Ireta Katheryn Zerkel

Ireta Katheryn Zerkel, 97, of Winchester, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Ireta was born on June 8, 1929, in Berne, Indiana. She was a 1947 graduate of Gray High School. Ireta retired from Anchor Glass in Winchester. She had also worked for Sam’s Drive-In and Bunsold’s Grocery. Ireta was a member of the Spartanburg Christian Church. She enjoyed puzzles, crosswords, and taking walks.

Ireta is survived by four grandchildren, Jason Crist, Heather Frontz, Brandon Keller (Ashley), and Jamie Keller (Josh Cash); two great-grandchildren, Hailey Shaw and Jamie Cash; two great-great grandchildren, Kennedy Shaw and Harrison Shaw; son-in-law, Rusty Keller; and two siblings, Keith Lehman and Arlou Whiteneck.

Ireta was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Zerkel; three children, Vickie Zerkel, Karen Keller, and Steven Zerkel; father, Otto Sommer; mother, Wilma Lehman; three siblings, Glendon Sommer; Charlene Whiteneck, and Sharon Bouser; and her step-father, Willis Lehman.

A funeral service to celebrate Ireta’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, July 27, 2026, at Walker Funeral Home in Winchester. Burial will follow in Fountain Park Cemetery.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm Monday, at Walker Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Spartanburg Christian Church, 6714 E. County Road 700 S., Lynn, IN 47355.

Walker Funeral Home in Winchester is entrusted with arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerswinchester.com. 

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