Wendell Zetterberg Sr.

August 9, 2020

Wendell J. Zetterberg Sr., 67, of Kirklin, Ind., died Sunday, August 9, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.  He was born September 10, 1952 in Lebanon, Ind. to Oscar & Barbara D. (Padgett) Zetterberg Jr. He married Norma Cheek on May 29, 1971 in Kirklin and she survives.

Wendell was a 1970 graduate of Clinton Central High School and was a lifelong Clinton County resident.  A veteran of the U.S. Marines, he served from 1972-1976.  Then from 1977-1999 he was in the USAF Reserves.  He retired from Grissom Air Force Base, working in civil service as an electro- environmental technician.  Wendell was a member of the Hillisburg United Methodist Church.  He was involved with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Johnson Township fire department in Hillisburg, was co-founder of Clinton County Fire Awareness Council and was active as “Zeezo” the Clown with the Peru Amateur Circus.

 

Due to the circumstances facing our nation, this service will be live-streamed at 3 p.m. August 14, 2020.  To participate, please click the link below:

https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1083761

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2020 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Scott Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Johnson Township Fire Department or Boy Scouts of Clinton County. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks.

Survived by:

Wife: Norma Zetterberg of Frankfort, 3 Sons: Wendell Zetterberg Jr. of Frankfort, Wade (Heather) Zetterberg of Remington, Wynn Zetterberg of Frankfort, Daughter: Wendy (Matt) Lecklitner of Frankfort, 2 Sisters: Sandra (Steve) Shanks of Carmel, Joyce (Larry) Maddox of Newport, NC, 7 Grandchildren, Taylor Zetterberg, Dylan Zetterberg, Kadison Zetterberg, Drew Zetterberg, Isabella Lecklitner, Caden Lecklitner, and Jack Zetterberg and 2 Great Grandchildren, Zakary Zetterberg and Olive Zetterberg.

Condolences

Leave your Condolences

59 Condolences for “Wendell Zetterberg Sr.”

  1. Sue Ann Miller Krass August 10, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

  2. Willie Jae Hester August 10, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Hugs & prayers for all.

  3. Joyce Maddox August 10, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    Norma and kids. We love you guys sooo much and will have you in our hearts and thoughts as you go thru the horrible sorrow. Life won’t ever be the same for any of us but it will be what it is meant to be. So thankful for the peace he has found. Love again to all of you. Joyce & Larry

  4. Julia Carter and family August 10, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    Deepest condolences to the Zetterberg family. Sending prayers for comfort and healing at this difficult time.

  5. Jerry Snell August 10, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    I am so sorry about your loss. I do not know of a better person than Wendell. He was truly a person, who shined from the time he was a kid.

    • Joyce Maddox August 10, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      I know he was special. He was a rotten baby brother he loved to pick on Sandy and me. We have great memories of playing in your back yard. Thanks for the message.

  6. Jo Crume August 10, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    So sorry for your loss. In my prayers. Always friendly and a fun cousin growing up.

  7. Dinda Thompson August 10, 2020 at 4:44 pm

    Wendy, Norma, Matt and Zetterberg family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know your hearts are broken as our family just went through this less than 2 years ago. Thinking and praying for you and yours during this very sad time. Just know that many are thinking of you and care about you.

  8. Susan Samuels Lee August 10, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Deepest sympathy for all the family.

  9. Carol Robinette August 10, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to the family. And to Joyce and family members.

    • Joyce August 13, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      I know you understand the pain yet relief involved in his not suffering anymore. Thank you for the message.

  10. Daisy Shoemaker August 10, 2020 at 5:31 pm

    Thank you for allowing us to take care of him. He was well loved by all our staff. Much love sent to you all.

  11. Brenda (Click) Stevens August 10, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    So saddened to learn of Wendell’s passing. Hold dear the memories of happy times and places. I remember vividly many years ago in Kirklin, (Kirk’s Crossing or some type of festival) Wendell was dressed as a clown handing out balloons. My daughter was about 3 or 4 at that time and she was simply fascinated by him. Later, as she grew older, she wanted Wendell to come to her birthday party and give balloons to her friends. I remember several pictures were taken of Wendell and my daughter that day. Rest in peace, my friend.

  12. Steve Atchley August 10, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Wendell was such a great guy. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.

  13. Mike and Jody Watkins August 10, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Many years have passed since high school, but we certainly remember Wendell, his fun nature, and gentle spirit. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you walk this difficult journey of grief.

