NAPLES, Fla. — Vernon “Bud” Zolman, a co-founder of Monteith Tire in South Bend, Ind., and founder of Zolman's Tire in Mishiwaka, Ind., died unexpectedly June 14 in Naples. He was 73.
Mr. Zolman was a life-long resident of northern Indiana, where he went to work early in his career with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in the Firestone retail store network. He was a “roaming store manager” and credit manager.
In 1966 he left Firestone and teamed up with Ray Monteith and Paul Zurcher to start Monteith Tire in his hometown of Warsaw, Ind.
Twelve years later, in 1978, Mr. Zolman and his wife Diane opened Bud Zolman's Tire in Mishawaka.
Mr. Zolman emphasized hard work, integrity and family values. He had a heart for others and was passionate about community service.
Today, Zolman's Tire & Auto Care has grown to seven locations, with 10 departments and more than 100 employees.
Mr. Zolman also was an original founding partner in the Best-One Tire & Service group, which has grown to more than 250 affiliated outlets.
Mr. Zolman was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Diane (Silvius), and a daughter, Jacquelyn (Zolman) Gizzi. He is survived by daughter Stefani (Zolman) DeSchepper, and son Nathan D. Zolman, president of Zolman's Tire & Auto Care, along with 10 grandchildren.
Bubb Funeral Chapel in Mishawaka has scheduled visitation for 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26. There will also be visitation from 10 a.m. to noon on June 27 at First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka, followed by a sanctuary service from noon to 1 p.m. and a celebration luncheon from 1 to 2 p.m.
Flowers may be sent to Bubb Funeral Chapel; monetary donations in Mr. Zolman's honor may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Joseph County, Indiana.
