It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Nathan Anthony “Nate” Zanotti, age 88, announces the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and Urbandalite after a short illness on Friday morning, July 19, 2013 at Laurels of Bedford in Battle Creek, MI.
He was born August 31, 1924 in Three Rivers, MI the son of Pietro Zanotti and Catherine Vincenti Zanotti.
He married the former Gloria Joanne Potter in Battle Creek, MI on August 28, 1948 the daughter of Orman Earl Potter and Alice Byrnes.
Nate is survived by his wife: Gloria Joanne Zanotti of Battle Creek, MI; four wonderful children: Gregory & Jacqueline Zanotti; Jeffrey & Carole Zanotti; Peggy & Michael Williams all of Battle Creek; Mark Zanotti of Galesburg, MI, six grandchildren: Anthony & Mariella Zanotti; Andrea & Keith TeWinkel; Justin Zanotti, Maren Zanotti; Michelle & Matt Long; and Rochelle Frey-Fetters; and four Great grandchildren; Drew, Noelle, and Trent TeWinkel, Preston Frey; and his feline companions at home L.E. and M.E. (his cats).
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother – Domenic Zanotti, 6 sisters: infant Caterina Zanotti; Katherine "Katie" Zanotti; Lucille Avery; Dora Wideman; Mary Rarick; and Joyce Regni.
Nate graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1943; from there he was employed by Clark Equipment Co. for 39 years. He started as a tool designer, and then after substantial retraining, became a manufacturing engineer who recommended and supervised the installation of new technology equipment in the plant. He retired from Clark Equipment Company in 1982.
After his retirement, he shared his passion for photography by teaching a class through the Lakeview Adult Education Program twice a year. He was the Staff photographer for Scene Magazine for many years and he took all the photos for the Felpausch supermarket awards banquets. He took pictures for the Breakfast Table Festival and worked with the Balloon Championship committee taking photos at the event. He was involved with the Battle Creek Camera Club for 45 years with many other local photographers. Both Nate and Gloria were involved in the Wildlife Series at the WK Kellogg Auditorium. With Accessvision, which he joined as a coordinator for Monday Mid-Day Magazine for 15 years, he was in front of and behind the cameras as a volunteer.
When his children were young, he participated in PTA functions at the Urbandale Elementary School, including the Urbandale School Men's Club, where he helped coach the boys summer softball program and the Spring “Frolic” carnival held yearly. The carnival was the fundraiser used to supply the sports equipment and uniforms to the teams.


He was one of the founding members in 1982 of ULABA in Urbandale Level Park, he and Gloria were involved with the effort to bring Christmas lights to the area. He and Gloria worked yearly on the Urbandale Homecoming Event. Nate was named Urbandale Homecoming Citizen of the Year in 2002, and was Grand Marshall in 2003. He was the "honorary Mayor of Urbandale" the following year, or as his close friend Dave Eddy, former WBCK radio personality, titled Nate as the "Ornery Mayor of Urbandale". For many years he was a member of the Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council.
Nate was a faithful member of the Christ United Methodist Church and was a member of the church’s Men's Bible Study & Breakfast club. Head Usher who scheduled the usher teams and he held other positions at church.
Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 where the family will be present from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral services commemorating Nate Zanotti’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Christ United Methodist Church with Pastor Scott Bouldrey and Rev. Dr. James Gysel. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial tributes may be made to: Christ United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 Please leave a remembrance or message for the family on Nate Zanotti’s web-page at www.bachmanhebble.com