Lyle Vincent Zenner
TRAVERSE CITY – Lyle Vincent Zenner, 81, of Traverse City passed peacefully into the joy of heaven comforted by his family Monday, January 21, 2019. He was born January 13, 1938 in Hannah, Michigan to Edward and Marcella Zenner. It was there on the family farm that he grew to know the value of honesty and hard work and acquired a strong work ethic that followed him the rest of his life.

Lyle received his Catholic education, first grade through high school graduation, at St. Mary's of Hannah Catholic School and Church where he served as an altar boy and sang in the choir. He stayed true to his religious upbringing attending Mass faithfully all his life. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army and served proudly in Germany before being honorably discharged in 1959. Lyle returned to Michigan and made his home in Traverse City. It was there that he met and then married the love of his life, Sue (Eckler) Zenner on July 17, 1965 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

At a young age Lyle discovered his talent for building and repairing. He loved a challenge and could fix just about anything and everything. He was always working on a project or two. During his forty-year career as a finish carpenter, Lyle built several custom homes and many commercial buildings in the area. He was a member of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights and retired from Comstock Construction Company in 2001.

Lyle had a love for the game of baseball. Growing up on the farm he would often play baseball with his family. He played men's fast pitch softball in Traverse City for many years and began coaching girl's high school softball in 1993. Through the years Lyle coached girls' varsity softball for both Traverse City Central High School and Suttons Bay High School. In the off-season Lyle taught many young girls the fine art of softball pitching. He became known and loved by many as "Coach Zenner", a title and nickname that meant the world to him. In addition to coaching, he was also an avid outdoorsman. When he wasn't on a softball field or conducting pitching lessons, he could often be found in the woods hunting or stream fishing. Lyle also looked forward to his annual hunting trips to Colorado and Wyoming with family and friends.

Surviving in addition to Sue, his wife of 53 years, are their children; Scott (JoAnn) Zenner of Traverse City, MI, Kyle Zenner of Colorado Springs, CO and Karyn (Michael) Meier of Washington Township, MI and his six precious grandchildren; Nicolas Zenner, Steven Zenner, Brody Meier, Alexis Meier and twin grandsons (his name sakes) Sean Lyle Meier and Luke Vincent Meier. He is also survived by his brothers; Albert Zenner, Carl (Linda) Zenner, Elmer (Lucille) Zenner, Dan (Donna) Zenner, Jim (Sue) Zenner, Richard (Gaynell) Zenner, Roy (Benny) Zenner and sisters; Rose Schmitz and Mari-Ann Klisanac.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings; LaVern Zenner, Clarence Zenner, Doris Benefield, Ralph Zenner and Margaret Lovely.

Lyle's family would like to thank the Grand Traverse Pavilion Rehab Staff that provided their father's excellent, compassionate care. He truly felt he was treated like family by all of them.
A visitation for Lyle will take place from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a rosary recitation beginning at 6:30 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church with a visitation held one hour prior to Mass. Father Anthony Citro will officiate. A luncheon will be held immediately following Mass in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Immaculate Conception Church – Food Pantry, 308 N. Cedar Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.