Past BBU President Zipperer Passes Away at 79

Jennie Lee Wheeler Zipperer
February 18th 1935 – February 7th 2015

Jennie Lee Wheeler Zipperer, beloved wife and cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday in Ft Myers, Florida. She will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her husband of over 62 years, John O Zipperer Jr.; Her four children: John O Zipperer III (Amy), Dianne Zipperer Streid (Delbert Streid, deceased), Robert Douglas Zipperer (Catherine), Jennie Elizabeth Zipperer; eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, youngest sister, Mary Howard DeBiase, and countless friends and acquaintances.

Zipperer enjoying a visit with BBU Executive Vice President in June 2014

Jennie Lee was born on February 18, 1935 in Ft Myers, FL to Howard Lloyd and Nadi Frances Wheeler. She was their first child, and eldest of three daughters. Her family continued to reside in Ft Myers, where she was a graduate of Ft Myers High School, before training in science and genetics while attending the University of Florida.

Her agricultural legacy began upon meeting and marrying her husband in 1953, then a student in the College of Agriculture at the University of Florida. Together, as partners, they played an invaluable role in making Florida farming what it is today.

Filled with compassion and interest in others, Jennie Lee made friends easily and maintained contact with many. As a leader in her community, she was instrumental in guiding and establishing numerous councils and civic organizations while promoting and cultivating the advancement, beautification, and success of Fort Myers and its surrounding areas.

While her involvement in business and community kept her very busy, her true devotion was to her husband above all.

For those that wish to pay tribute, Funeral Services will be held on Friday February 13th at 10:30am at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd. Presiding Pastor will be Dr. Jeff Deyoe, with Mr. John W Sheppard officiating. A viewing will be held the day before, Thursday, February 12th from 6pm – 8pm at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Liver Foundation.

Through the website:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/howtohelp/donate/ and click on Memorial gift.

By mail:
Indicate on the check that the donation is in memory of Jennie Lee Wheeler Zipperer. Checks can be mailed to the address below:
American Liver Foundation
39 Broadway, Suite 2700
New York, NY 10006

or to the B.E.E.F. Scholarship, c/o Beefmaster Breeders United, 6800 Park Ten Blvd., Suite 290 West, San Antonio, TX 78213. Please notate on your check that the donation is in memory of Jennie Lee Wheeler Zipperer. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to leave a condolence to her family.

For additional information, please contact:
Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, Renee Duncan 239-936-2177