Richard L. Zarns

Richard Lee (Dick) Zarns, 71 year old resident of Swanville, MN, passed away suddenly Sunday, April 2, 2017 while vacationing in Hawaii. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Swanville, MN with Father Ronald Dockendorf officiating. Burial was at the St. John’s Parish Cemetery in Swanville.
Dick was born January 3, 1946 in Little Falls, MN to the late Fred and Faye Zarns. He grew up in Swanville and graduated from Swanville High School in 1964. He married his soulmate Zita Frank on April 30, 1966. Dick joined the Army National Guard in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1969. He and Zita resided in New Brighton where they raised their family. He enjoyed making skis at Hart Ski, then moved into the trucking industry for the remainder of his career. After retiring from trucking, they returned to Swanville and built their retirement home.
Dick enjoyed retirement and kept busy with new activities including: wine making, canning, making maple syrup, playing cards with his buddies, and his newest project, whittling canes. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing with his snow plow, tractors, and other big toys. You may have caught a glimpse of him driving his mule around town.
He was an active member of the community. Dick was President of both the Swanville Lion’s Club and Senior Center, and was an active member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was a friend to all and ready to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Zita; sons, Michael (Darcy) and David (Leah); daughter Tanya; grandsons, Kionte, Caleb, Mason, Wyatt, Aaron; sisters, Yvonne, Diane (Bill); brothers, Jim (Bonita) and Don (Carole) and many loving nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Faye Zarns.