W. Jay Zehr

Jay graduated from Rantoul (Ill.) High School and attended Goshen College. He earned his veterinary degree from the University of Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Zehr. They were married December 21, 1952. Jay was a member of College Mennonite Church since 1960.

Jay was raised on a central Illinois farm and as a youth discovered an interest in veterinary medicine, eventually choosing that career. He was a veterinarian for Goshen Animal Clinic in the early 1960’s before joining the Milford Small Animal Clinic where he also performed diagnostics for local poultry farms. He retired in 1992.

Jay remained proud of his farming heritage throughout his life and was committed to preserving family history. He dedicated many hours compiling documents and photographs, leaving a legacy for his family’s future generations.

He was an avid woodworker, and spent much of retirement creating treasures for family members, including a cradle made from a walnut tree from Carolyn’s homestead. Every grandchild and great grandchild has slept in the cradle.

Jay was a Cubs fan and especially enjoyed watching the games in his later years.

He is survived by sons Eric (Luisa) Zehr of Goshen, Brian (Kyla) Zehr of Fort Wayne, and Jeff (Lana) Zehr of Inman, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Darla (Steve) Schrock of Phoenix, Arizona, Amy (Jenna) Richie Zehr of Indianapolis, Evan, Erin and Andrew Zehr of Fort Wayne, Lindsey (Jake) Adams of Greenville, South Carolina, and Allison Zehr of Inman, South Carolina.; three great-grandchildren, Samuel Schrock, Nadia Schrock, and Sommer Adams; brothers John Zehr of Urbana, Illinois and Allen Zehr of Bedford; sisters Hazel Yoder of Normal, Illinois and Lila King of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Zehr, sisters Edith Zehr and Rachel Zehr and stepmother, Ruth Zehr.

Friends may call Friday, July 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church. A 5 p.m. memorial service will be conducted in the sanctuary.  Pastors Ron Kennel and Pamela Yoder will officiate.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and cremated remains will be scattered in the College Mennonite Church Memorial Garden prior to the service.

Memorials may be given to College Mennonite Church Encircling Fund or Heifer International.