Allan “Al” Edgar Zeyen, 84, Rochester, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016 at his residence.

On July 1, 1932, Al was born in Indianapolis. He was a treasured son of Herman and Abigail Bevan Zeyen. Growing up Al shared his childhood with a sister and a brother. In 1950 he graduated from Indianapolis Cathedral High School. Following high school Al studied at Purdue University. He later served our country with the United States Navy for a four year stint.  As a graduate from Great Lakes Naval Station,  Al was among the top six students in his diesel mechanics class of over 600.  He then shipped out to Guantanamo Bay where he was stationed for two years. His service created many fond lifetime memories.

In Indianapolis, on July 28, 1956, Al married Leona “Lee” Williams Zeyen. Later they divorced.  On December 19, 1992 in Gatlinburg, Tenn., Al and Pat Thompson Zeyen were united in marriage.

A talented entrepreneur, Al owned the HVAC company, Sheet Metal Plus for a number of years retiring in 1994.  During the early years he developed a strong work ethic that carried on throughout his life. His philosophy,  “anything worth doing is worth doing right,” a  legacy he conveyed  to his children.  Community minded, Al was an office holder of the Rochester Jaycees Club, a member of the group during it’s infancy.

An adventurer with a great love for the outdoors, Al introduced his family to camping. In the early  years it was pitching a tent or parking the pop-up, then later cruising in the motor home.  They visited all 48 continental states.  A favorite destination was the Smokey Mountains. Catching a warm summer breeze, while riding his Honda Goldwing, Al was accompanied by Chuck Pocock traveling Route 66.

Gifted with the work of his hands, Al explored many realms. He created colorful and unique stained-glass designs, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. He collected and restored  vintage gas pumps. Al was amazing with his meticulous perfection of restoring antique cars. Among some of the most memorable was his 1931 Model A, and the frame off restoration of his 1969 Camaro. In fact he proudly restored multiple classic Camaros from the late 1960’s era. To relax Al enjoyed listening to music. He appreciated many genres but his favorite was classical.

Left to cherish Al’s memory are his wife: Pat; two daughters: Kathleen Kennell and husband Craig of Royal Center; Lisa Zeyen and husband Jon Simmermaker of Star City; two sons: Mark Zeyen, of Osceola; Scott Zeyen and wife Mona of Rochester; a step daughter: Tami Holloway and husband Tom of Rochester; a step son: Rick Thompson and wife Jennifer of Rochester; eight grandchildren: Sara Cumberland, Claire Cumberland, Ashley McDonald and husband Brenton, Adam Kennell and wife Mary Allyson Zeyen, Joseph Zeyen, Audrey Zeyen, Matthew Zeyen; seven step grandchildren: Jessica Prater and husband Rick, Brittlyn Mow and husband Troy, Candice Zehner and husband Josh, Courtney Thompson and fiancé Daryl Minix, Parker Thompson, Shane Ellis, McKenzie Ellis; three great grandchildren: Dylan McDonald, Brynna McDonald, Benjamin Kennell and numerous step great grandchildren; a sister, Lois Gleeson, of Laconia, N.H.; a brother, David Zeyen and wife Lana of New Palestine and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Al in death are his parents.

A celebration of the life of Allan Edgar Zeyen will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 18 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester with Father Mike McKinney officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 17 and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.  Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Navy Honor’s Team.  Interment will be in the Athens Hoover Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.