Margaret Mary (Krick) Zehner

Margaret Mary (Krick) Zehner, 94, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Known as Peg to many, she was born on February 7, 1932, to John and Grace (Nartker) Krick, in a little house on Main Street in Kendallville, Indiana and was the fourth of six children. 

She married Richard “Dick” Zehner on September 5, 1953. He preceded her in death on June 30, 1991. Together, they settled in Auburn and built the third house in the 1200 block of Superior Dr., dubbed “Kid Heaven” over the years, due to the many young families there. During her time as a stay-at-home mom, she cared for many children throughout the years. 

During her life she also worked as an aide at Glen Oaks and Betz Nursing Home. She worked for over 10 years in the cafeteria at Waterloo Elementary School and absolutely loved it. She continued to work as a caregiver, caring for the elderly for TruCare, at the elderly age of 80, which was a joke in the family. 

Her children were able to keep a promise to her, many years ago, that she would be able to remain in her home in her last years. When the time came for around the clock care, her daughter Marlys, moved back to Indiana from Texas and was her live in caregiver and so we were able to grant her wish and keep their promise. 

She came from a family of many restaurant owners, and she and Dick owned The Northway Inn, in Auburn from 1984 through 1997. 

Surviving are five children, Dawn (Darrell) Klopfenstein, Marlys Reynolds, Elaine (Brad) Middleton, Kurt (Juanita Medellin) Zehner, and Kari (Staci) Clemmer; 12 grandchildren, Adam (Susie) Klopfenstein, Trent (Kristin) Klopfenstein, Lee (Brandy) Sexton, Brad (Kendra) McDaniel, Emily (Adam) Haffner, Derek Husted, Matt (Sarah) Zehner, Aaron (Cigi) Zehner, Greg (Tina) Zehner, Angela Conner, Ashley (Brad Hankey) Clabaugh and Abigail (Eric) Smith; three step grandchildren, Kellye Clemmer, Eddie Medellin and Thomas Medellin; 31 great grandchildren, Walker (Taylor), Brenton, Jolie, Claire, Nolan, Jenna, Jayden, Isabella, Margaret, William, Isaac, Bailee, Jada, Corbin, Kenna, Kelsi, Jessa, Carly, Sawyer, Jared, Madison, Caleb, Rhett, Crew, Swayzee, Jordy, Cohen, Hayden, Teegan, Charlie and Syler; six step great grandchildren, Kaydan, Bodie, Mason, Jayla, Kruz and Elsie; five great-great grandchildren, Sadie, Colton, James, Noah and Oaklen; and many beloved nieces and nephews.   

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Jack Krick, Valeria Betty, Jaynie Krick, Tom Krick and Dick Krick; granddaughter, Beth Sexton; and great grandson, Max Zehner.  Last but certainly not least, her fur-baby, Buddy. The family joked that he was her favorite, she would just smile and get a twinkle in her eye.

The children, grandchildren, family and friends have many amazing memories during their time at Manapogo Campground. 

She loved gambling, scratch-off tickets, Firekeepers and Las Vegas, and has said many times “It's a good thing we don’t live closer”, and yet another family joke. 

She was a member most of her life at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. 

She also was a member of the Moose, Elk’s and American Legion. 

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with Pastor Doug Thomas officiating. 

Burial will take place at the Catholic Cemetery in Auburn. 

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Memorial donations may be directed to DeKalb Humane Society, P. O. Box 806, Auburn, IN 46706. 

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