Delmar S. Zezula, age 88, of Miles City, passed away on June 24, 2014, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, MT.
Delmar was born on May 31, 1926 in Conrad, MT; the son of Adolph and Amalie Zezula. After graduating from Whitehall High School, Delmar attended Montana State University earning his Bachelors in Physical Education and Health. Additionally, he served his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea with the 279th Infantry Regiment. Delmar later moved to Miles City where he taught Junior High science for over 30 years, taking a brief sabbatical to earn his master’s in Teaching Science at the University of Colorado. He enjoyed taking care of his farm out in the valley, was an avid hunter and loved to bowl. Delmar was an active member of the Miles City community. In addition to teaching, he belonged to the Optimist Club, where he served as Treasurer for years, and was a lifetime member of the Custer Rod & Gun Club. He always treated everyone with respect and equality.
Delmar was a beloved uncle. He is survived by his two nieces: Vivian Zezula of Colorado and Dr. Deanne (Jim) Lewis; his two nephews: Norman Zezula of California and Duane (Claire) Zezula of Virginia; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers: Gilbert, Edward, Wilber, Frank, and Cecil.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Graveside service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 11:00 AM the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: Stevenson & SonsFuneralHomes.
Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to the Optimist Club or Rod and Gun Club in Miles City.
Teresa Geib Bacon says
Mr Zezula was my 8th Gr Teacher, I loved him! I have been gone many yrs, my sympathy goes to all who were close to him.
Janis McKelvey Ferrell says
Mr. Zezula was also my 8th Grade Science teacher. He was always very kind and a very good teacher. Will never forget an assignment we all had was a science project which included a poster and a written report. Huge job for an 8th Grader. He took time with each and every student when they needed it. I remember the many experiments with the Bunson Burner. He was a legend.
Elsie O'Daniel Kennedy says
Wow–looks like we all remember him mostly from our 8th grade science class–me too!
I also felt he was a good teacher and I didn’t feel intimidated by him as I did from many other teachers. I have been gone from Miles City a long long time also. Hope he had a good life and enjoyed his teaching profession as we did having him as a teacher.
Denise Harvey says
Thanks Mr. Zezula! I know heaven has a wonderful reward for junior high/ middle school teachers. Rest in peace! You touched the lives of generations!
Larry and Marcia says
We also had him for seventh AND eighth grade–the other half of the year, girls had Home Ec with Ann Larson, (who happened to be George’s aunt), and the boys had shop from Mr. Matross, if memory serves me correctly.
Mr. Zezula persisted in calling me by an incorrect name (pronouncing it Mar-See-ah) for two years. The whole class would correct him but he wouldn’t change. Finally, having my eighth-grade diploma safely in hand, I went to his classroom after graduation. I asked him why he refused, for two long years, to call me by my right name. He then said that he had known a girl by the name of Marcia, whom he couldn’t stand. He said he liked me and didn’t want to call me by her name. OH. I liked him from that moment on–he changed my whole perspective of him. My brother would see him around town quite often and I regret not visiting him when we were there.
I’m sure many, many of your students are mourning you, and in spite of all of us, you lived a long life. You taught us to like science. Rest in peace, Mr. Zezula.
Shannon Holmen says
Such a gentle soul. Always so kind,. Peace to his family.
Dave Gunderson says
Same here on the science class. Always a pleasure to be around that man. Also bowled on different leagues that he was part of.
Rod Slater says
There are people who we meet in our lives that touch us and gently send us on the right path. Mr Zezula was such a person. Eight grade could be a pivotal point in many of our lives and we were all very fortunate to have someone who cared for us even though we may have been oblivious at the time.
Cheryl Smutt says
Delmar: A very nice guy with a good sense of humor. I work in housekeeping and Delmar and I had a lot of good laughs. I always tried to keep him guessing but not very often did it work. My prayers go out to his family.
don cook says
Taught 5+6 grade basketball later jr, high science. One the reasons it was so great to grow up in Miles City
Great Man…
Alan Towlerton says
Great example of how a teacher can make an impression on young people. As with many, I remember him from junior high science class. My prayers are with him and his family.
Dan Herzog says
“A penny for thoughts”
Bobbi Askin says
Of course, like many of us, I also had him for a teacher. He got me interested in the weather and the stars. But my best memories are of him and Mr. Swenson coming down to where I worked at Jack’s Body Shop.. We had some great conversations and I so enjoyed it. He remembered so many of his students through the years and had some funny stories to tell. He was a true gentleman and a great teacher. Rest in peace Mr. Zezula. Heaven has gained a great man. I know that Mr. Swenson is going to miss him!
