John Daniel “Z” Zedrow

John Daniel “Z” Zedrow passed away unexpectedly of unknown causes on September 26, 2023 at age 75 (going on 50) years young.  He died just after doing one of the things he loved most: taking a pontoon ride on his boat “Jimmy” and listening to music near his beloved lake house on Lake Lanier. He had just taken a picture of the Lord’s beautiful sunset. He spent the day doing “projects” – one of his biggest passions in life. His desire to stay busy was unsurpassed, whether he was building decks, doing home maintenance, helping others, or just blowing the leaves.  Z was loved by so many and never met a stranger.  His warmth and charisma touched not only all who knew and loved him but also those he had just met.  He will be remembered as kind, selfless, humorous, loving, devoted, knowledgeable, humble, hard-working, generous, and completely unpretentious. He was the definition of “a really great guy.”

Z was an Illinois native growing up on a dairy farm in Naperville. He held state track records for many years, ran collegiate track, and attended the University of Illinois and Western Michigan University, earning a BS degree in Aviation Management & Engineering. His thesis was to build a plane and then be graded by a successful solo flight. Needless to say, he passed with “flying” colors.  His memories of those days were priceless, and he had always wanted to continue flying, but the fuel shortages in the mid-70s precluded that career.  He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and was proud to connect with many Sigma Chis (including his son-in-law) later in life. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was an M16 marksman and a field mechanic, working on jeeps and helicopters.  He was also in the US Army Reserves for 6 years.  He moved to Atlanta in 1976 where he met his best friend and soon to be wife, Patti.  They married a year later and celebrated their 46^th wedding anniversary in April.  Their connection began over their love of the lake and music, and continued throughout their marriage as they shared hobbies and many joyous years raising their daughter and celebrating life with friends and family.

Z worked for Carrier Corporation for almost 40 years in Commercial & Industrial sales. He was connected to so many people in the industry, and he couldn’t ride around the city without pointing out the buildings whose air conditioning was a courtesy of his efforts. One of his most beloved customers was Lockheed Martin. His gate pass into their complex was a very treasured item, one he jokingly bragged about.

Z was a man of many hobbies. He was a scuba diver, a snow skier, a gardener, a train collector, a “Mr. Fix-it,” and an avid sports fan (especially for Auburn, the Braves, and the Cubs).  He was ceremoniously and humorously inducted into the Auburn Alumni Association by his dear Auburn friends. He was genuinely and proudly part of the Auburn family. 

Z’s daughter, Jayme, was the twinkle in his eye and the beat of his heart. Their connection was incredibly deep and incomparable. Jayme’s friends had a second dad, and he always felt so blessed to be a part of their lives.  Jayme and her husband Casey are expecting their first child in January.  Z and Patti had such fun preparing a nursery in anticipation of their granddaughter, and we know Z will forever be her guardian angel.

Z was an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to all.  He has been united in heaven with his parents (John and Laura Zedrow), the mother-in-law he adored (Isabel Palmer), and some of his dearest friends, all of whom we know welcomed him with open arms. Z is survived by his wife Patti, his daughter Jayme (Casey) Maher, his siblings Laura Jo Zedrow (Mike Milligan), Don (Linda) Zedrow, and Martha (Chip) Heun, his sisters-in-law, Joan Johnson and Shirley (Scott) Childs, and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service will be held at the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta, GA on November 10^th at 11am followed by a reception at the Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to BrightPoint for Children, a non-profit organization dear to his heart.  https://brightpointforchildren.org

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.