John Bigelow Zellner, 96, of Inverness, Florida, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on July 3, 2026.
John was born on November 1, 1929, the son of John Brodus Zellner and Agnes Zellner. He came home to Inverness at just three days old, beginning a life that would be defined by hard work, adventure, and devotion to God, country and family.
While attending Citrus High School, John worked various jobs throughout the community. At seventeen, determined to serve his country, he and his father visited the local Navy recruiter. After mentioning that John had suffered from asthma as a young child, he was turned away. Unwilling to let his dream end there, the two drove to Jacksonville the very next morning. This time, John simply kept his childhood illness to himself and enlisted in the United States Navy. For a young man raised in the warmth of Florida, boot camp in the snow came as quite a surprise.
John proudly served four years in the United States Navy. During his service, he was stationed in Panama City, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Minnie Pearl Strain. When he asked her to marry him, his promise was simple: they would go anywhere they wanted to go, and they would never have to ask anyone’s permission. It was a promise they faithfully kept throughout their sixty-nine years of marriage.
John and Minnie were married on January 30, 1949, and remained devoted to one another until Minnie’s passing in 2018.
John accepted a supervisory position at the bomb plant in Georgia, where they welcomed their first daughter, Debra. The family later returned to St. Petersburg, Florida, purchasing a home on 26th Street. There they built lifelong friendships through the Left Allemanders Square Dance Club and enjoyed countless weekends fishing, camping, and making memories together. It was there they welcomed their second daughter, Sheila-Rae.
John later joined the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation as a project manager, supervising the construction of shopping malls in Tampa, Cutler Ridge, Melbourne, and Crystal River. Throughout his career he earned a reputation for integrity and fairness.
Even while raising a family and building shopping centers across Florida, John and Minnie built a home together on South Zellner Drive in Inverness. Never content to stay home for long, John and Minnie shared a love of travel and adventure. Accompanied by their faithful poodle, they explored nearly every corner of the United States, journeyed to Alaska, explored the east coast, and visited Europe together.
John’s commitment to serving others extended beyond his family and career. He was a founding member and deacon of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. He was an honorary member of Nitram Lodge No. 188, an honorary member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa, and a member of the Carpenter’s Union in Tampa and Local 1905 in Orlando.
John leaves behind a legacy of determination, quiet strength, loyalty, generosity, and love for family.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-nine years, Minnie Pearl Zellner; his daughter, Debra Kay Micklitsch; and his parents, John Brodus Zellner and Agnes Bigelow Zellner.
He is survived by his daughter, Sheila-Rae Zellner Mohs; his grandchildren, Jonathon Micklitsch (Karen), Mark Micklitsch (Vicki), Lance Micklitsch (Chinpei), Nicholas Mohs (Samantha), and Alexandria Scogin (Zachary); his cherished great-grandchildren, Kristin, Logan, Waylon, Cody, Colton, Temperance, and Nolan; and his faithful dachshund, Tank, whose constant companionship brought him comfort and joy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church.
Following the service, John’s urn will be interred beside his beloved Minnie at a later date Oak Ridge Cemetery in Inverness, Florida, where they will rest together once again.
Add Comment