Virgil Zellaha, 88, of Lewellen, Nebraska, passed away September 20, 2023, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska.
Virgil was born July 10, 1935, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Raymond and Beatrice (Hagadorn) Zellaha. He graduated from Spirit Lake High School before entering the U.S. Army, where he served 18 months in the Korean War.
On October 6, 1956, Virgil married Janice Marie Christofferson in Milford, Iowa. The two were blessed with three daughters, Cynthia, Marcy, and Sandra. The couple made their home at Spirit Lake, Iowa, before moving to Hartley, Iowa, and later, Denver, Colorado, in the early 1960s. Virgil worked at Central Cycle and Marine in retail before going to work with his longtime friend, Kenny Hoyer, at Kenny’s Marine. Virgil enjoyed success in the retail boat industry, in a career that spanned over 25 years.
Virgil and Jan moved to Lake McConaughy in Nebraska in the late 1980s and cherished the richness of retirement and a slower pace of life.
Virgil had a genuine love for the outdoors, which was something he shared with his daughter Sandra and grandsons Ryan, CJ, and Ryker. He loved to hunt, boat, fish, and dance. Virgil was also an outstanding skier, whether on snow or water. He also had an appreciation for cars and kept his with meticulous care.
Virgil was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Zellaha, and mother, Beatrice Zellaha; wife, Janice; along with a brother, Richard Zellaha.
Survivors include his children, three daughters, Cynthia (Brian) Cook of Castle Rock, CO, Marcy Starner (Vincent Caward) of Indianapolis, IN, and Sandra (Robin) Ball-George of Lochbuie, CO; six grandchildren, Ryan, Linsey, Ryker, C.J., Chadd, and Madison; five great-grandchildren, Colton, Aubree, and Jackson, Casen, Bradley; a brother, Dennis Zellaha of Milford, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. A Memorial has been established in Virgil’s memory and may be directed to Sandra Ball-George at 302 Horizon Avenue Lochbuie, CO 80603
No services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Fort Logan National Cemetery with family and close friends.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.
