David “Dave” Zeller, 91, Valley City, ND passed away at SMP Health-St. Raphael, Valley City on May 4, 2023.  A memorial service for Dave will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Epworth United Methodist Church.  The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.  The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dave was born March 8, 1932, in Wabasha Minnesota to Herbert and Theresa (Clausen) Zeller.  He graduated high school in 1950 in Fountain City, Wisconsin and entered the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  In 1951, David enlisted in the United States Navy.  During his Navy tour he served as an electrician in Guam and Adak Island in Alaska during the Korean conflict. Through the 50’s and 60’s he worked for the US Corp of Engineers on the Upper Mississippi River and as the Flood Control operator at Baldhill Damn in Valley City, ND.

In 1959, he married Lois Wendt and brought her to Valley City where they met and socialized with many people that became life-long friends.  In 1969, Dave accepted a job with the US Federal Aviation Agency and moved to Indian Point, Alaska where he, Lois and another couple were the only 4 people on the island.  Life was interesting living on a place that was accessible only by water.  Due to Lois’ health, they moved to Juneau, Alaska and unfortunately Lois passed away in 1971.

In 1978, Dave married Merian Wacker in Anchorage, Alaska.  Dave worked for the FAA until his retirement in 1987.  This Alaska job allowed him to travel to all parts of Alaska, Canada, and many trips to Washington DC.

Dave and Merian retired to California in 1987 and eventually to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Merian passed away in 2008 and Dave moved back to Valley City where he enjoyed attending many of the Cruff and Maresh children’s activities.  He was a big supporter of the Hi-Liner Wrestling and youth wrestling program as well as the VCSU Fish and Wildlife program and the VCSU Foundation.  Through the years, many students benefited from his scholarship donations.

Dave is survived by 2 stepsons and their wives, 4 granddaughters, 5 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews along with the Cruff and Maresh families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; wife, Merian; three brothers, three sisters and his parents.