NEW HAMPTON — Christopher “Chris” Richard Zenner, 58, of New Hampton, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. A longtime TriMark engineer with a gift for fixing and building, Chris found particular happiness in spending time with his grandchildren.
Friends may greet the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 101 West Main Street in New Hampton. Matthew Franzen, Julian Zenner and Kyle Zenner will serve as honorary urnbearers. The funeral home is handling arrangements.
Born in Waterloo to Richard and Kathleen (Downing) Zenner, Chris graduated from Waterloo East High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. His education helped shape a working life rooted in practical thinking, patience and the satisfaction of solving a problem.
Chris worked at Omega and later part time at John Deere before beginning a career at TriMark in New Hampton that spanned 28 years. As an engineer, he brought dependable effort and a knack for figuring things out to his work. Those same abilities followed him home, where there was often something to repair, improve or build.
Chris’s resourcefulness showed up in his pastimes, too. He made his own fishing tackle and strung his own recurve bow. Fishing and hunting gave him time to enjoy the outdoors, while projects around the house and Lego sets offered other ways to keep his hands and mind busy.
On January 7, 1989, Chris married Kathy Teasdale at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo after the two met through a friend. Their family remained an important part of his life through the changes that followed. He was a proud father to his son, Kyle, and especially treasured being a grandfather, making time with his grandchildren a priority.
Chris also enjoyed photography and capturing the people and moments that mattered to him. He followed the Kansas City Chiefs and liked watching their games whenever he could. His pleasures were often straightforward: family time, a favorite team, a day spent fishing or the quiet reward of finishing something he had made himself.
His family’s account describes a modest, capable man whose care showed through his actions. He could repair what was broken, lend a hand and patiently work through a task. That practical generosity was part of the life he shared with those around him.
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 his brother, Mike Zenner.
His family’s tribute and guestbook are available through Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory.
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