Jerry W. Zettle, age 86, of Port Royal, PA, passed away on March 14, 2025 at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg, PA. Jerry was born on April 7, 1938 in Lewistown PA, son of Sara Mae Rice and Vernon C. Zettle.
Jerry graduated from Tuscarora Valley High School in 1956 and from Penn State University in 1962. He worked for many years at Jackson Manufacturing Company in Harrisburg, progressing from Plant Superintendent to President during his career there. Through the years he was active in several organizations, including the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Kiwanis organization, Monaghan Township Volunteer Fire Company, and the Port Royal Presbyterian Church. He also enjoyed gardening, collecting unique items, traveling, and solving engineering problems in his many building projects. He had a keen sense of humor and was especially talented at engaging in conversation with everyone he met.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judith (Book) Zettle, as well as three daughters, Katharine (Joseph) Bennett, Tracy Donbach (Bob Huff), and Sara (aka “the favorite”) Dittess; grandchildren Tiffany McIlhenny, Ian (Miranda) Bennett, and Addison Bennett, great-grandsons Samuel McIlhenny VI and Jamison Souders, siblings Connie Davis (Pete Witteman),Tess Eichenberger (Anne Geheb), and William Eichenberger along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind Posey, the adorable and much-loved cat he and Judy rescued.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sara Mae Rice and Vernon C. Zettle, stepmother Helen Zettle, stepfather Walter Eichenberger, sister Katharine Eichenberger, and grandson Jeffrey Donbach Jr.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Messiah Village and Homeland Hospice for the wonderful, compassionate care extended to Jerry, especially as his health declined.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163), The Port Royal Presbyterian Church Eco (316 Main St, Port Royal, PA 17082) or a charity of your choice. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life and share stories at a gathering on Saturday, May 17, from 2-4 p.m. at the American Legion, 29 S Main St., Mifflintown, PA 17059. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 7/24/12 - Image Year: 2012
Jerry Zettle at a Bicentennial Planning Committee Meeting in 2012.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/25/18 - Image Year: 1956
Photo of Jerry that appeared in his 1956 Tuscarora Valley High School Yearbook.
Contributed by ray on 10/18/10 - Image Year: 2010
Jerry and Judy (Book) Zettle at their home in Turbett Township, Juniata Co., PA
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/20/10 - Image Year: 1945
BIRTHDAY PARTY: (l-r) seated: ???, Wib Taylor, Jerry Zettle, Linda Kohler
standing (l-r): ???, Wayne Taylor, Audrey Bashore, Gayle Meloy, ???, Glen Kepner
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/25/18 - Image Year: 1956
TVHS CLASS OF 1956: Front Row (l-r) Nancy Wert, Mildred Brackbill; 2nd Row: Nellie Landis, Patsy Kipp, Bill Gilliland, Mrs. McCahan (teacher), Louise Bergstresser; Joan Searer; 3rd Row: Larry Turbett, Joyce Book, Glen Moyer; 4th Row: David McCahan, Linda Kohler, Evelyn Eaton, Roma Fisher, Top Row: Bob Yohn, Bill Hubler, Bob Crimmel, Jerry Zettle, Ron Bargo, Leon Kepner, Max Wharton, Abe Harbst
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/24/12 - Image Year: 1956
GRADUATION PICTURE FOR THE TVHS CLASS OF 1956 - Front Row: (L-R) Patsy Kipp, William Gilliland, Evelyn Eaton, Larry Turbett, Joan Searer, Leon Kepner, Louise Bergstresser, Glen Moyer, Mildren Brackbill. Middle Row: Robert Yohn, Roma Fisher, Abe Harbst, Joyce Book, David McCahan, Linda Kohler, William Hubler, Nellie Landis, Jerry Zettle, Nancy Wert. Back Row: Max Wharton, Ronald Bargo, Robert Crimmel.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 7/2/12 - Image Year: 2012
ARRANGING THE BRICKS: (l-r) Ernie Foltz, Rick Bailor and Jerry Zettle arrange the bricks in the memorial brick project for Port Royal's Bicentennial. (Photo submitted by Jonathan Wert)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/18/10 - Image Year: 2010
Jerry Zettle and his restored 1928 Pontiac.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/18/10 - Image Year: 2010
Jerry Zettle and his restored 1928 Pontiac.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/18/10 - Image Year: 2010
Harold Hartman, Jerry Zettle, Marianna (Hartman) Ewert and Judy (Book) Zettle at the Zettle home in Turbett Township, Juniata Co., PA (10-16-2010)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/19/10 - Image Year: 2010
THE HARTMANS VISIT THE ZETTLES: (L-R) Harold Hartman Jr., Fred Hartman, Mrs. Fred (Alice) Hartman, Judy (Book) Zettle, Marianna (Hartman) Ewert, Gary Ewert, Amelia (Hartman) McElwee, Bill McElwee. (10-16-2010)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 12/18/11 - Image Year: 2011
Jerry Zettle looks over the racks of canned goods displayed inside the exhibit hall at the 2011 Juniata County Fair in Port Royal.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/20/12 - Image Year: 2012
Judy & Jerry Zettle at Port Royal PA Bicentennial on Friday Sep 28, 2012 in Fairgrounds.
