31 entries.
pamela hobson
from
bend
wrote on October 4, 2025
at
3:51 pm
Werner was always very pleasant and welcoming. He created wonderful spaces and opportunities for people to play a game they love. For those of us who play pickleball, we know that it's more than just a game. Pickleball is a way to meet new friends, create community, challenge ourselves, and enjoy a bit of exercise.
I remember when Pickleball Zone was under construction and wondering how its completion would affect our games. I soon realized that The Zone would become a "second home"; a place to connect with so many others who shared a mutual passion. It's our version of "Cheers Bar". When we arrive at the 3rd floor lobby you know you're going to see many friendly familiar faces. Without Werner's vision, Bend would not be the pickleball hub that it is today. I am grateful for all that Werner did to enhance the pickleball community here in Bend. He will be greatly missed.
Mel Hatton
from
Buckeye
wrote on September 24, 2025
at
7:41 am
Werner was my friend! We started playing before the Bend Club was established! We played many tournaments together in Bend and in Palm Desert. We helped each other create more courts in our communities (PGA West) & (Deep Canyon Tennis Club) and many more.
I miss him...with all my heart!
Susan... My heart goes out to you! I'm here for you! God Bless!
Anne Reynolds
from
El Mirage AZ
wrote on September 19, 2025
at
5:45 am
On Friday September 5th my dearest friend, Werner Zehnder went into the Lords hands. Our friendship, which began in 2011, when we both showed up to tape temporary courts at a local high school, yes that’s what we did in those days. Remembered for his generosity and strong Swiss accent, a cherished friend who significantly contributed to the local pickleball community by helping raise funds for courts. Later he and his lovely wife, Susan co-founded Bend’s first indoor pickleball facility, Pickleball Zone. Our friendship included partnering in tournaments and enjoying golf together. Werner's kindness leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him. Rest in peace dear friend!
Kathy Goldsmith
from
Bend
wrote on September 18, 2025
at
3:16 pm
Some things are difficult to express with mere words, because Werner was such a BIG personality. He really changed my life when I started playing pickleball because is pretty much the most important thing in my life, recreationally speaking and I just don't know what I Would do without it now. I think he knew nearly every member of the Zone and Bend PB club and made us feel like we were very important in the workings of the PB community. he had a joy for the sport and for all people whether they knew ball or not. I will miss his joyful smile.
carol Osgood
from
Bend,Oregon
wrote on September 18, 2025
at
3:00 pm
I met Verner at Pine Nursery when there was only the one PB Ct....Then he built the others and the Pine Nursery was filled with new PB players almost all day long....none of us could get enough of this great new sport!!!!! Werner taught us all and inspired all of us to learn the game and play it well. I met so many likeminded people and today have sooo many friends from this game. God Bless and keep you Werner .You are in all our hearts forever. Thank you for introducing to me to PB that has been such a big part of my life. Carol Osgood
Carol Osgood
from
Bend
wrote on September 18, 2025
at
2:46 pm
I metWerner on the Pine nursery one court that was there. I don't even remember what year that was then we built the second court and then he put in the whole rest of the pine Nursert cts. fabulous man so much energy so much life to give so giving to all of us would never even heard of Pickleball And we're all still playing and so is Werner up till now a spirit so alive so friendly so gracious, I will always hold Werner in my heart, for gifting me and my fellow friends such a gift the game of Pickleball Pickleball is a gift of camaraderie competition and love
thank you Werner. Carol Osgood
Irene Fraties
from
Las Vegas
wrote on September 17, 2025
at
1:29 pm
I had the pleasure of teaching Werner how to play pickleball way back before we had any courts at Pine Nursery and we were still putting up temporary nets wherever we could find a space. He was a natural athlete so learned quickly and immediately became a dedicated fan of the game. He was always a pleasure to play with, a fun competitor and a very gracious gentleman, always willing to pitch in when help was needed. He was one of the best!
brenda combs
from
Bend
wrote on September 16, 2025
at
4:38 pm
I feel a very special spirit is missing at the Pickleball Zone since Werner’s passing. Such a warm, caring man with the best sense of humor. He went out of his way to make new members feel welcomed. You will be terribly missed Werner. My sincere condolences to his family.
