Merle "Bud" Zetler

Merle “Bud” Zetler
Rixford- Merle “Bud” Zetler, 89, of Looker Mountain Trail, passed away Wednesday (March 5th, 2014) at the Olean General Hospital.
Born March 28th, 1924 in Kane, he was a son of George and Hazel Hotton Zetler.  Merle was a 1943 graduate of Otto High School.  He married Geraldine Baker on July 9th, 1948 in Rixford.  
Merle served in the Merchant Marines in all 4 theaters of World War Two. He was employed by South Penn Oil Company and later Dresser Industries of Olean until his retirement in 1985.
Merle was a member of the Duke Center United Methodist Church where he held many offices.  He was also a member of the Duke Center Masonic Lodge # 555 F&AM, where he was treasurer for over 30 years, Royal Arch Chapter #260, past Patron of Keystone Chapter # 2 of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Eldred American Legion Post 887, the Pennsylvania Tree Farmers Association, and North Central Forest Landowners Association.
Merle enjoyed tree farming in which he was the Pennsylvania Tree Farmer of the Year in 1996.  He also enjoyed working and maintaining his oil lease for the past 60 years, as well as spending time with his family.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his daughter, Susan (Jim)  Zirkle of Duke Center;  grandchildren, Torrey (Olga) Frederick of Pittsburgh and Saree Frederick of Rixford; and a brother, Alan Zetler of Dillon, Montana.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Phillip Zetler.
Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the Frame Funeral Home in Eldred; and Saturday at the Duke Center United Methodist Church from 10 to 11 am, at which time funeral services will be held with the Rev. Gary Sheesley officiating.  Burial will follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville.  
The family would like to invite all of those attending the funeral to a luncheon at the Duke Center United Methodist Church immediately following the funeral.
A service will be held by the Duke Center Masonic Lodge #555 F&AM at 8:30 pm Friday evening at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Duke Center United Methodist Church or to the American Heart Association.
Online Condolences may be made at www.framefuenralhome.com

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