Dennis Duane Zitzow

Dennis Zitzow, age 86, of Perham, MN died Thursday, October 31, 2024 in Perham Living. 

He was born at home on the “1st, 15th, 1938” to Richard and Mary (Loebrick) Zitzow.

Dennis graduated from Perham High School in 1957. He worked in construction with his dad and eventually took over the business. For 58 years and four months he drove basically the same school bus route for Perham Schools. In between morning and evening routes, he continued to work construction. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with way too many great stories to list here. He spent many hours working in his garden and when the gardening became more challenging, he would just work on his hands and knees or lay down in the row and pick the weeds. His garden always brought in a bountiful harvest for all to enjoy. And he loved sharing the vegetables of his labor with family and friends. He also loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dennis was united in marriage to Marilyn Lillian (Wischnak) Zitzow on May 14, 1961. They had three children, Brenda, Brian and Janine. 

Dennis knew Jesus as his Savior and his final request in this life was that many would follow him to heaven to be with Jesus. This was especially true about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dennis was preceded into death by his parents and parents-in-law, Jesse and Lilian Wischnak; sister, Evelyn (Zitzow) Ponto; brothers, Elsworth, Marlyn, and infant brother; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Violet Zitzow, Norman Ponto, Gary Ebeling, Glen Wischnak, and Larry Wischnak.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Wischnak) Zitzow; children, Brenda Jedlicka, Brian (Janine) Zitzow, Janine (Les) Kundo; grandchildren, Savannah, Vanessa, Landon Kundo, Brian J., Travis Zitzow and Noah Jedlicka; great grandchildren, Journey Kundo, Oaklyn, Orla, Ozzie, Ollie, Orian Dahlquist; brother, Lester (Cookie) Zitzow; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Mary Helen Zitzow, Donna Ebeling, Gene (Audrey) Wischnak, Karen Wischnak; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:45 on Monday, November 4 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham. Visitation will resume from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 on Tuesday, November 5 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Perham. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Services will be livestreamed at https://www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/dennis-zitzow.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com