Mary Jane Zeis

Mary Jane “Janie” Zeis, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 16, 2025. She was born on April 22, 1934, in Findlay, Ohio to the late William and Pearl (Fritz) Crohen.

Janie graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1952 and was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Port Clinton. Her deep faith guided a lifetime of service to her family, church, and community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Lock Zeis. Together, they shared a passion for adventure, traveling to 49 states in their camper van. Many of those journeys were filled with the laughter of children and grandchildren who

joined along.

Janie was a devoted mother to Angie (Michael) Dale, Diane (Jim) Stein, Paul (Sharon) Zeis, Cathy (Dick) Holz, and Sara (Ted) Marquis. She was cherished by her grandchildren: Robbie, Ryan, Katlin (Jeff), Joe, Nick, Evan, Steven, Kevin (Jess),

Lauren (Matt), Kelsey (Kyle), Alex (Peter), Mackenzie, and Sydney. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Leah Jane, Logan Lockwood, Riley Eleanor, and Finnegan Lockwood. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Susan Payne

and Jan Crohen, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Janie retired from the Ottawa County Board of Elections and, alongside Lock, was a cornerstone of the Ottawa County Museum on Third Street in Port Clinton. Her tireless dedication to preserving local history was instrumental in planning,

building, and establishing the museum’s addition, affectionately named “The Zeis Wing” in 2010. She also served as an officer for the museum.

Her community involvement was extensive and heartfelt. Janie served as CYO Director and CCD teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, and was an active member of the Ave Maria Study Club, the Altar and Rosary Society, the Midnight Christian Patrol,

the Literary and Social Club, the Sewing Club, Janie’s Knitting Club and the Port Clinton Yacht Club. She was a devoted volunteer at Magruder Hospital.

Janie had a gift for creating warmth—whether through her knitted sweaters and afghans or in her flower and vegetable gardens that she tended with care. She was happiest when surrounded by family, sharing stories, laughter, and love.

Her life was one of service, joy, and enduring faith. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 8 PM at Gerner – Wolf – Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington St., Port Clinton, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 25 at 10:00 AM at Immaculate

Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton, with Fr. Jonathan Wight officiating. Following Mass, burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at 11:30 AM at the Knights of Columbus

Hall, 109 E. Perry Street, Port Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: - Ottawa County Museum, P.O. Box 845, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 - Immaculate Conception Church and/or School, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton,Ohio 43452. Online condolences may be expressed at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com