Christopher Richard Zenner

Christopher “Chris” Richard Zenner age 58 of New Hampton, IA died Wednesday, October 21, 2026 unexpectedly at his home.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.  Matthew Franzen, Julian Zenner, and Kyle Zenner will be serving as honorary urnbearers.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Chris was born on June 6, 1968, in Waterloo, to Richard and Kathleen (Downing) Zenner, and throughout his life he remained connected to the values of family, perseverance, and practical know-how that shaped the man so many came to appreciate and admire.

Chris was the son of a community he knew well and a world he helped shape with his steady hands and thoughtful mind. He graduated from Waterloo East High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, an accomplishment that reflected both his determination and his commitment to building a meaningful future. Education mattered to Chris, and he carried the discipline and problem-solving skills he gained into every part of his life.

Chris began his working life at Omega and later worked part time at John Deere before building a long and respected career as an engineer at TriMark in New Hampton, where he dedicated 28 years of service. He was known as a dependable employee and a man who could be counted on to figure things out. Handy in every sense of the word, Chris had a natural ability to repair, create, and improve whatever was in front of him. Whether at work or at home, he approached tasks with patience, confidence, and a practical spirit that served him well throughout his life.

On January 7, 1989, Chris was united in marriage to Kathy Teasdale at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. The two met through a friend, and their marriage became an important chapter in his life. Though life brought changes over the years, the family they built together remained a meaningful part of his story. He was a proud father to his son, Kyle Zenner, and treasured the role of grandfather above many others. He especially valued time with his grandchildren and made it a priority to be present in their lives as often as possible.

Chris found joy in simple pleasures and in the satisfaction of doing things for himself. He enjoyed fishing and took great pride in making his own fishing tackle. He liked hunting and spent time stringing his own recurve bow, a reflection of both his skill and his appreciation for doing things the old-fashioned way. He was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed watching them whenever he could. Photography was another interest that gave him enjoyment, and he liked taking pictures of the moments and people that mattered to him. He was always building something, whether it was a project around the house or something as simple as a Lego set. That instinct to create and assemble was part of who he was, and it brought him satisfaction throughout his life.

Those who knew Chris will remember him as a man who was steady, capable, and deeply practical. He was the kind of person who could fix what was broken, build what was needed, and quietly lend a hand without seeking attention. His presence was reassuring, and his work ethic was evident in all he did. He valued usefulness, craftsmanship, and the reward that comes from doing a job well. He carried himself with modesty and strength, and he left an impression on others through his actions more than his words.

Chris is survived by his son Kyle (Jessica) Zenner of Cedar Falls; brother Rodney (Nancy) Zenner of Illinois; grandchildren Matthew Franzen, Julian Zenner, Aubrey Zenner, and Amara Zenner; sister-in-law Linda Zenner; and nieces Brandy Zenner and Lindsay Mosher.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Kathleen (Downing) Zenner; and brother Mike Zenner.

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