John C. Zickefoose, 57, of Millersburg Dies; Memorial Service Planned

John C. Zickefoose, 57, a Millersburg resident, died at home surrounded by family, leaving a wide circle of relatives and neighbors who knew him as a veteran and a steady presence in county work and community life. The family has scheduled visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. and a memorial service at 3 p.m. Friday, February 20, at Alexander Funeral Home, 8612 Ohio 39, Millersburg.

"John C. Zickefoose, age 57, passed peacefully at home on February 6, 2026 surrounded by his family," the Alexander Funeral Home obituary states. He was born December 5, 1968. Alexander Funeral Home's obituary lists his birth as to "Paula and Olin Olney and Terry and Mary Jo Zickefoose," while another reproduction of the notice, Echovita, lists his parents as "Olin Olney and Mary Jo Zickefoose." The differing phrasings are reflected in the notices available from the funeral home and online memorial platforms.

The obituary and local notices note Zickefoose's military service and working life. "He honorably served his country in the United States Army during Iraqi Freedom," one notice says. After military service he retired from the Holmes County Highway Department and D&M Rocks, where he was remembered for a strong work ethic. One account says he was known for "reliability, and willingness to do the hard jobs without complaint." Those dual roles, veteran and county worker, situate Zickefoose among residents whose public service and private labor have direct bearing on Holmes County's civic functioning.

Family and community ties are prominent in the notices. He is survived by his wife, Sunny; children Rileigh Miller (Jake), Dalton Zickefoose (Brooke), Harlie Spurlock, Starr Wade (Zach), and Abigail Patterson; and grandchildren Mason, Myles, Madelyn, Max, Meryn Miller, Hayden, Hadlee, Hudson Zickefoose, Samuel Wade, and Lilly Wade. Siblings listed include Matt Zickefoose (Tina), Tim Olney, Sam Olney, Wes Olney, and Luke Olney (Randee). Stepsiblings named are Jack Whitney (Kelly), Virginia Anderson (Doug), and Cindy Rippeth.

Alexander Funeral Home is handling arrangements and can be reached at 1-330-674-4811. The funeral home’s obituary page invites remembrances and provides options to send flowers, add photos, or make other tributes. The family suggests memorial contributions "may be made to your favorite Veterans organization" in honor of Zickefoose.

For neighbors who attended Holmes County Highway Department operations, those who follow local veterans groups, and families who saw Zickefoose at grandchildren’s sporting events, his death is a reminder of the personal ties that sustain county services and volunteer networks. Residents who wish to pay respects can attend the visitation and memorial Feb. 20 or contact Alexander Funeral Home for guidance on remembrances or memorial contributions.