RAPID CITY | On Monday, Heaven received one of the best. John William Zeller, 82, passed away Feb. 13, 2017, in Denver, CO.

John was born Feb. 26, 1934, to Edward W. and Eva Clarke Zeller. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1953. After graduation John joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Johnson AFB in Japan. On Nov. 12, 1956, he married Hitomi "Patsy" Kimura. To this union five children were born, Linda, Ellen, Johna, Christine and Anthony.

Upon discharge, John attended National College where he graduated with an Associates Degree in accounting. He worked for Home Gas as an accountant, John Deere Implement as a parts manager and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe as an accountant. He then began working for the SD Department of Labor as a field rep for unemployment insurance. He retired in May 1998.

On March 7, 1987, John was married to Nadine Price. Joining this union were Nadine's five children, Diane, Lori, Tim, Kris and Steve. The years following retirement were filled volunteering with first grade and kindergarten students where he was known as Grandpa Z. He also volunteered with Hospice and Meals on Wheels. John served as a lector, usher and gift bearer at St. Therese. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was a man of great faith and was a wonderful example for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine; children, Linda (Jim) Lipp, Ellen (Bob) Mercer, Johna (Ken) Leidholt, Anthony (Robyn) Zeller, Diane (Larry) Orville, Lori (Jim) Moakley, Tim (Leonna) Price, Kris (Joe) Posavec, and Steve (Beatriz) Price; grandchildren, Jennifer (Daniel) Quintana, Kimura Mercer, Mac Mercer, Cole Zeller, Kaori Zeller, Amy Boxley, Beth Leidholt, Julie Leidholt, Matt Orville, Megan (Cannon) Jones, Nick Price, Alexandra Posavec, Ashley Posavec, Diego Price, and Ricardo Price; great-grandchildren, Tristen Quintana, Rylee Quintana, Auston Boxley, Madison Leidholt, Oliver Leidholt, Emersyn Jones, Aubrey Jones and Pierce Jones; siblings, Jim (Daryls) Zeller, Don (Pam) Zeller, and Sister Margaret OSB; sister-in-law, Jan Zeller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother; wife, Patsy; daughter, Christine; brothers, Edward, Richard, Fr. Joseph, and Tom; and sisters Patricia, Jean and Mary.

Visitation begins at 6 p.m., with Christian Wake services at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb, 23, at St. Therese Catholic Church.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the church. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with full military honors rendered by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity supported by John: St. Therese Church, YFS or Boys Club.