Peter Zoller
June 7, 2026
Peter Zoller, 83, retired Professor of English and Associate Vice President at Wichita State University, passed away on June 7th, 2026.
Peter attended the University of San Francisco and Claremont Graduate University. Peter was an integral part of the Wichita State College community, starting in 1973 when he joined the English Department as a professor. In addition to teaching thousands of students, he was the chair of the English Department, president of the Academic Senate, and an Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Peter loved to read, run, ride one of his bicycles, and follow the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs.
Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Dwight Bellows and Virgina Thompson; and brother, Mark Bellows.
He is survived by wife, Jean Zoller; sons, Christian Zoller, and Eric (Paula) Zoller; sister, Maria (Joe) Wiest; grandchildren, Lauren Zoller and Daniel Zoller; and nephew, Christopher Bellows.
Memorials have been established with: Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67214, Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. Saint Francis, Wichita, KS 67216 and University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton St. San Francisco, CA 94117-1080.
A private family service will be held.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries — East Wichita.Â
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Peter Zoller 's name.
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton St.
San Francisco,
CA
94117
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Oh Jean I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had comforting words but I just don’t. May He rest in peace and may the angels take him to paradise. Fondly, Pam Gonzalez
Christain and Eric your parents have always been an inspiration to me. I used to see them often (when i lived in the College Hill neighborhood). Nearly everytime i saw them together, usually walking. They would stop and we would have a short conversation. They always asked about my family and how everyone was doing.
Peter and your parents together have always quietly led by example. What a great inspiration to everyone.
He will be missed.
Jason,
Thank you for your kind words.
Christian
Thank you Pam 🙂
Christian
Jean and family: Pat and I send our love, prayers, and condolences on the loss of your beloved Peter. We remember him fondly; such a kind and gentle man. May he rest in peace. Kathy and Pat Harter
Thank you for your message Kathy and Pat. 🙂
Professor Zoller was a phenomenal educator. I took many of his classes at Wichita State and enjoyed them all. He was kind and patient and helped guide me into the career I am in today. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I am very sorry for your loss.
Lindsey- thank you for your message!
Christian
Peter was such a joy, I will miss his stories about cycling, traveling, soccer and his love of Virgina Woolf’s writings. I was my privilege and pleasure to know him; thoughts and prayers to his family.
Thank you so much for your message, we really appreciate it.
Christian
Jean and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Peter was one of the kindest people I worked with and always full of wisdom. His calm, reassuring way always made me feel I could have full trust in him to put the person above the job. I wish there were more like him. Your Christmas parties were always the best and liveliest thing our department did each year and will never be equaled. May you cherish your memories of Peter always.
Thank you for sharing this- he really enjoyed planning and hosting the department parties.
Christian
It was with great sadness to learn of Peter’s passing. He was a real gentleman and I learned much from him over the years. To his family, I offer my deepest sympathies. He will be missed greatly.
Kamran- thank you for posting this.
Christian
Jean,
I loved seeing Peter everywhere in our neighborhood, walking and running and riding his bicycle, sewing us together along Douglas. Every time he looked at me his eyes said, how can I help you?
I’m so grateful he was part of my life.
Margaret Dawe
Thank you for your message Margaret.
Christian
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember how wonderful you and Peter were when we moved here and how you helped welcome us to the community. Peter was such a thoughtful, considerate colleague and did so much for his work environment. It was definitely a family affair: hosting exquisite parties at the Hillcrest. We’ll be thinking of you during this time.
Thank you Melinda!
Christian
Dearest Jean and family,
I first met Peter when we were in college in San Francisco and Jean I had known each other since kindergarten. You two were an ideal couple. I so enjoyed Peter’s humor and sense of fun. He will surely be missed and remembered with a smile. I know the family will have wonderful memories to reflect upon.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Pam Porter
Pam,
Thank you for sharing these memories with us.
Christian
Peter Zoller was one of the only Modernist scholars I know of who could strike the right balance between scholarly rigor and pure aesthetic enjoyment of the texts. He always knew the most appropriate scholarly apparatus to employ, but, more importantly, he always knew when to put the apparatus aside to make room for authentic, personal engagement with sublime literature. I’ll always treasure his readings of Joyce, Yeats, and the Bloomsbury group. I’m grateful to have been one of his students. Godspeed, Peter, as you sail now to Byzantium!
Art,
Thank you for your message and your memories.
Christian
Hello, Zoller Family,
Please know that you have my condolences. The passing of Peter is a huge loss. It hits me very hard. His warmth, sly wit, and sharp mind will never be forgotten.!My thoughts will be with you tomorrow and always. Love and hugs, Harold