Dennis Jon “Denny” Zernhel, 74, of rural Custar, Ohio died Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay, Ohio.
He was born September 30, 1950 in Findlay, Ohio to the late John “Jiggs” and Edna (Funk) Zernhel. Denny was a 1968 graduate of McComb High School and received an Associate’s Degree from Penta Technical College. On July 10, 1971 he married Ruth (Freeman) Zernhel at Oakdale United Methodist Church and last summer they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
He spent many years working for the Wood County Soil and Water Conservation District. His greatest passion was rural farm life. Denny enjoyed being a farmer and raising animals. He had suffolk sheep, dairy cattle and enjoyed several race horses. This passion led him to become a 4-H advisor for the Jackson Livestock 4-H Club, where his children were active. He would become a member of the Wood County Fair Board and spent countless summers at the Wood County Fair. When not busy with farm-life, he enjoyed a good western or cowboy movie on television. He was also a member of Oakdale United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Jessica Zernhel; granddaughter, Jenna Zernhel and two sisters, Deb (Steve) Kania and Dana (Duane) Leader.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jared Zernhel and his parents.
Services will be private for his family and he will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.
Memorials are suggested to Bridge Hospice or Oakdale United Methodist Church and can be sent to the funeral home. Messages and memories can be shared with the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.
