Henry Zell
March 17, 1942 — January 19, 2015
Hank Zell, age 72, a lifelong farmer from Shelby passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Hank was born March 17, 1942 to Rawlin and Betty (McDermott) Zell in Shelby. Hank attended Shelby public schools and graduated in 1960. Hank served in U.S. Army National Guard. Hank married Wanda Rambo on August 16, 1963. Every part of Hank’s life involved his love of the farm.
In January 1994, the soft spoken Hank drove his truck to Shelby and blocked the entrance of the grain elevator that ConAgra Inc was using to import millions of bushels of Canadian Grain. This led to the ongoing NAFTA debate. Hank partnered with his friend Ron, general manager Ross Thayer-CHS and support of the community of Shelby to have their voice heard about the future of the American Farmer.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry; sister, Colette (Zell) Zimmerman; and great niece Alyissa.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda (Rambo) Zell of Shelby; son, John (Leigh) Zell of Shelby; daughter, Shannan (Joe) Bogner of Kalispell; his precious grandchildren, Henry Zell of Shelby, Rawlin Bogner of Kalispell, and Carly Zell of Shelby; sisters Lucile (Larry) Smith of Shelby, Helen (Steve) Leck of Galata; foster son David Wideman of Silverdale, WA, 8 nieces and nephews, and 3 great nephews. Hank always spoke fondly of the special people who shared his home including Brett, Garrett, Bryce, Terri, Jon, Nicole, and countless others.
A celebration of life will be 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Shelby 1st Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations: Peace Hospice of Montana-1101 26th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405 or Echoz Pregnancy Center -3226 10th Ave South, Great Falls, MT 59405. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. Please visit Hank’s online memorial and leave a message of condolence for the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.