Richard John Zeitler, Sr.

ROCHESTER, MN: Richard John Zeitler, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Seasons Hospice. Richard was born November 15, 1922 in Dover Township to Emil and Lula (Stevens) Zeitler. He was a graduate of Dover High School. Richard worked on the B family farm. He was a veteran of the US Army, proudly serving his country from 1944-1946, participating in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, Philippine Liberation and the Occupation of Japan. Richard returned after his time in the Army and continued farming until he retired in 1980. Richard married Elizabeth Roth in 1946 in Winona and they later divorced. On September 25, 1993 in Rock Dell, Richard married Viola Olson. He was a member of East Saint Olaf Lutheran Church, American Legion in Eyota and a former member of the Legion in St. Charles. Richard is survived by his wife, Viola; sons, Thomas (Betty) Zeitler of Newport News, VA., Richard Zeitler, Jr. of Eyota, Harry (Penny) Zeitler of Dover; daughters, JoAnn Till of Rochester and Caroline (Joe) Zubillaga of Kingston, ID; grandchildren, Alexander (Jenny) Zeitler, Nicholas (Essie) Zeitler, Philip (Lisa) Till, Cindi (Mike) Burton, Katelyn Zeitler, Lindsey Zeitler and 9 great-grandchildren. Richard is also survived by his brother, Delton (Ann) Zeitler of Rochester; brother-in-law, Richard Goranson; stepdaughters, Kathryn (David) Wortman of Melrose, WI, Sandra Houck of Big Rapids, MI, step-granddaughter, Lisa Grounds and 4 step-great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Lula; brother, Henry Zeitler and sisters, Ruby Zeitler Wingert and Eileen Zeitler Schwebke. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, September 12, 2013 at East Saint Olaf Lutheran Church, 6200 County Road 3 SW, Byron, MN 55920. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes , 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Darby Lawrence will be officiating with interment at Hillside Cemetery, St. Charles, MN. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com