Joseph E. Zolman

Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 9:32pm Joe went peacefully into God's care. The gentle giant now walks hand in hand with his son, Chad. Born August 1, 1949, 65 years of age, born in Van Wert, Ohio, the son of the late Paul and Amelia (Hilvers) Zolman. On May 4, 1973 he married Deborah Bowers.

Together they proudly raised four sons. He is survived by devoted wife, Deborah and loving sons Scott of Nevada, Ryan and Shawn (Nicole), grandchildren Chad, Kayleigh, Amelia, Scylea and Joseph (JT) of Defiance, Dru of Lewiston, Idaho, Troy of South Carolina, a brother Richard and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepfather August Kriembrink, son Chad and brothers Allen and Paul.

He was a parishoner of St. Augustine Catholic church, a member of Eagles Lodge# 372, Teamsters Local# 908, a long time supporter of Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children and a full-time, devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather.
He loved life, played guardian to the elderly, always put his family before all else and is adored by his grandchildren. He was employed as a truck driver for 38+ years and retired From Brother's Express, Fort Wayne Indiana. He currently was a route driver for the Crescent News.

Visitation will be held Thursday March 5, 2015 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance from 2pm-8pm with the rosary being recited at 2pm. The funeral service will be Friday March 6, 2015 at 11am at the funeral home, with Fr. Robert Kill officiating.

Interment will be scheduled for a later date in Riverside Cemetery, and will be for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to direct memorial contributions to the Joseph E. Zolman Memorial Fund for Shriner's Hospital at the Huntington Bank or directly to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.schafferfh.com.