NEENAH — The loss of a beloved figure in Neenah. Tullar Elementary School's respected principal, Amber Zernzach, has passed away from cancer.
- Amber Zernzach passed away on Aug. 2 beloved by hundreds of students, coworkers and friends.
- The school will host a memorial on Sunday and a celebration of life on Monday.
- Donations are being gathered for Zernzach's three daughters' college fund.
Amber began her career at Winneconne Elementary School, where she taught for five years. She taught fifth grade for one year at Roosevelt Elementary School in Oshkosh and served as literacy coach and reading interventionist at Webster Stanley Elementary School, also in Oshkosh.
NJSD says that Bill Richardson, longtime counselor and administrator in Neenah until retiring in 2022, has been assisting at the school and will act as interim principal.
Misty Bentz is the nurse at Tullar Elementary.
"Amber wasn't only my boss, she was a very close friend of mine,” Bentz said. "Amber always said being the principal of Tullar was her dream job."
But in April, Amber was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.
"Everyone cared so much for her,” said Bentz. “Everyone was obviously very emotional in that time."
After a battle with the disease, Amber passed away on Aug. 2. Amber was the principal at Tullar for two years. Bentz says she, as well as the community, will miss her.
"She was such a strong impact for her students and they all loved her dearly, including all of her staff,” Bentz said. “It's a hard hit for us here, but I think she also taught us all a lot about strength and resilience."
Bentz says it's that resilience that they must have entering this new year.
"She was amazing. She was brilliant. She had sass,” Bentz recalled. “She was such a strong woman and I’m so very proud of everything that she accomplished."
Originally from Kenosha, Amber is survived by her husband and three daughters. All three go to Tullar Elementary.
The school will be hosting a memorial here for students and families at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A celebration of life will then be held on Monday.
Donations will be gathered at both events for her daughters' education fund.
