John Charles “Chuck” Zeller, of Swansea, IL, born April 25, 1947, in East Lansing, MI, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Chuck was a retired teacher who taught at Belleville East High School from 1971 through 2004. “Mr. Z,” as he was fondly called by his students taught English, speech and literature, as well as having directed dozens of play productions. He established the East Thespian Society, coached the East chess team and was elected executive secretary of the St. Louis Metropolitan Chess League for 5 years and has been listed in Who’s Who of American Teachers. In addition, Chuck taught speech classes for Belleville Area College night students. He also managed the college’s theatre as well as directing several BAC productions.
Chuck was a 1965 high school graduate of Fond du Lac, WI. He was actively involved with the school’s drama and music programs. He was a member of the school’s marching band that was chosen to represent the state of Wisconsin in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration parade.
Chuck graduated from North Central College, Naperville, IL, in 1969 with a double major in Speech and English. He became the college’s theatre manager overseeing special events programs including Kenny Rogers, Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain, journalist Chet Huntly among many others. He was selected to be a member of a touring folk music group called, “Take Five” to promote the college around the Midwest at various communities and summer camps.
He went on to Illinois State University obtaining an MA degree in theatre in 1971. While there he performed in several play productions and became the sound engineer and stage manager for the theatre.
Chuck enjoyed golf, playing guitar, writing screenplays, playing games and reading. He also coached boys’ baseball with the Khoury League for several seasons. He was married to the love of his life, Karen, for 41 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nola Zeller of Fond du Lac, WI.
Surviving are his loving wife, Karen Zeller; daughter, Eve (Kevin) Knipp; son, John M. Zeller; daughter, Amanda (Paul) Pierce; son, Daniel Zeller; and son, John W. Zeller; and six grandchildren, Braiden Zeller, Marley Pierce, Vanessa Zeller, Izabella Knipp, Gavin Pierce, and Cameron Zeller.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Paul Pierce officiating.
Burial will be held afterwards at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
