1920
Alfred
2010
Alfred Zahn
May 17, 1920 — April 18, 2010
Alfred E. “Fritz” Zahn, was born May 17, 1920 in the home of his parents, Henry and Ida (Ohm) Zahn in Laq-ui-Parle County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran and was raised with six sisters and two brothers on farms in Laq-ui-Parle and Big Stone Counties
Fritz attended country schools and received education at Odessa High School. Although Fritz’s formal education ended early to help with the farm and family work, he was an avid reader of history, the wild west, tool making books and, of course, his beloved Bible.
On July 29th, 1945, he married his “black haired beauty”, Leona Ida Hillman. They lived in various locations around Odessa until 1955 when they moved to their 6 – acres of “heaven – on – the hill” near Odessa and have remained there for the past 54 years.
Fritz had many talents and among his passionate hobbies were hunting, fishing, gardening (great corn, potatoes and muskmelons) wood and metal working and “tinkering” (always making something) in his haven: his white shed! Fritz was very much interested in current events, political issues and an avid National Rifle Association Member. He also loved his dog “Patty” and wouldn’t admit it but was quite fond of family kitty cats, too.
He had many friends during his life time and loved to visit whenever he had the chance.
He worked hard all his life to support his wife and family.
He farmed, worked as a repairman and blacksmith at local granite quarries and after retirement worked at the Big Stone Museum.
Fritz was an active senior until his unfortunate stroke on Father’s Day, 2009. He even was cultivating his garden on his tractor the day before the stroke. During the last nine months of rehab, he had EXCELLENT care from the staff and nurses at Northridge.
He is survived by his wife, Leona, of Odessa, MN; sons, Jerry (Brigitte) of Lawton, OK, Jon of Odessa, Marlin (Kathy) of Odessa; daughter, JoAnn (Fred) of Johnson City, TN; 7 grandchildren, Tanya Baltz, Johnny and Chris Havron, Jason and Triston Zahn, Dr. Robert Schmurr, Dr. Michael Schmurr; thirteen great-grandchildren; 1 brother – in –law; and 3 sisters – in – law; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters and 2 brothers.
Fritz attended country schools and received education at Odessa High School. Although Fritz’s formal education ended early to help with the farm and family work, he was an avid reader of history, the wild west, tool making books and, of course, his beloved Bible.
On July 29th, 1945, he married his “black haired beauty”, Leona Ida Hillman. They lived in various locations around Odessa until 1955 when they moved to their 6 – acres of “heaven – on – the hill” near Odessa and have remained there for the past 54 years.
Fritz had many talents and among his passionate hobbies were hunting, fishing, gardening (great corn, potatoes and muskmelons) wood and metal working and “tinkering” (always making something) in his haven: his white shed! Fritz was very much interested in current events, political issues and an avid National Rifle Association Member. He also loved his dog “Patty” and wouldn’t admit it but was quite fond of family kitty cats, too.
He had many friends during his life time and loved to visit whenever he had the chance.
He worked hard all his life to support his wife and family.
He farmed, worked as a repairman and blacksmith at local granite quarries and after retirement worked at the Big Stone Museum.
Fritz was an active senior until his unfortunate stroke on Father’s Day, 2009. He even was cultivating his garden on his tractor the day before the stroke. During the last nine months of rehab, he had EXCELLENT care from the staff and nurses at Northridge.
He is survived by his wife, Leona, of Odessa, MN; sons, Jerry (Brigitte) of Lawton, OK, Jon of Odessa, Marlin (Kathy) of Odessa; daughter, JoAnn (Fred) of Johnson City, TN; 7 grandchildren, Tanya Baltz, Johnny and Chris Havron, Jason and Triston Zahn, Dr. Robert Schmurr, Dr. Michael Schmurr; thirteen great-grandchildren; 1 brother – in –law; and 3 sisters – in – law; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters and 2 brothers.