Rudolph Zeithamer, 77

Rudolph Charles Zeithamer Jr. died at the age of 77.

Rudy was born September 16, 1934 in Alexandria, the son of Rudolph and Doris (Zilker) Zeithamer Sr. Rudy grew up on the family farm in Lake Mary Township. He attended country school at District 74. Following his schooling, Rudy worked on his parents’ farm.

In 1955, Rudy enlisted in the United States Army. At that time the Navy was in need of personnel and Rudy was sent to the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the cruiser USS Bremerton during the Suez Canal Crisis.

Rudy was united in marriage to Shirley Barton on September 10, 1963. They were blessed with four children. Eventually Rudy took ownership of the family farm. He made several improvements and nearly doubled the size of the farm. Rudy’s hobby was his work; he enjoyed working the fields. Rudy came from a family that knew the hardships that the Great Depression brought on. He worked hard to maintain his dairy and grain farm. Rudy managed the farm to be self-reliant and avoid debt.

His wife, Shirley, who died in 1976 and an infant daughter, Heidi Marie Zeithamer, preceded him in death.

Rudy is survived by his three sons, Ron Zeithamer of Belle River, Roy Zeithamer and wife, LaRae, of Alexandria and Randy Zeithamer of Alexandria; four grandchildren, Zachary, Wyatt, Trayton and Madison Zeithamer; two sisters, Dorothy Trousil and husband, Raymond, of Alexandria and Ruth Krause of Parkers Prairie; and two brothers, Kenneth Zeithamer and wife, Arlene, of Farwell, and Richard Zeithamer and wife, Sonja, of Alexandria.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, August 15 at Anderson Funeral Home. The Rev. Father Steve Binsfeld was the officiant. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Casket bearers were Kenny Zeithamer, Steve Zeithamer, John Zeithamer, Larry Krause, Leon Krause and Clifford Barton. The American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard accorded military honors.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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