Dan J. Zerkel, Sr.

Dan Zerkel, Sr. passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 29, 2026. Dan was born in Dayton Ohio on January 3,1940 to Howard and Lillie Mae Zerkel. Dan graduated from high school in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He attended the University of Cincinnati for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Dan married his wife of 65 years, Sharon Gott Zerkel in 1961. They started their life together in Cincinnati, where Dan taught art to elementary school students in the Cincinnati Public Schools for 30 years, before retiring in 1993.

Dan and Sharon spent many years creating and selling doll house miniatures. Their hobby provided opportunities for friendships and travel across the country. Both Dan and Sharon were members of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) as well as local miniature clubs in Cincinnati and Columbus. 

After his retirement, Dan achieved master gardener certification. He was known for his love of gardening and his extensive knowledge of plants. While in Cincinnati, Dan joined the “dirt crew” at the Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati, volunteering to maintain the gardens there while also bringing additional friends and travel opportunities into his life. Dan and Sharon moved to Columbus in 2003. Dan spent many hours volunteering with the Columbus Miniature Society and with the city of Columbus Parks and Recreation at the Topiary Park.

Dan and Sharon enjoyed traveling and visited 49 of the 50 states.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, his brother Bill, and sister Sally Shappell. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; children Danny Jr. (Shelley) and Deanna Clifford; grandchildren, Yena Zerkel Geoff Plymale, and many loving family and friends.