1930
Raymond
2016
Raymond Zurn
January 25, 1930 — February 5, 2016
Raymond Nicholas Zurn, age 86, went to be with his Lord on February 5, 2016. He was residing at the Maranatha Senior Living Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife of over eighteen years Birthella (Bertie) Zurn.
Ray was born on January 25, 1930 to Ambrose & Lucy (Schouviller) Zurn. Ray completed the Callaway School in 1944 and entered the Army at the age of 18 in 1948. He served as a sergeant in the 16th Infantry in Nuremberg, Germany for several years. He completed his high school education through the service.
After returning to civilian life, Ray married Elizabeth Underberg in 1953, and they settled in the Callaway and Detroit Lakes areas then Morris, MN. They were married twenty-nine years before parting ways. Among those left to honor Ray and remember his love are their five children: Barbara (Sue Arnold) Zurn, Julie Stampley (Lonnie Hammond), Kay (Peter) Lathrop, Jackie (Terri) Zurn, and Raymond Ambrose (Becky) Zurn as well as six grandchildren, Zachary Zurn, Lamar, Vanessa and Jessica Stampley and Dylan and Taylor Zurn.
Ray was hard working, faithful and dedicated to the communities in which he lived. His children credit their good work ethic to both their parents. Ray spent his career working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Detroit Lakes and Morris, MN. His favorite past times included any work on his farm, serving with the Knights of Columbus, Eagles and VFW organizations, playing softball and horseshoes, dancing, and visiting family.
The oldest of twelve children, Ray is survived by two brothers and their children: Richard (Judy) of Detroit Lakes, MN and Gordon (Joanne) of Waubun, MN and six sisters and their children: Shirley (Pete Jackson) Newell-Jackson of Pasco, WA, Donna Adams of Mesa, AZ, Ruth (Robert) Atwell of Wytheville, VA, Mary (Karl) Schnathorst of Detroit Lakes, MN, Betty (Lynn) Thompson of Mahnomen, MN, Linda (Gene) Walz of Audubon, MN. Ray was preceded in death by three brothers Vernie, Clarence, and Ambrose, two brother-in-laws Jim Newell and Donald Adams, and his parents Lucy and Ambrose.
Upon retirement Ray moved to Mesa, AZ where he involved himself in the community. He married Bertie, served his fellow veterans by regular volunteering at the Mesa Veteran's Clinic, and enjoyed retirement life.
Celebration of life will be held at 10am on Thursday, February 11, 2016 with visitation one hour prior at Miller Funeral Home at 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. Memorials preferred to the family which will donated to the Mesa Veteran's Clinic.
Ray's family would like to extend gratitude to all the staff at Maranatha Senior Living and Optage Hospice for their attentiveness and loving care.
Ray was born on January 25, 1930 to Ambrose & Lucy (Schouviller) Zurn. Ray completed the Callaway School in 1944 and entered the Army at the age of 18 in 1948. He served as a sergeant in the 16th Infantry in Nuremberg, Germany for several years. He completed his high school education through the service.
After returning to civilian life, Ray married Elizabeth Underberg in 1953, and they settled in the Callaway and Detroit Lakes areas then Morris, MN. They were married twenty-nine years before parting ways. Among those left to honor Ray and remember his love are their five children: Barbara (Sue Arnold) Zurn, Julie Stampley (Lonnie Hammond), Kay (Peter) Lathrop, Jackie (Terri) Zurn, and Raymond Ambrose (Becky) Zurn as well as six grandchildren, Zachary Zurn, Lamar, Vanessa and Jessica Stampley and Dylan and Taylor Zurn.
Ray was hard working, faithful and dedicated to the communities in which he lived. His children credit their good work ethic to both their parents. Ray spent his career working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Detroit Lakes and Morris, MN. His favorite past times included any work on his farm, serving with the Knights of Columbus, Eagles and VFW organizations, playing softball and horseshoes, dancing, and visiting family.
The oldest of twelve children, Ray is survived by two brothers and their children: Richard (Judy) of Detroit Lakes, MN and Gordon (Joanne) of Waubun, MN and six sisters and their children: Shirley (Pete Jackson) Newell-Jackson of Pasco, WA, Donna Adams of Mesa, AZ, Ruth (Robert) Atwell of Wytheville, VA, Mary (Karl) Schnathorst of Detroit Lakes, MN, Betty (Lynn) Thompson of Mahnomen, MN, Linda (Gene) Walz of Audubon, MN. Ray was preceded in death by three brothers Vernie, Clarence, and Ambrose, two brother-in-laws Jim Newell and Donald Adams, and his parents Lucy and Ambrose.
Upon retirement Ray moved to Mesa, AZ where he involved himself in the community. He married Bertie, served his fellow veterans by regular volunteering at the Mesa Veteran's Clinic, and enjoyed retirement life.
Celebration of life will be held at 10am on Thursday, February 11, 2016 with visitation one hour prior at Miller Funeral Home at 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. Memorials preferred to the family which will donated to the Mesa Veteran's Clinic.
Ray's family would like to extend gratitude to all the staff at Maranatha Senior Living and Optage Hospice for their attentiveness and loving care.
Service
Miller Funeral Home6210 HWY 65 NE
Fridley, MN 55432
Thursday, February 11, 2016
10:00 AM
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