Dale Verlin Zinn, age 88, of Flora, Indiana, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 22, 2026, passing peacefully at his home. He was born June 4, 1937, to Orman and Madge (Black) Zinn. On October 14, 1956, he married Mary Ellen Peterson, who survives. Their nearly 70 years of marriage were a testament to faith, commitment, and enduring love.
Dale graduated from Flora High School in 1955 and continued his education at Purdue University, where he became a lifelong Boilermaker fan. He joined his brother Ralph in the family business in 1952, and together with his father and brother, he owned and operated Zinn Kitchens for many years, playing an integral role in building the Zinn family legacy. A man of deep Christian faith, Dale was a devoted member of Bringhurst Community Church, where he sang in the church choir and faithfully supported its ministries. He participated for many years in Bible Study Fellowship and lived out his faith through service. Dale took part in numerous mission trips, including Puerto Rico, Kentucky, Haiti, Brazil, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and Alaska.
Dale believed strongly in servant leadership and community involvement. He joined Rotary in 1958 and was honored as Rotarian of the Year in 2009. He served as director of Flora Apartments and Wesley Manor in Frankfort, spent more than 20 years on the board of directors of Bright National Bank, and served as President of CDC Resources in Monticello, where he was dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also served on the Carroll County Community Foundation Board. Through his example, wisdom, and generosity, Dale was a trusted mentor to many.
In his free time, Dale enjoyed playing cards and traveling, especially to Crooked Lake and Sarasota, places he dearly loved. Above all, he cherished time with his family, whom he loved deeply and prayed for faithfully.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Zinn; his children, Teresa Fife (Tony), Diane Dzirbik (Dave), Jennifer Spesard (Lonnie), and Susana Gastelu Medina of Bolivia; and a cherished legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Teresa’s family includes grandchildren Taylor Fife (Jennifer), with great-grandchildren Kylie, Brynna, Aiden, and Cora; Dane Fife (April), with great-grandchildren Molly, Eli, and Madison; Whitney Truax (Eric), with great-grandchildren Ryen, Maverick, and Canon; and Amanda Angrick (Justin), with great-grandchildren LuAnn, Ty, Adrian, and Alex.
Diane’s family includes grandchildren Luke Dzirbik (Sarah); Bryce Dzirbik (Thelma), with great-grandchildren Cayden and Wyatt; and Emily Dzirbik.
Jennifer’s family includes grandchildren Carson Spesard (Kaitlin), with great-grandchildren Arlo and William; Aaron Spesard (Caitlyn), with great-grandchild Joshua; Ryan Spesard (Karli), with great-grandchildren Wade and Kerrigan; and Dylan Spesard (Gracie), with great- grandchild Owen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orman and Madge Zinn; his brother, Ralph Zinn; and his infant son, Phillip Zinn.
Dale will be remembered as a faithful servant of Christ, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose life reflected humility, generosity, and unwavering trust in God. His legacy of faith will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.
Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bringhurst Community Church. Visitation will be held the following day from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., January 31, 2026 at the church, with Pastor Brad Burton officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery. Day & Genda Funeral Home – Reinke Chapel, Flora, is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s memory to Bringhurst Community Church or the Carroll County Community Foundation. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.