  14. Scott Werner August 10, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    So sorry for your loss. His direction and passion for Scouting helped guide me through Scouting.

  15. Rick and Judy Lashbrook August 10, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Norma and family,
    Our hearts are saddened to learn of your loss, please know we are with you.
    Hugs & Prayers for all.

  16. Patty Keaton Parks August 10, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all, This is also hard for me as I feel like I lost my big brother figure. You are all family to me in heart. Growing up with Jr, Barbara, Sandra, Joyce, and Wendell looking after me. We know Wendell is in God’s hands now.
    I love you all.
    Patty Keaton Parks

  17. Donna Toney August 10, 2020 at 10:13 pm

    So sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers for the family!

  18. Bessie August 11, 2020 at 12:04 am

    I will always remember all the times that Wendell came down to Virginia with my cousin Norma and their children. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  19. Tonya Landes August 11, 2020 at 1:33 am

    Thank you for sharing Wendell with the Cub/Boy Scouts (both of my boys) all those years. He was an incredible positive influence on so many. May peace and comfort find you all.

  20. Tiffany Smith August 11, 2020 at 3:29 am

    Dear Wade, Wendell, and the rest of the Zetterberg Family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Wendell as a kid when he was Zeezo during my birthday parties. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))

  21. Chris Barham August 11, 2020 at 7:41 am

    So very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and had such a positive impact on so many! Prayers from the Barhams, Chris, Lori, Thomas, and Nicholas

  22. Lisa Van Meter August 11, 2020 at 7:43 am

    Love to all my cousins during this time of deep sorrow. God is close to those of a broken heart… He loves us so much. We were so blessed to have such a funny outstanding role model for the younger kids he was a great guy and a great cousin. He will be missed. My heart breaks for each of you and you will be in my prayers.

  23. Becky August 11, 2020 at 8:45 am

    To sister, Sandy, so sorry. Prayers for you to remember all the good memories because they are all that matter.

  24. Brenda D Spray August 11, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Norma & family,

    We are so sorry to learn of Wendell’s passing. Praying for peace and comfort for you at this time.

    Gary & Brenda Spray

  25. Rodger & Wanda Tarkington August 11, 2020 at 9:30 am

    So sorry for your loss!! He was a really nice guy and will be missed by his family & friends!!
    (Rodger worked with him at Chrysler)

  26. John and Darlene Little August 11, 2020 at 1:13 pm

    Deepest sympathy to the family . We remember Wendell as a kind and friendly neighbor.

  27. Rolene August 11, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    Sorry to hear about your brother.
    Rolene Dress

  28. Pat Biery August 11, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you.

  29. Betty Harmon Caylor August 11, 2020 at 5:08 pm

    Norma and Family, I remember Wendell from high school and his sisters in school. He always had a gentle heart of kindness. May God give you comfort and peace as you celebrate his life and walk with each other through this difficult time. Betty (Harmon) Caylor

  30. John Fitzpatrick August 11, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    Rest in Peace Wendell! You will be missed – until we meet again.

  31. Kathy Amos Urun August 12, 2020 at 10:40 am

    I am so saddened by Wendell’s passing. He was truly a kind and passionate soul. I was a classmate of Wendell’s from 2nd grade until we graduated high school. We were in several activities together especially in high school choir. Wendell was always fun loving and a joy to be around. We reconnected again in planning our 40th class reunion. It was a pleasure working with him. I will miss his great smile and attitude. My late husband was an Air Force veteran and I want to say again “Wendell, thank you for your service”. You will be greatly missed!

  32. Connie Sanders Vaughn August 12, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Wendell. My prayers for the family.

  33. Grissom Family August 12, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    Hard to imagine zee-zo retired from Grissom 21 years ago! His knowledge was surely missed in the E/E shop. And before my time in the hog days, they say no one ran mobility better than z.

    • Joyce Maddox August 13, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      You all meant a lot to him thank you for your message.

    • Norma Zetterberg August 14, 2020 at 7:10 am

      Thank you so much. He took great pride in working there.

  34. Suellen Myers August 12, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    My sympathy goes to the Zetterberg family. I remember Wendell as a little boy who ran around while his mother & sisters were in Girl Scout meetings at Kirklin Grade School in the 1950s. Suellen Corwin Myers

  35. Jake Scott August 12, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Hugs and Prayers!

  36. Jim Hunter August 12, 2020 at 10:47 pm

    Wendell was one of the best there ever was. Some of my very first memories included him, or the family in some way. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have known him, and the family for so many years. It is rare indeed to find someone who willingly gave to the community, friends, family, and strangers of which were those he simply hadn’t said hello to yet. His ability to make you dream and believe in yourself, as he did for me, isn’t something many people can accomplish for others…Mr. Zetterberg did it with class, and always a warm smile.

