Roger Zaun, age 79

Roger Zaun, age 79, of New Prague, died suddenly but peacefully Monday, June 13, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague with his family by his side.

Roger was born October 18, 1936 in Helena Township, Scott County to Alfred H. and Delphine H. (Busch) Zaun, Sr. He was raised in the Lydia area, attended elementary school there and graduated from Jordan Public High School. He served in the US Army, spending 16 months in Korea following the Korean War. On June 27, 1959, Roger married JoAnn Schoenbauer at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He worked for Swift and Company for 10 years before his employment with the New Prague School District, where he would remain for 31 years as the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor. Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, on the finance board at St. Wenceslaus Church, on the New Prague Police Reserve for 37 years, and a founding member of the New Prague Ambulance, on which he was active for 31 years. Roger loved fishing with anyone who would go with him and hunting with his best friend, Dan Tietz; as he would relate his hunting and fishing stories, “every one of them was true!” He loved to play cards with family, loved polkas and country music, and loved to travel. His greatest asset, however, was his gift of relationship. His grandkids could do no wrong and he was always giving advice to his daughters and grandchildren. He made friends wherever he went and loved to have coffee with his friends. Finally, there was nothing that Roger couldn’t fix!

Roger is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn, of New Prague; daughters, Anita Aase of New Prague, Beth (Phil) Wilhite of South Daytona, FL, Cathy (Tim) Sullivan of Andover; grandchildren, Allison & Maddie Aase, Cheryl & Sean Roberts, Ryan Wilhite, Amanda, Katie, Maggie, & Zach Sullivan; brothers, Alfred (Ann) Zaun, Jr. of Shakopee, Lee (Darlene) Zaun of Shakopee, Ronald Zaun & Kay of Lakeville, Dennis (Karen) Zaun of Park Rapids; sisters, Mary Ann (Jim) Weingartner of Brooklyn Park, Diane (Tom) McMahon of Cold Spring, Susan (Dan) Neutgens of New Prague. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father David Barrett officiating. Visitation occurred Wednesday from 4-8 PM and Thursday morning from 8- 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial took place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors were conducted. Lunch followed burial at the KC Hall.

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