Obituary for Harold P. Zoll

Harold Patrick Zoll, age 101, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Portland, Michigan, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Harold was born on April 28, 1924, and grew up on a farm in rural Waukon, Iowa. He is survived by his brother Daniel (Tina) Zoll and was preceded in death by siblings Anna Mae Zoll, Charles Zoll, Helen (Ken) Hilts, and Dennis Zoll.

Harold proudly served his country in World War II and later built a long career as a heavy equipment mechanic, working across the country from Nebraska to New York.

In 1955, Harold married Esmeralda (Grietens) Zoll, in Pierre, South Dakota. They shared a loving marriage that spanned more than 60 years until her passing in May 2017. After moving around the country for work, they eventually settled in Portland, Michigan in the 1960s.

Harold and Esmeralda raised five children who carry on his legacy: Steven (Colleen) Zoll, Susan (Sue McConnell) Zoll, Elaine (Jim) Fedewa, Thomas and (Melissa) Zoll, and Greg (Laurie) Zoll. Harold often said about their growing family—Steve was born in Omaha, Susie in Chicago, Elaine in Niagara Falls, Tom in Pontiac and Greg in Lansing.

Harold was also a proud grandfather to Lucas (Meghan) Zoll, Stephanie Zoll, Stacey (Mitchell) Meeusen, Katelyn (Erik) Newcombe, Michael (Jennie) Zoll, Kristina (David) Crusan, Alyssa (Ryan) Joy, and Nicholas (Rachelle) Zoll; and a great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren—with one more expected in August.

A man of many interests, Harold loved to golf and fish, and he once built a Starduster Too airplane in his own basement. In his later years, he could be found reading and listening to audiobooks on World War II.  He was also a man of faith, a devout Catholic, and longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland.

Harold was a kind and thoughtful person, always helping anyone with anything. He had a great sense of humor, but also quite the stubborn streak. He was fiercely independent – always wanting to do everything himself. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Lehman Funeral Home, 210 East Bridge Street, Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at The Brook for their wonderful care. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.