  37. Wade Zetterberg August 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    Fleeting time on this earth
    A collection of memories
    Trials and tribulations
    Hardships overcome
    Eternal rest
    Remembrance

    Dad, recently we spoke of playing RISK soon. I know you were scared, but there were better ways to get out of playing me. I’d have taken it easy on you.

    I cannot thank you enough for so many things, and I’m so happy my boys had you in their lives. Rest easy, Old Man. You earned it. I love you.

    P.S. I was just kidding about taking it easy on you…

    • Joyce August 13, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks. I know he is soo much better off and pain free but…we all know that was a joke. Your message touched my heart in so many ways

  38. Linda Moorehead August 13, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    Dear Joyce and Sandy
    I am sorry for your loss. I remember so well your Mom and all the girl scout things we did. I always thought the world of your Mom. Also Joyce we share the same birthday. But I am sure you are older than me Ha ha. I hope all is well with each of you and your families. Love Linda (Corwin) Moorehead.

  39. Rita Duke August 13, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    Norma & Family, Joyce & Family and Sandra & Family, The Duke, Padgett & Hall Family send their sympathy, and hugs to all of you during this difficult time!!! Wendell will be missed and remembered forever!!! He tried to always make sure we were notified and included in the family get togethers. We always had something to talk about, scouts, military, kids and of course our grand kids. May your many memories of Wendell give you comfort like a huge hug!!! Love Rita & Families

  40. ronald Long August 13, 2020 at 5:59 pm

    Norma, so very sorry for your loss. May he rest in piece. Ron and Becky Long

  41. Erica Juarez August 13, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    To one of my greatest character inspirations; Wade. Please know that you have given me courage for years to stand up for myself and voice my opinions no matter how unfavorable they may be to those close to me. During this heavy time in your life, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help lessen the pain or make things easier for you. Even if it’s just to talk about art. My thoughts are with you.

  42. Lois Bowman Sheets August 13, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    Sorry to hear about Wendell. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

  43. Connie Stevens King August 14, 2020 at 1:09 am

    Norma and Family, I was so sad to hear that Wendell had passed away. He always had a way to make people smile. When I would go to the family home to see Sandy he was always making us laugh. The clown was good for him and everyone that came in contact with him. He stopped at Sandy’s girls when my daughter was babysitting the girls. I went down to see the Clown. It was great. We all enjoyed his visit. He touched a lot of people in his life time. Many people could see that they made people laugh and have a great time. Sending prayers for all the family. He was and always will be one of the best friends and a lot of people will miss. GOD Bless you all

  44. Celeste Martin August 14, 2020 at 8:47 am

    Wendell will be missed greatly as a friend and fellow Scouter. Our deepest condolences to the entire Zetterberg family.

  45. Chuck Smith August 14, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    My sympathies to the Zetterberg family. I am immensely respectful and appreciative of Wendell’s service to his country, community, and particularly our youth. I know his contributions to the Boy Scouts of America will be truly missed.

  46. Dave and Chris August 15, 2020 at 8:56 am

    Norma & Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. No words can describe Wendell any better than these: He truly was a good and faithful servant.
    Rest In Peace

  47. Michele L Duncan August 16, 2020 at 7:03 am

    I feel the loss of Wendell, also. He was a little brother from my second family, in my childhood. He was so full of energy, humor, and a dash of mischievous behavior. He was so easy to love and bond with as my extended little brother. I always felt when I looked at Wendell, that I could see Barbara, his mother, in his face. He favored her a lot in appearance. There was always a glint in his eyes that opened his mischievous nature, however, still kind and loving. I’m sorry that I lost touch with him since I moved far away for Kirklin to Indianapolis. Those were two different worlds and I’m so proud of Wendell staying with his roots and achieving all that he had in his lifetime. He always came home to Kirklin. I pray for his family and all that loved him. He touched many hearts and souls during his journey through life. I want his family to know that he made me very proud and that I’ll continue holding him and our memories, in my heart.

  48. Jane Sheets August 16, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    Norma and children, I am am very sorry to learn about Wendell’s passing. We worked together with scouts for several years first at Hillisburg then in Frankfort. I enjoyed working with him. Seeing the video presentation brought back many memories. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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