MISHAWAKA – Vernon Dee “Bud” Zolman, 73, came to rest June 14, 2015, in his residence in Naples, Fla. He was born April 6, 1942, to Maynard and Irma Zolman. He married Diane Kay Silveus, who preceded him in death. She was his childhood sweetheart and best friend and they were married for 49 years. He became the man of the house at the age of 14 with the death of his father. He spent each day for the rest of his life working hard, mentoring and modeling integrity to everyone he met. He was a 1962 graduate of Warsaw High School and attended Manchester College. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He initially worked for Corporate Firestone as a roaming store manager and credit manager. In 1966, he helped Ray Monteith and Paul Zurcher open the first Monteith Tire in Warsaw. In 1978 the Zolman family moved to Mishawaka and opened their own store, Bud Zolman’s Tire. With his guidance and wisdom, he and his son Nate grew the family business. Now called Zolman’s Tire & Auto Care, the company has expanded to seven locations, 10 departments and over 100 employees, which are truly extended family. He had a contagious smile, ornery twinkle in his eye, a generous heart and the love and respect of all who knew him. He had a thirst for speed and quenched it by racing snowmobiles, testing Indy cars for the Andrettis, driving supercharged muscle cars which he fine-tuned himself, and a brief stint with motorcycles in the ‘80s. He left this earth unexpectedly with the speed he loved and has now rejoined the love of his life on that eternal dance floor. Survivors are: three children and 10 grandchildren: Stefani Zolman (and spouse Dan) DeSchepper and Heather, Holly and Hannah DeSchepper, all of Osceola,; Jacquelyn Zolman Gizzi and Cory (and spouse Amanda) and Rocky Gizzi, all of South Bend; and Nathan (and spouse Tabitha) Zolman and Jared, Brock, Meadow, Noelle, and Avory Zolman, all of Granger; a brother, Jan (and spouse Joyce) Zolman, Warsaw; a sister, Jeanne Hoffman; nephew, Brad (and spouse Kathy) Zolman, Warsaw; and four nieces: Brooklyn, Warsaw; and Daphne, Dana, Dyan and Danielle, all of Simi Valley, Calif. He was also preceded in death by his parents. Services will be at noon Saturday at First Methodist Church, 201 E. 3rd St., Mishawaka, followed by a meal served at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, and at 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church. ***** Memorials to Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Joseph County may be sent to Bubb Funeral Chapel.
