John Zeitler, Jr., 60/ Oct. 15, 1951 — Jan. 16, 2012

Published 6:13 pm Friday, January 20, 2012

John Zeitler, Jr., 60
Oct. 15, 1951 — Jan. 16, 2012

John E. Zeitler, Jr., 60, of Niles, passed away at 11:33 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at his home.

Zeitler

On Oct. 15, 1951, in South Bend, he was born to the late John E. Zeitler and Jean (Erhardt) Van Belleghem and had remained a lifelong resident of this area. John served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a machinist at South Bend Lathe and at the former Bates Machines.  He played in the band Shades of Blue and especially enjoyed rock ‘n’ roll music of the 1960s and 70s. John was also a member of the American Legion Post 308. John loved his children and enjoyed spending time with them and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding his Harley.

John is survived by his daughter, Jessica Zeitler of Nashville, Tenn.; two sons, Lennie Zeitler of Buchanan and John Zeitler, III of South Bend; six grandchildren, Zac, Brad, Justin, Lindsay, Alexis and Tanner; sister, Ginger Butchko of Mishawaka; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Joyce McDowell and Jean Talbot.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m. in Palmer Funeral Home-River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Pastor Keith Stork will officiate.  Military graveside service will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice at Home, 3017 Chamberlain Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107.

Online condolences may be sent to the Zeitler family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.