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of Chelsea, MI, age 83, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at home and in the company of his family. He was born December 17, 1937 in Chicago, the first son of John C. and Eleanor (Stech) Zettelmaier. He moved with his family to southwestern Michigan in 1953. Upon completion of high school he attended Western Michigan University, earning a degree in biology in 1960. He then completed a master’s degree in limnology/fresh water biology from Michigan State University in 1961. His research was part of a pioneering study of the impact of pollutants on the ecosystem. He then attended the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1965. He practiced family medicine for 35 years, first in the Kalamazoo area, then in Chesterton, Indiana, and finally in Chelsea. During the Viet Nam era, he served in a U.S. Army Reserve Convalescent Unit, achieving the rank of Captain.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, his daughter, Martha of Ypsilanti, his sons, Joseph of Adrian, and Jacob and daughter-in-law Heather of Ypsilanti, as well as three grandsons, Henry and Louis of Ypsilanti, and John Charles of Leesburg, Florida. Surviving family also includes his sister, Dr. Ann Griepp of Rochester, NY, as well as numerous brothers-and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, his parents, and his brother Glenn.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 26th, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with the Very Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Preceding the Mass the family will receive guests from 10-11 am. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea; The Franciscan Project, Inc. in Chelsea, F14228 E. Old US Hwy. 12 , Chelsea, MI 48118; the Brandon Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital; or the Gobles Public Schools Foundation, 409 N. State St. Gobles, MI 49055 (of which he was the founder); or other charities of your choice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Click here to view a slideshow of John's life (6 minutes)

Click here to watch the video of John's Funeral Mass

 


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Comments  

#1 Danna & Wade Segrest 2021-05-07 14:11
Thank you for always being such a delight to see . Working together at Faith in Action or just crosding in the street were a treat with both of you. Love to Joe and the family. Danna
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