Richard Robert Zaun, 81
Richard Robert Zaun, age 81, of Jordan, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2018, at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home. A graveside service honoring Richard’s life was held Saturday, January 6 at 2 pm, at Spirit Hill Cemetery. Pastor Elden Eklund led the service, with full military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard.
On March 14, 1936 in the New Prague, MN, Richard was born the first of four children, to Elmer and Ethel (Kerkow) Zaun. He grew up on the family farm. Graduating from New Prague High School in 1955, Richard too graduated with a teaching degree from Mankato Teachers College, in 1959. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1959, until being honorably discharged in 1962, yet continued to serve in the active reserves until 1966. Richard taught for eight years in Pierz, MN, before returning home to the farm until 2016.
Richard married Marilyn Harder in 1969. They were together for five years. Richard loved completing genealogy for the Zaun family. He enjoyed stamp and corn collecting. Richard too enjoyed working in the vegetable and flower gardens. He had a special gift for growing cactus. Richard was a long-time member of the Minnesota American Legion.
The legacy of Richard will continue in the hearts of his brother, Kenneth E. (Carol) Zaun; nieces, Candace (Jim) Peris, Michelle Clayberger; nephew, Raymond (Lisa) Zaun; great-nephew and nieces, Kenneth Lee (Jessie) Zaun, Pamela (Tom) Callahan, Kristanne Peris, Karen Peris, Diana Clayberger, Sarah Clayberger; greatgreat nieces, Scarlett Zaun, Molly A. Callahan; many cousins and friends.
There to greet Richard in heaven are his parents, Elmer and Ethel Zaun; brother, Donald Zaun; infant sister, Sharon Zaun; grandparents, George and Emma Zaun and Reinhold and Minnie Kerkow. The Zaun family was served with care and compassion of Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan Chapel.