Matt Brubaker says
Mr. Zezula was one of my most memorable teachers. I drove him nuts, but I think he liked me. I liked him. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.
Stephen Goss says
I was always Stephen, never Steve, as Mr. Zezula always used your full name. He was a fantastic teacher and a great man. He introduced me to a world of science that I have enjoyed all my life. I wish I had been smart enough to thank him for all he did.
Sally Hanel Cifala says
I remember Mr. Zezula well. I respected him immensely. He was very intune to his students and never missed a thing; I honestly believed he had eyes in the back of his head for a long time. I think he told us that and obviously convinced me. 8th grade Science was a memorable class because of him. I remember him as being very kind and passionate about science and his students. Sincere condolences.
John Wood says
Me too, 8th grade science! ‘Mr. Zezula’ was one of the best junior high teachers. I remember hs him being kind, thoughtful and energetic in the classroom. He could draw an amazing grasshopper on the chalkboard. So glad he put up with this age group — and likely earned his wings doing it! God bless him!
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Delmar S. Zezula – It was not the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Ana says
My deepest sympathy to Delmars’ family! I worked at friendship villa for 3 years and he was the most loveable gentleman. He always made you laugh and had a very funny come back..he will be missed and remember he was loved.
S. Elaine says
I read with sadness of your loss. My deepest condolences to you and the family. During this difficult time many find it comforting to draw close to God in prayer. He is a comforter of all those who mourn. He will listen to your prayers and grant you peace. May you find solace in the Bible’s promise of a brighter future when our loved ones awake from their restful sleep to enjoy life in paradise – never having to say goodbye to us again. Psalms 37:11,29; Matthew 5:5; John 11:11, 21-26; Revelation 21:3,4. Many are finding solace in this promise. I pray that you will also. Loving thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shumon Pius says
I didn’t know Mr. Zezula real well, however he did teach me hunter’s safety when I was in H.S. and that was a worthwhile endeavor. He taught us well. My condolences to all his family
Cyndy (Young) Schimke says
Mr. Zezula was without a doubt, the most memorable and influential teacher I ever had. He taught me/us so much more than science. RIP and condolences to his family. Thank you for all you did!
Karen Krausz says
My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Zezula’s family. I was also one of his students so long ago. He was always very kind and took an interest in each one of us. He sparked an interest in science in me that has served me well in my nursing career. Thank you Mr. Zezula for being such a wonderful teacher.
Kay Carlson says
Mr. Zezula was a wonderful teacher. He made science so interesting! He was such a blessing to way too many to even begin to count. Thank you for your kindness, your caring and devotion to your students Mr. Zezula. On to new adventures.
Marcia (Huber) Heydt says
Peace and Love to Mr. Zezula and his family.
Candace Pearson says
Delmar was brother to my longtime landlord in Calif, Frank Zezula. When they were both younger, Delmar would often drive down from Montana to help Frank with his property in Los Angeles. Delmar would plunge right in as soon as he got here, fixing furnaces, light switches, railings and more. He was always so kind and gracious to everyone, “a true gentleman,” as one of my neighbors said. For all of us here in Calif, our condolences to Delmar’s family and friends. A huge loss.
Duane and Claire Zezula says
Delmar was the last of the Zezula brothers. We will miss having him to call and send letters to. He was our Uncle, and the great uncle to our children. Even though the Army moved us all around the world, we still liked to know that there were older relatives who lived full lives and had the old family memories. I’m sure that Delmar’s brother, Ed, our father, is having a reunion in heaven right now. Rest in peace, Delmar.
Deborah Polk Gross says
Mr. Zezula made science come alive. I remember the day he brought in a cow’s heart to show us the chambers. I was fascinated. He was one of those teachers you don’t forget. May he rest in peace.
Vick Kouba says
Mr. Zezula was my science teacher in 1961 and 1962– he didn’t just teach science, he let us live science, and helped us understand how to think and write scientifically. Much later in life, When I had to write proposals asking for funding from the National Science Foundation. I always thought to myself, “What would Mr. Zezula expect to see?” I wrote for him — and that contributed greatly to getting the funding. A special memory is him letting us play with Walter, the white rat. Rest in peace, Mr. Zezula.
Bill Freese says
Zeke was my seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher. I still feel a twinge of shame when I recall how I completely forgot to make an insect collection over the summer. Sorry, Mr. Zezula. I recall his claim that he knew what was going on behind his head because he could see it reflected in his glasses. I remember how he leaned into the corners as he walked. Mostly, I remember learning a great deal from him and enjoying it. Oh, and sorry it took me a decade to get around to leaving this comment. I know he’ll understand.