Christoff "Chris" Herman Zellmer, 85, of Waco, died Monday, March 18, 2013 at a local care center. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013 at OakCrest Funeral Home with burial following at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with his family will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Chris was born December 26, 1927 in Riesel to Wilhelm Zellmer and Clara Gorgas Zellmer. Chris' father died during the early days of the Great Depression when he was just 4 years old. Chris and his brothers were raised by their mother on a small farm near Riesel where they worked daily to keep the farm going and supply basic life needs during very difficult times. In 1943, Chris dropped out of school to help support his mother and younger brother. He worked as a butcher's apprentice at Young's Grocery Store in downtown Waco as his mother assembled bombs nearby for the war effort. They rode the bus to work and back each day to Waco until Chris was drafted in late 1945 into the Army/Air Force. Like many his age, Chris Zellmer was a survivor of the Great Depression and made the most of life's opportunities. A modest man, Chris found the richness in life few ever find by strength of character and simple conviction.

He served as part of the occupation forces in Japan from 1946 to 1948 and was a crew chief on the P-61 Night Fighter of the 421st Division. He ended his active service in 1951 on the 68th All Weather after achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. The Army also enabled Chris to complete his education which he always appreciated. Chris returned to Waco in 1952 and became a butcher again at the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store located at 34th and Bosque Blvd. He found his work rewarding and it allowed him to make many lifetime friends. There he met and married Mildred Courtade in 1956. Chris remained at this location for almost 30 years and is and was known by so many as the cheerful butcher who was kind, considerate and respectful to all. His children often said "we can't get into trouble...half the town knows our dad!" Chris seemingly never really retired, working continuously at several part time jobs well into his seventies because of his like of people and gregarious nature. Modesty is a virtue best exemplified by the life of Chris Zellmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Karl, who died at the age of 3 and Julius "Bud" Zellmer; and his daughter, Shera Arriola.

Chris is survived by his wife, Mildred Courtade Zellmer; his children, Michael Carey of Florida and Morgan Dale Zellmer of Tomball; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and his brother, Earl Zellmer of Temple.