Douglas Zorn

Douglas Zorn

Douglas Zorn Douglas Duane Zorn age 90 of Hutchinson passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Rice Memorial Hospital Hospice in Willmar.  Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation is 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church on Saturday.  Burial is in the Vesta Cemetery.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.

Douglas Duane Zorn was born April 12, 1925 in Posen Township, Minnesota to Walter and Caroline (Schlemmer) Zorn.  He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Posen Township.  Douglas graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1942.  He attended Mankato State Teacher’s College for one year and then transferred in 1943 to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter for his United States Navy training.  Douglas was in the US Naval Reserve from November 1, 1943 until August 5, 1946.  He attended US Midshipman’s School at Fort Schyler in Brooklyn, New York and on March 6, 1945 he was commissioned an Ensign in the USNR at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.  Douglas served sea duty on the USS PC813 submarine in Saipan, Guam, Ponate, Truk Island, Okinawa, and Pearl Harbor.  After completing his naval service, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1948.  Douglas began employment at IBM in 1948 in Minneapolis.  He worked for IBM in Lincoln, Nebraska, then returned to work in St. Paul until being transferred in 1956 to IBM World Headquarters in New York City, and then Armonk, New York.  Douglas retired from IBM in April of 1987 as the Director of Purchasing.  On July 20, 1957 Douglas was united in marriage to Doris Ione Kotval at the First Presbyterian Church in Vesta.  Together, Doris and Douglas shared 58 years of marriage prior to Doris’ death on November 29, 2015.  Douglas was a very loving, kind, and loyal son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  The depth of his knowledge about most anything was due to his intellect and vast interests.

Douglas is survived by his daughter Diane (Allan) Cronen of Willmar; son Dean A. Zorn of Montgomery Center, VT; granddaughter Phoebe E. Zorn; grandson Ryan A. Cronen; and sister-in-law Erna Zorn of Albuquerque, NM.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, brother Howard Zorn, and nephews Bill and Robert Zorn.

4 thoughts on “Douglas Zorn”

  1. Dear Diane: Lowell & Douglas were really the same age with Lowell’s birthday in June. Lowell passed away Monday March 7th. Cannot believe they passed on so close together. You were the Best daughter EVER and know that you will always feel blessed that you could help them so much. (Kinda like Peter has been for us) Your Dad asked me at your Mom’s funeral, “How is Lowell”. He had a rather long journey with the cancer and his heart was so strong it just would not quit. Due to the Grandchildren coming from so many places, we had to wait and have Lowell’s funeral on the 14th. Did you know that Irma Schlemmer passed away on the 7th as Lowell did? If you mail me your email Diane, I will forward Lowell’s obit to you. So sad for us that our loved ones have left, but we can be happy for them. Lowell had LOTS of pain the last couple of months, but Hospice Care really helped. My sympathy and love, Diane and family, Gladys

  2. Dear Diane & Allan,
    What a shock it was to read of your dad’s death! I am so sorry for you & sad I can’t be with you today. I will want to see you when I return to Hutchinson in mid-April or so. I want to meet your son!! I’m glad both Doris & Doug got to meet him. My sympathy and love to you. Bev Luke

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