In Memoriam: Rev. Jack H. Zoellner
We pray for the family of Rev. Jack H. Zoellner, who died at the age of 95 on December 23, 2021 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was the founding pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Scottsdale.
He was born in Saginaw, MI, the son of loving parents Walther J. and Elsa I. (Frisch) Zoellner. Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and saw active duty in the Pacific with the 3rd Marine Division. He then served in Tientsin, China.
Jack received his bachelor's degree from Capital University in Columbus, OH, and continued graduate work at Kent State University, OH. He graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, PA and later completed his graduate work in clinical psychology in CA.
Rev. Zoellner served as a Navy Chaplain in Japan, Okinawa and Korea. His 60 years of ministry took him to congregations in Plains, GA; U.S.M.C. Military Base Chapel at Twentynine Palms, CA; Monterey Park, CA; The Village Church of Westwood, Westwood, CA; St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Santa Cruz, CA; and Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ. He was the founding pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, AZ. For eight years he was an assistant to the Synod President in the Pacific Southwest Synod and worked with the National Lutheran Church in America. Jack was honored in the Vatican in Rome, for his work in justice and peace.
He leaves behind his daughter, Susan Eleanor Phillips of Scottsdale and grandchildren Dane Nielsen, Mark and Eric Phillips. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor Robinson Zoellner; daughter Gretchen Elizabeth Zoellner Nielsen and his brothers Howard and Donald.
A private memorial service was held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Phoenix.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother, Pastor Jack Zoellner. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”