David Zender Obituary

David Thomas Zender

David Thomas Zender, 63, of Fremont, passed away peacefully Monday, March 30, 2026, after a sudden illness.

David was born May 3, 1962, in Tiffin, to John Henry Zender and Patricia Frankhart Zender Walliser. Dave was proud of his business degree from Tiffin University and spent much of his life putting his business education to use, either in marketing or sales, or as a self-employed entrepreneur, in several business ventures. David loved music and movies his whole life. His latest interests involved cooking, painting and assembling collages of found objects. David had ups and downs in his life, but when he got knocked down, he always managed to get back up and reinvent himself.

David is survived by his daughter, Crystal Zender and her partner, Tony Kodes; and Dave's beloved grandchildren, Sophia, Grayson, Catalina and Wyatt. Also surviving are his siblings, Cynthia Zender, John Zender and Rev. Mark Zender; his stepmother, Carol Zender; and his stepbrothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins on both sides of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Zender and Patricia Walliser and his stepfather, Frederick Walliser.

At David's request, there will be no funeral service.

Donations may be made in his memory to American Lung Association and American Heart Association.