Richard “Rick” Allen Zoellner, age 75, of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 21, 2023, while at Sanford USD Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation was at Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne on Thursday, May 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Richard “Rick” Allen Zoellner was born November 2, 1947, to George and Gurina (Hommen) Zoellner in Luverne, Minnesota. Rick tragically lost his father when he was four years old and was raised the only child of his mother, Gurina, and his stepfather, Harold Meyer. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne and attended school at Magnolia Public School, graduating in May of 1966.
After graduation, Rick joined the Army Reserve and married the love of his life, Donna Stegemann, at the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek, where he then became a proud member of their congregation.
After their marriage, Rick was drafted and spent 13 months in Vietnam between 1968 and 1969. When he returned, he and Donna moved into their home outside of Beaver Creek in 1967 and would spend the next 55 years calling that house their home.
Rick began working as a welder, first for Hassenstein Steel in Sioux Falls for 16 years, and then for Egger Steel from 1985 through his retirement in 2010. A cancer diagnosis forced him to retire, but a miraculous recovery blessed Rick with another 13 years with his loving wife and family.
Rick will always be remembered for his creative and inspiring iron projects. He made several trailers, but the most important project to him was the cross he made for his beloved wife of almost 56 years. He also enjoyed using his skills with welding to help his friends and neighbors.
Rick loved his children and grandchildren, giving each a unique nickname, and always set aside “grandpa time” no matter what else was going on. As evidence by the photo used for his funeral, his grandchildren were able to talk him into almost anything, including putting a cute, red bow in his hair for a picture.
He loved to tell jokes and stories and had a passion for history and John Deere tractors. He also enjoyed trap shooting, and bowling. Being an only child, Rick especially loved being welcomed into Donna’s family and loved by all of her brothers, sisters and their children as if they were his own.
Left to cherish Rick’s memory as they look forward to their reunion with him are his wife, Donna Zoellner of Beaver Creek; children Todd (Aileen) Zoellner of Warner Robbins, Georgia, and Tricia (Matt) Wingert of Valley Springs, South Dakota; grandchildren Ryanna (Jordon) Patrick, Taylor (Dylan) Wingert Baker, and Jacob Wingert; as well as many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Zoellner, stepfather Harold Meyer, and mother, Gurina Meyer.
To God be the glory!