Dean and Debra Zentz have spent their lives in the service of others; often, they serve those many years younger than themselves.
After graduating from Manchester College, Dean relocated to Warsaw and immediately sought ways to get involved. He served on the boards of Kosciusko County Youth Soccer and United Way of Kosciusko County. He also coached youth soccer, little league baseball and basketball for many years.
Soccer holds a special place in Dean’s heart and life. He played most of his life, from high school through college and even adult soccer leagues. Dean particularly remembers his high school and college soccer coaches, Coach Snyder and Coach Shrock, for the impact they had on his life. They taught him to play at a higher level. They also inspired and encouraged him to set and achieve goals.
For her part, Debra enjoys etching, woodwork and designing gifts and signage for weddings, birthdays, Christmas and more. The pieces she creates are a blessing to those who receive them – often at no charge. When they are not working, Dean and Debra enjoy their home on Chapman Lake. They regularly host their four children and 10 grandchildren.
To further serve young adults, Dean and Debra established the Zentz Family Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund provides scholarships to soccer athletes from Warsaw High School who hope to pursue higher education. Through the fund, the Zentz family hopes to enrich students’ lives and inspire others to invest in the next generation.
“Give to an organization that will develop our young people,” Dean urges future donors. “It’s a gift that will carry on for generations.”