From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Doris L. Zelie, 93, Vero Beach
July 18, 1928 – December 18, 2021
Doris L. Zelie, 93, of Vero Beach, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2021, at the VNA Hospice House.
Born July 18, 1928, in Lancaster, PA, Doris graduated from Scranton Central High School, in 1945 and Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY in 1949, earning a bachelor’s degree.
Doris is survived by her husband of 72 years, George; 4 sons, Michael (Barbara), Mark, Jon (Karen), and Richard (Jo); 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Jeanne M. Peterson, 94, Vero Beach
January 27, 1927 – December 13, 2021
Jeanne M. Peterson, beloved Mother, Wife, and friend passed away peacefully on December 13th, 2021, at the age of 94. She was the daughter of William and Pearl Mae Ruther (Parsons) born on January 27, 1927, St. Charles Hospital, Aurora, IL.
Jeanne Graduated 1944 from East Aurora High School. After High School she attended University of Illinois where she was a member of Theta Upsilon Sorority, and later married Delbert Peterson September 10, 1949, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Aurora, IL.
They moved to Batavia in 1951, and built their family home on Maple Lane. They raised seven children together as Jeanne supported Delbert and his career in watercolor and commercial art, and in their business, Delbert Peterson Advertising. She was a Brownie leader and a Cub and Girl Scout leader. She was a member of the Batavia Women’s Club and sold real estate before deciding to get her teaching degrees. Jeanne returned to college and received her Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. She taught at Batavia Junior High School and became a reading specialist in Carol Stream, Illinois District 93 for 20 years. After retiring to Vero Beach in 1994, she volunteered at the Sebastian Elementary School as a reading specialist.
Jeanne was very active in numerous service Clubs. She was Teachers Union President, President of the local AAUW, President of the Federation of Women’s Clubs, Panhellenic, President of the Vero Beach Art Club, as well as the photographer, and PR Liaison, giving countless hours to shows, exhibits, and the Under the Oaks and Art by the Sea events each year. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia before retiring to Vero Beach and joining Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vero Beach. She was indeed, always active.
In addition to all her volunteer work, she and Delbert spent time traveling the World. Jeanne journaling their travels and Delbert photographing them. The lesson she said she learned the hard way was to “always be on time for the bus when you’re on a tour.” And to her children “Always follow through and don’t give up”.
She was preceded in death by her loving Husband Delbert Peterson of 71 years who passed in 2020. Jeanne is cherished deeply and will be greatly missed by seven children, Janis Rogers (Ron) of Batavia, Illinois, JoAnn Metz (Scott) of Englewood, FL, David Peterson (Diana) of Vero Beach, FL, Carol Waldron (Jesse) of Oak Point, Texas, Mark Peterson (Cathy) of Compton, Illinois, Gwen Turner (Toby) of Vero Beach, FL, and Elizabeth Franklin of Big Rock, Illinois, 23 Grandchildren and 23 Great-Grand Children.
She has left lasting memories for so many lives. Her strength and devotion will never be forgotten.
Interment will be at River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia, Illinois. A family celebration of life for Delbert and Jeanne will be held at a later date in Illinois.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
F. Michael Wahl, 90, Vero Beach
July 07, 1931 – December 16, 2021
F. Michael Wahl, passed away on December 16, 2021. He was 90 years old. Michael was born in Hebron, IN to Floyd M. and Ann P. Wahl. He had 3 sisters and attended primary & secondary school in Hebron. He learned the value of hard work on a farm in the small community.
He attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Following graduation, he served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War. Prior to leaving for service, he married his college sweetheart Dorothy W. Daniel (Dottie). After completing his service in the Army, he attended graduate school at the University of Illinois, where he earned Master of Science and Doctoral degrees in geology. Following his graduation, he was invited to join the faculty at the University of Illinois in Geology, where he served for 10 years.
In 1969, he moved to the University of Florida as a Professor of Geology and chairman of the department. He next moved to the Graduate School, where he served as Professor and Dean for Graduate Studies and Research for the next 8 years. He subsequently moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he served as Executive Director of the Geological Society of America until he retired in 1994.
In 1996, Mike & Dottie moved to Vero Beach, FL. where they enjoyed traveling and playing golf during Mike’s retirement years. His commitment to geology remained strong, and he established the F. Michael Wahl and Dorothy W. Wahl Endowed Fund for Geo-Science Field Trips at DePauw University for aspiring young geologists. Mike was an avid golfer, fisherman, gardener, and outdoorsman. He was also a lifelong Florida Gator fan. He was predeceased by his wife Dottie in 2003. He is survived by 2 sisters: Mrs. Barbara Bastin of Tucson, Arizona, and Mrs. Jeanne Ziese of Fishers, IN.; his four children: Dr. Timothy Wahl of Winston-Salem, NC; Dr. David Wahl of Lake Toxaway, NC; Jeff Wahl of Gainesville, FL; and Kathryn Schimmels of Santa Clarita, CA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Wahl wishes for any donations to be provided to the Community Church of Vero Beach, VNA Hospice, or to DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Community Church of Vero Beach, Monday January 10th, 2022, at 1 p.m.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
