Zener was born in Indianapolis, Indiana the son of German-descent Clarence and Ida Zener, and brother of Katharine (later Mrs Katharine Hurmiston) and Clarence (later Dr Clarence Zener). He received a Ph.B.
Zener was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to German-descent parents, Clarence and Ida Zener, and had a sibling named Katharine (who later married Katharine Hurmiston), and another brother named Clarence (who later became Dr. Clarence Zener). He earned his Bachelor of Science degree.