 1 pm at WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL (330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213)
Steven Wayne Zellmer
Steven Wayne Zellmer, age 73, of West Allis, WI, was welcomed into eternal life on Sunday, July 19th, 2026.
Steve was born August 28th, 1952, to Herbert and Edna Zellmer in Shawano, WI, and became a child of God at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bowler, WI. He confirmed his faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Black Creek, WI, graduating from Fox Valley Lutheran H.S. in Appleton, WI in 1970.
On the steps of the Student Union at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, Steve first saw Nona Weyer and knew she was “the one.” Nona took some convincing, but the two were married on June 16th, 1974 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Newtonburg, WI. Their marriage was a testament that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV).
After graduating from Dr. Martin Luther College, he began his 43-year teaching career at Calvary Lutheran School in Thiensville, WI. He taught there until the Lord answered his prayer to open a school “Out West,” calling him to establish St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran School in Fort Collins, CO, in 1979.
In 1992, he was called to return to Wisconsin to teach Religion at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI. During that time, he furthered his study of God’s Word, graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary with a Master of Arts in Religion in 1999. He retired from teaching in 2018 but continued to share God’s Word, leading Bible studies in area churches.
The legacy of a teacher is found in their students, and “Mr. Z” touched so many lives. His lessons always pointed to God’s Word and his quiet wisdom was given with love; his family and students so often hearing him say, “Remember who you are in Jesus.”
He enjoyed campfire stories, prog rock, a solid drum beat, Wisconsin sports, and British murder mysteries. He loved his family fiercely and without apology.
He taught us to walk with Jesus, to live each day reminded of the gift of salvation, and not to fear the next chapter as, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21 (NIV).
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Edna; his brother, David, and his son, Joshua.
He is survived by his wife, Nona, his daughter; Annie (Bill) Holmes, his son; Micah (Hollie), his grandsons; Everett, Reed, and Leif, and his siblings, Barb, Jamie, Tim and Kris, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NIV): “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A Christian Victory service will be held at Wisconsin Lutheran High School (330 Glenview Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213) on Saturday, August 1st. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., service to follow at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran School in Wauwatosa or Wisconsin Lutheran High School Tuition Assistance in Milwaukee.
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME
414-321-7440
Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.
To the best religion teacher i could have. Well done good and faithful servant. Until we meet again, thank you Mr Z!!!!!!!
So sorry for your loss Nona and family. Steve was one of the best.
Nona and family: my heartbreaks for you all, even knowing he is in a far happier place. He was the best teacher I ever had and am honored to be a student at St Peter in Colorado. I have so many fond memories and I learned more in his classes from him than other.
This is the most well written obituary Ron and I have ever read! What a tribute to our dear friend Steve. We picture him in heaven embracing Josh! Deepest condolences to Nona, Annie, Micah and their families. All our love, Olivia and Ron
Phil & I send sympathies to Nona & family. We have so many fond memories of your time at St. Peters!! Praise be to God for his great love and mercy for us to know Steve..
What a testament of faith Steve had! Our heartfelt sympathies to Nona and family. We only knew him for a few short years at St Peters but have many great memories! God is great!!