Earl F. Zellmann

1935 - 2025

Earl F. Zellmann, 89, of Plato passed away Monday, August 25, 2025 at Bayside Manor in Gaylord, MN.

Memorial Service will take place Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church (216 McLeod Ave N) in Plato, MN, with Rev. Tyson Mastin as officiant. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

After Earl's discharge from the military, the couple moved to Plato. As a member of his church, he served as an usher, elder and was an active member of the men's group. Earl found happiness in nature, in his garden and kitchen and most of all in the company of his family, friends and community. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping at Morning Star Campground in Eden Valley every weekend for more than 20 years where he and Beverly made many lasting friendships. He also took his fishing boat to many good hidden fishing holes around the counties. Earl was a handyman. He could build or fix just about anything. If a car, chainsaw, lawnmower or boat motor was broken, he tried to fix it. He was always willing to lend a hand. He took pride in growing apples, rhubarb and grapes that he turned into desserts and jelly for all to enjoy. He also had a large garden filled with vegetables including horseradish which he canned. He loved playing cards and shaking dice sharing laughter with his family on holidays around the kitchen table until late at night. After Bev passed away in 2015, he took her spot sitting at the kitchen table watching all of the activity of Plato which he gathered from the picture window. He would even take drives alone to Granite Falls and Morton Casinos for a little gambling but more for people watching. Earl will be remembered as being a great father, grandpa, great-grandpa, friend and all-around good man.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife Beverly; parents Fred and Ida Zellmann; siblings Raymond and Martha Zellmann, Rosella and Walter Neumann, Luella and Elvin Mueller, Lucille and Maynard Haag, Bernice and Robert Kuchenmeister; father-in-law and mother-in-law Albert and Helen Schmakel; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Elvira and Fred Henry, Shirley Lewis.

Earl is survived by his loving family: children Grant (Rachelle) Zellmann of Norwood Young America, Nate (Amy) Zellmann of Arlington; grandchildren Jenna Zellmann and Allison Zellmann and fiancé Austin Warwick; great-granddaughter Elizabeth Warwick; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Urn Bearers are Earl's grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Diabetes Association.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.