31 entries.
Carey Brennan
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
5:21 pm
My last communication with Werner was just a few weeks ago. I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for all that he had done—for me and for so many others. I thanked him for introducing me to pickleball, a gift that has brought joy, movement, and community into my life (though my wife might have a few words about how often I now play!). I thanked him for building not just one of the first and finest indoor pickleball facilities in the country, but for creating a true community. I told him that the Pickleball Zone is an incredible place—not only because of its top-notch courts, but because of the spirit, warmth, and fun that he infused into every corner of it. That spirit lives on in the amazing staff and members who now call it home. I told him how moved I was by his decision to transfer ownership to his team—ensuring that the Zone, and everything it stands for, will continue to grow and thrive. That kind of generosity and foresight is rare. I told him his is a legacy few people ever leave behind. I’m so very grateful for the game, the people, and the joy Werner brought into my life. And I know I’m just one of many. Thank you, Werner. Rest In Peace.
david & jackie taylor
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
4:47 pm
Werner was one of the 1st people we met when we moved to Bend in 2020. He encouraged us to become members and that we would love the PBZ community. So we did! We shared the love of Pickleball, Palm Desert and Sushi! We would often run into him and his wife and visit with them. When I went thru shoulder surgery he would send me encouraging messages as he knew I was sad and missed everyone! He was ALWAYS playful & light hearted. He will be missed greatly.
Jamie Filipeli
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
4:35 pm
Werner was my first pickleball partner! Always the gentleman and such a pleasure to be around. His sense of humor was priceless and we will all miss his presence, but I will think of him each time I frequent the Zone....thank you, Werner for your never ending generosity.
Rochelle Neal
from
Bend, Oregon
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
4:25 pm
In Memory of Werner Zehnder
Werner Zehnder of Bend, Oregon, will be remembered as a true champion of pickleball and of people. Known for his graciousness, warmth, and wonderful sense of humor, Werner touched countless lives through his love of the game and his gift for building community.
With his beloved wife Susan, Werner gave generously to the growth of pickleball in Bend, helping create facilities and opportunities that brought people together and forged lasting friendships. His efforts reached far beyond Oregon, as he guided and inspired others across the country to build clubs of their own.
Werner’s legacy is more than courts and clubs—it is the joy, camaraderie, and community he helped nurture. He will be deeply missed but will remain forever in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.
Lezlee Sanford
from
Redmond
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
4:23 pm
Werner, you gave me 2 incredible blessings…1) Learning to play pickleball &…2) Lifelong friendships… thank you so very much….my sincere condolences to the family…Lezlee Sanford ❤️?
Melissa Pearson
from
Powell Butte, Oregon
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
4:16 pm
Pickleball has touched so many because of what Werner brought us: physical courts both indoors & outdoors . . . those courts brought many, many friendships, clinics, parties, memories and loughs. Werner made that happen. Werner, you will be missed & I’ll think of you every time I try not to foot fault. With love, RIP
Elaine Richardson
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
3:37 pm
Thank you Werner for the wonderful place you built for pickleball fun, the opportunity meeting so many people over the years gaining wonderful friendships and all the celebrations we've had at the Zone. Your kindness and smile will be surely missed. May you rest in Peace.
Elaine Richardson
Kristy Raasch
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
2:58 pm
Thank You Werner for your love of people, pickleball, and a good laugh. Your spirit will play on everyday I am lucky enough to get to play with some of the greatest life long friends I have met because you took a chance building a" court (s) of dreams" for so many. I wish I could have had one more "kidding" you so freely gave. Grateful for knowing you friend, Kristy Raasch
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Werner, who opened Pickleball Zone in Bend, OR., years before anyone else had dared take the plunge on a pickleball-specific club. He was *always* willing to take time to help me, and others like me, who dared to dream that we could create something special, like he did. He was graciousness and class personified.
I feel so fortunate to have spent just a little bit of time with him, including in May when Christy Howden of Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor MI, Mitch Dunn and Joe Frank from The Pickle Lodge in Cincinnati, and Dan McConnon from All-In Pickleball Gym in Grand Rapids MI, and I visited him and were able to thank and honor him for the help he gave all of us as we were getting started on our journey as club owners.
Thank you Werner -- for me, the phrase "standing on the shoulders of giants" perfectly describes your legacy. You will be missed.
Kevin Richards, Portland OR.
RECS
Paul and Joan Craig
from
Bend
wrote on September 14, 2025
at
2:26 pm
One of the treasures of life are the people you meet on the journey. Werner Zender ranks right near the top of the list. Bless you and thank you Werner for all you did.
Brian Firebaugh
from
Bend
wrote on September 13, 2025
at
9:24 pm
What a wonderful man. Among his other great qualities, he was exceedingly generous.
When the Pine Nursery courts were finished, Werner was concerned about the exposed wire on the top of the short fence sections surrounding each court. He asked me to find a way to fix this safety issue so with a crew of helpers and some Home Depot supplies, we managed to install the black fence covering that you see today. When I gave him the bill for materials, he added $100 to the total and told me to take Anita out for dinner.
Once when I was at the Zone, I laid my paddle on the counter while signing in. Werner picked it up and, after a few choice jibes at my expense, handed me a demo paddle to try instead. Afterwards, I wanted to buy the paddle so Werner quoted me a price. I told him I had to go downstairs to get my checkbook but when I returned, he would not take the money. He said it was a gift for my support for the Club over the years. This type of kindness was typical of him.
I was playing against him one time and he hit a winner between his legs. He tried to apologize for making me look bad but all the while his ear to ear grin showed how thoroughly pleased with himself he actually was.
And although there are numerous stories throughout the years, I'll mention only one more.
Werner was at Pine Nursery with his bulldog and I brought up the fact that dogs and their owners tend to look alike. He asked me if I had a poodle.
Hats off for my friend, Werner Zehnder.
