Michael Jerome Zschetzsche, 55, Hills, formerly of Sleepy Eye, died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at his home under hospice care.
A funeral service was Monday, Nov. 11, at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Michael Zschetzsche was born on Sept. 6, 1964, to Jerome and Loretta (Lang) Zschetzsche in New Ulm. He grew up on the family farm five miles south of Sleepy Eye. Michael attended Japanese Martyrs Grade School and Sleepy Eye Public School, graduating from high school in 1984.
As a teen and young adult, he participated in FFA and was a member of the NFO. He also enjoyed dances at the Orchid Inn. Michael lived a simple life on the farm nearly his entire life. He began farming alongside his father, which later evolved into a partnership that continued until Michael’s father died in October 1999. Michael then took over the farming operation in addition to caring for his mother in her last years. He was often seen around town with his horse and his dog. During this time, he made great progress in his journey of faith.
Michael married Bonnie Jacobsma on Sept. 29, 2012. Despite a diagnosis of cancer in 2015, he continued to enjoy life. In October 2018, Michael and Bonnie moved to Hills.
Michael was currently attending the American Reformed Church in Luverne and was a former member of the New Hope Community Church in Sleepy Eye and Japanese Martyrs Church in Leavenworth. He enjoyed fishing, helping other area farmers, attending auctions, gardening, talking about politics and saving money. He also enjoyed traveling across the United States and Mexico.
Michael will be remembered for his big heart. His last prayers were for world peace and forgiveness.
Michael is survived by his wife, Bonnie; three siblings, Rosann Zschetzsche of St. Peters, Missouri, Michele (David) White of O’Fallon, Missouri, and Gerri Lynn Zschetzsche (Peter Gallagher) of Wentzville, Missouri; nieces and nephews Brittany Zschetzsche, Trevor, Josh and Jacob White and Savannah Gallagher; mother-in-law Kathleen Jacobsma of Luverne; and numerous other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Bernard Jacobsma.
Memorials may be directed to Sanford Luverne Hospice Program or the Avera Cancer Institute.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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