Brenda Combs
Steven Courlang
from
Bend
wrote on September 16, 2025
at
10:40 am
I enjoyed Werner's wit, competitive spirit, and generosity. To me, he put me in my place with his fine trash talking and then would buy me something at the upstairs lounge. He got me to play, laugh, and think. I will miss chatting with him.
Greg Congleton
from
Bend
wrote on September 16, 2025
at
8:11 am
I've been a member of the club since 2015 and have greatly appreciated Werner's generosity in providing the community with truly excellent pickleball facilities. Great benefactor, player, and all around person. I'm pleased to have known him.
Linda Smith
from
Bend
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
5:35 pm
I was sad to learn of Werner's passing and offer condolences to his family.
Werner was a true visionary, generously contributing to the pickleball courts at Pine Nursery and starting the first indoor pickleball club. He brought a community together to enjoy healthy aerobic activity and make new friends. Truly without pickleball, I wouldn't know you and you and you and you, as the saying goes! As an original member, I know him well and he called me Coach Linda and always had a quick laugh calling a ball in or out on my court. He will be missed and what a legacy he leaves.
Dorann Hurley
from
Bend
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
3:44 pm
Werner was an awesome guy and we can’t thank him enough for his dedication and financial commitment to Bend Pickleball. He was always a delight to play with and gave us all so much. You will be missed my friend but your contribution to Bend Pickleball will live on forever!
Betsy Jennings
from
Bend
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
11:22 am
Werner was a gentleman and a very funny guy. His love for pickleball was infectious. Besides all he did for the sport at Pine Nursery and the Zone, he started the program at Broken Top, which has grown stronger than ever. Thank you, Werner, and RIP.
Nora Weed
from
Bend, OR
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
10:14 am
Werner was a gentleman who has many friends and admirers, I was just one of them. He personified “the all around PB enthusiast”. When he took a chance on building indoor courts in Bend he changed my life for the better. I will miss his humor and the generosity that I was privileged to be experience over the years. To his beloved family I offer my sincere condolences and to all of his “Zone” family I join you in honoring our friend dearest friend Werner. RIP Werner
Sally Jo Smith
from
Bend
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
9:14 am
Although Werner's journey has ended, the seeds of generosity he planted to create a thriving pickleball community will continue to flourish. His spirit lives, as we play a sport he loved, through our laughter while we form long-lasting friendships with kindhearted people, both on and off the courts.
Thank you, Werner . . . for everything!
Melissa Olson
from
Bend
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
6:14 am
Thank you for all you have done for pickleball. You took a chance on a dream and created a wonderful environment where friends and family come together and play this crazy game of pickleball we all love. So many laughs, so many friendships. My husband and I got to play a couple games with you. Your smile, your encouragement, your laugh, I will remember always and when I walk through the doors of PZ , I will smile as I think of you and the legacy you left to this community. Thank you.
Dan McConnon
from
Grand Rapids, MI
wrote on September 15, 2025
at
5:23 am
It only took one meeting with Werner this spring to understand the light and impact he has made on pickleball, Bend, and all his loved ones and community. It was a pleasure and an honor to share those moments with him and his team; his legacy will live on through all those whom he shone his light on. Wishing all family and friends condolences during this difficult time.
A.J..Fraties
from
Las Vegas
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
8:23 pm
Werner was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I knew him first through our joint efforts in the initial building of the BPC. He was kind, generous with his time and resources, cultured, creative as any two normal people, a darn good pickleball player and as others have mentioned funny as heck. He helped me through some of my own struggles and seemed to delight in finding me annoying, and took great efforts to annoy me back, which often made my day. He was an amazing man - and I will miss him. God bless you, Werner, and thank you.
Cathie Groves
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
7:50 pm
Mike and I would like to send our condolences to Susan and family.
Werner was a very generous, giving, kind man. He will be greatly missed.
Bruce Grout
from
Bend, OR
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
6:56 pm
Werner (Zman) was a close friend and confidant for nearly 40 years. My wife and I were fortunate to have traveled the world with Werner and Susan and experience some really great times. I’ll forever remember his Swiss sense of humor and the jokes he would play. RIP my good friend. I will sorely miss you ❤️
