"Cliff knew me as Joanne Estes. I taught first grade at Cactus Wren. I remember he always walked through all of our classrooms with his cup of coffee in his hand every day. He was BY FAR my favorite principal! I am sorry for your loss, Joan. My father passed away in 2006, and my mother is still having trouble with that. I will be praying for you."
In loving memory of
Clifford J. Zehr
Clifford J. Zehr of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on April 2, 2010 at 87 years of age. The oldest of four brothers, he was born in his family’s farm home in Reno County, Kansas, March 23, 1923. He moved with his family to Phoenix in 1936. He was a WWII veteran of the Army Air Corps and served in the Galapagos Islands. He earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from ASU. He began his career as an elementary school teacher and retired after 33 years as a beloved Principal. Survivors include Joan, his wife of almost 60 years, brother Robert, three children Andrew, Lisa, Matthew, five grandchildren Lindsay, Davy, Andrea, Brennan, Chrysta and one great grandchild Trevor. His greatest joys were his family and his staff which he always said were the best in the world! Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 24th, 11:00 am at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 3839 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85028. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Evercare Hospice, 3141 N. Third Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013 or Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to send online condolences.
Tributes
"Mr. Zehr was my principal at Desert View Elementary from 1966 - 1970. I later student taught with Joan at Arroyo in 1978. Both of you have had an impact on my life. I am still teaching and I remember many fine examples of leadership when I look back fondly at our times together. Please know your family will be in my prayers. Laura (Ward) Watson"
"I am sorry to hear about your grandpa Lindsay! I had a lot of respect for him. My prayers are with you and your family."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Joan,Lisa, Andy and Matt. Your dad was such a big part of my young life! Since I only lived one house away, I considered you my second family. Cliffs words to me will always be a part of my life "DeWitt, go get some shoes on! Love you all and Cliff will forever be in my memories!"
"To All of Mr. Zehr’s Family: Mr. Zehr was my principal in grades 5-8. Whether it was with a kind word, a stern admonition, or the very rare paddle, he always encouraged me to move beyond where I was to some place better. I never realized how much he loved us until many years later when, as a teacher, I saw good school leaders and mediocre administrators. My parents, both teachers and now passed on, worked with Ray in the Cartwright District for manys years, and our families attended Faith United Methodist Church together. There was a great love for children and investment in their futures.which our families shared. Mr. Zehr has left a great legacy and he will be missed. God Bless All of You, Rev. Howard J. Moses, Chaplain Weekends, Central Phoenix After Hours Services Hospice of the Valley Cactus Wren School 8th Grade Class of 1975"
"Cliff was the perfect first principal for this mouthy, opinionated youngster from Southern California. He saw the creative side and helped to smooth the rough edges from my teaching style. I will hold Cliff forever in my heart as the true standard of the best sort of person and principal. There have been other administrators in my 36 years of teaching, but non with the compassion and foresight that Cliff innately possessed. To you Joan I say, thank you for sharing the wonderful man who was your husband with all the students and staff he touched. Fondly, Barbara DeGroff (Cactus Wren, 1972-1980)"
"Dear Joan and Family, Cliff gave me my first School Nurses job at Sunburst. I loved working for him and with him! He was kind , funny, always concerned about his students and the "Greatest Principal Ever ". He made coming to work a real pleasure. The end of year get togethers at the Zehr house were the best. I remember one of his sons would always dress up for Halloween and just show up at school and never talk. It would freak out the office staff to no end but Cliff would just laugh and say, it’s just my son. He is a man I will always remember and hold in the highest esteem. I am still the nurse at Sunburt and will retire next year after 29 years. Thanks Cliff for having a hand in this great experience that I have had at Sunbust. Your family must be feeling such a void at your passing."
"Dear Joan, You probably don’t remember me because we worked together over 30 years ago, and just for a few weeks; since I worked at Arroyo as a new teacher for only 3 weeks. But I do remember a wonderful staff party you and Cliff hosted in your home. Throughout my years in the district I heard nothing but kind words about Cliff. He was loved and respected by all he encountered. My sympathies go out to you at this difficult time. He will be missed by many. God bless, Shirley (Engelhardt) Rogers"
"I attended Desert View Elementary in the ’60s, and although I didn’t realize it then, I had a lot of respect for Mr. Zehr and his position as principal. My condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed."
"The reason Cliff loved his staff is because the staff loved him. I owe my many good friends to the fact that Cliff gave me a great job at Cactus Wren. We will all be there to celebrate his life."
"Sorry to read in the paper this morning of the passing of Cliff.Since we will not be in town over the week end of his service we just wanted you to know we are thinking of you. He truly was a kind, caring principal and lover of his staff and children. We remember getting together and trying to trace roots of our families. We didn’t realize he was that much older than Wendell who is 82. Time passes so quickly. Our sympathy to you Joan and all of your family. Wendell and Lugene"