Karl H. Zander

Karl Henry Zander of Ionia, Michigan was ushered by angels into the presence of the Lord on Monday, August 24, 2020. After several months of declining health, Karl died peacefully surrounded by his family. 

Karl was born in Ionia on November 3, 1931, to Karl and Thelma (Erickson) Zander.  After graduating from Ionia High School in 1950, Karl joined the Navy serving four years during the Korean Conflict.

Karl was fortunate to join IBM in 1955 as the computer age was in its infancy.  This career enabled him to utilize his engineering skills in Lansing, Michigan, New York; and finally, in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Karl enjoyed riding his Honda Goldwing, flying his Cessna plane, telling jokes, donating blood to the American Red Cross, and brightening up others’ days with Tootsie rolls. On July 4, 1979, Karl married Marie Schooley and they remained devoted companions for 39 years and 9 months until her death April 7, 2019.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marie, his son, Steven and his sisters, Karlene Buckley and Diane Dehn, brother-in-law, Carlton Smith, and Karl’s favorite dog, Kandy.

He is survived by his daughters, Patricia Germano of Franklinton, North Carolina; Angela (Mark) Meyer of Wake Forest, North Carolina; and step-daughter, Rachel (Oren) Shattuck of Ionia, Michigan; his grandchildren, Cassandra Germano; Brandy (Kyle) Stevens, Mark Jr., Samantha, and Bailey Meyer and Tim & Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Noah, Charlotte, and Ainsley Samberg.  Also surviving are his sister, Ethlynne Smith of East Lansing, brother, Anthony Zander of Ionia and his cat, Kaycee.

The visitation will be at Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich Street, Ionia on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 one hour prior to Karl’s service which will be at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. Burial will take place at Easton Township Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor Karl’s lifelong commitment to God can make donations to Shiloh Community Church, 8197 Heth Street, Orleans, Michigan 48865. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karl H. Zander, please visit our floral store.