Duane Darwin Zellmer

Duane D. Zellmer, a kind and caring man, is fondly remembered for his generosity to others.

A faculty member at Franklin Middle School, Duane passed away suddenly of a heart attack Wednesday January 2nd. He was 60.

Duane, who lived in Pocatello, Idaho, was born in Atlantic, Iowa and grew up in Griswold. He received an associate's degree in auto mechanics from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1978.

While on the road working construction, he found himself in Salt Lake City where he met his wife of 23 years, Linda, where they had 2 children Tyler, 1991, and Paige, 1994. Though Linda and Duane separated in 2012, they remained close friends.

They move to Pocatello in 2004. He really fell in love with the community and the area, as he really enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing, camping and hunting. During his time here he owned and managed the Pocatello KOA until 2013 and enjoyed all the relationships that developed there.

He found his passion in coaching when he coached both his children through basketball. He continued his passion for coaching with best friend Mark Muzzo in basketball, track and field, and soccer. Other hobbies he enjoyed include Harley Davidson Motorcycles, NASCAR, and he was a lifetime Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Duane is survived by his two children Tyler (Dezaray) and Paige (Andrew Nickell) Zellmer, granddaughter Gracelynn, former wife Linda Thompson, Best friend Mark Muzzo, lifetime companion Rex the Pitbull and Cindy Nickell to whom he was in a current loving relationship with.

The funeral is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday January 5th at Wilks Funeral Home, with the Pastor Lew officiating. Light food will be provided following the ceremony where friends and family can reminisce over Duane's Life.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above.