Simon Zeller

Simon was born in Wheaton, Minnesota on October 8,1943, to Nicholas and Grace Zeller. Upon graduation from Wheaton High School, he attended the University of Minnesota, Morris, graduating with a BA degree. On January 2, 1965, he married Karen Eystad and together they raised five children. During the Vietnam Era, Captain Zeller served in Korea as commander of an Army ambulance unit. After his military discharge, he attended the University of Missouri where he received a Master’s Degree in Social Work. After returning to Minnesota, he founded Cedar House Inc. which provides mental health services throughout southern Minnesota.

After retirement, he authored two books: Think About This and Murder in Grant County. He was busily working on his third book when he suffered a stroke.

Simon and Karen have been strong philanthropic supporters of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department. They have established scholarships in Women’s basketball and Women’s golf, as well as, a memorial scholarship in the name of their son, Tom, for student workers at the University of Minnesota golf course. Together they have also supported several scholarships for students at the University of Minnesota, Morris and donated to numerous non-profit organizations in Faribault.

Simon enjoyed all types of sports both as a participant and as a viewer. He was an avid snowmobiler, motorcycle and bicycle rider. He collected both small and large John Deere tractors. He and Karen also traveled throughout the world with their grandchildren to whom they are devoted.

Simon was preceded in death by his parents, sister, parents-in-law, his son, Thomas and grandson, Chase Thalhuber. He is survived by his wife Karen and children Mark (Sharon) Zeller, children Mia and Zander; Jennifer Thalhuber and children Riley and Davis; Kristen Zeller and children Reese and Hanna; Erin (Mikki) Zeller-Knowles (Daveon) and children Aiden and Emma. He is also survived by a brother, James.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 2 at Boldt Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Faribault from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. with veteran military rites provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Memorials preferred in Simon’s name to River Bend Nature Center, Divine Mercy Elementary School or Bethlehem Academy.