John Edward Zeller

John Edward Zeller, 68, of Panama, Illinois, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025, in his home, surrounded by friend and family of whom loved him dearly. John is to be cremated and his final resting place will be in his beloved garage.
John was born Wednesday, October 17, 1956, in Old Ripley to Edward Henry and Susan Ella (Braswell) Zeller. He was raised in New Douglas, Illinois and went to Highland High School where he later dropped out in favor of the workforce. For his adult life John lived in Sorento, Illinois and worked in construction for Local 397. While living in Sorento he met the love of his life Mary Jo Bone where both decided to live together in Panama, Illinois.
John, more commonly known as “Papa”, was a very reserved man to anyone who didn’t know him. But to friends and family he was kind, outgoing, caring and an all-around a hoot to be around. He was a very adventurous man by nature even in his old age you’d never catch him staying in one spot for too long aside from the occasional nap. Papa was a man who always needed something to do. Even going as far as buying broken down vehicles to put his time and money in. Whether it was something as small as a motorcycle or as big as a tractor, no matter the challenge, nothing could get the best of Papa. He was always thoughtful towards his blended family and always treated them like his own.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Edward and Susan, and sister, Joann.
Papa is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jo Bone; daughters, Joni Zeller of Greenville, Illinois, Jolene (Noah) Notter of Panama, Illinois, Nina (Tygur) Whiteside of Sorento, Illinois, Jeana (Jimmy) Lang of Hillsboro, Illinois, Dana Thomas (Dmitri Plum) of
Panama, Illinois; grandchildren, Catherine (Austin) Garcia, Dean (Isabel) Whiteside, Joseph (Emily) Notter, Eddie Zeller, Logan Notter, Garrett Notter; great grandson, Tyson Notter; siblings, Jackie (Robert) Bone of Panama, Illinois, and Jerry (Rita) Zeller of Livingston, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made out to the family, PO Box 692, Panama, Illinois 62077.