Reverend Frederick Baker Zikeli

The Reverend Frederick Baker Zikeli, 85, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away Saturday September 24, 2022. He was born May 21, 1937, in Ellwood City, PA, the son of the late Andrew F. and Margaret (Lightner) Zikeli. Fred graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955, from Thiel College in 1959, and Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1963. Pastor Zeke, as he was affectionately known to so many, was ordained on June 13, 1963. He served St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS from 1961-1962; Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chambersburg, PA from 1963-1965; the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Apollo, PA from 1965-1988; and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity in Irwin, PA from 1988 until his retirement in 2000. Pastor Zeke continued to serve as a supply pastor for many local congregations and at Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL where he spent his winters. He was very active in youth ministry in the Apollo and Irwin congregations, teaching innumerable kids from the Apollo church to tent camp and water ski at Lake Chautauqua. He was also instrumental in starting a confirmation camp program with his fellow pastors from Warren, Corry and Erie, PA, and enjoyed teaching God’s word to the young confirmands for over 20 years at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, PA. “Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly.” -Martin Luther Pastor Zeke remained a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Irwin, and was also a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers where he sang in the choir and served as a supply pastor. He volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels and served on the boards while in Apollo and later in Irwin. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Shidle Lodge No. 601 in Irwin, PA. He enjoyed spending time at Fort Myers Beach with Bev, Melanie, Andy, Nate and Bri, and many friends; socializing at his retirement community center, dining and dancing with Kathi, and rarely missed a day at the pool. He was a lifelong golfer and enjoyed the many golf trips with Bev, Andy and friends; playing in the BROMAS Masonic league in the summer and the Century 21 community league in Florida during the winter months; and finally achieved his goal of shooting par golf just three summers ago. He was preceded in death by Beverly Zikeli, his beloved wife of more than 57 years. He is survived by his daughter Melanie Zikeli-Hines of Fort Myers, FL.; his son Andrew F. Zikeli II of North Huntingdon, PA; his grandchildren Nathaniel Washington of Fort Myers, FL and Brianna Washington of Alexandria, VA; his sisters Nancy (William) Herge of Audubon, PA, and Elizabeth (Toivo) Laitinen of Dale City, VA; sisters-in-law Barbara (the late George) Zikeli of Atlantic Beach, FL, Charlotte (the late Alan) Yates of Columbus, OH, Karen (Terry) Kiesling of Scottsdale, AZ, brother-in-law David (the late Doris)Tritt of Philadelphia, PA; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dear friend and companion Kathi (the late Matthew) Ciminero of Niles, OH. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the William Snyder Funeral Home Inc., 521 Main Street, Irwin. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow, officiating. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery. A masonic funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 Main Street, Irwin, 15642. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Reverend Frederick Baker Zikeli

May 21, 1937 - September 24, 2022