Richard Allan Zehnder, age 59, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on April 11, 2020, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He was taken too soon from his family and many devoted friends.
A time of gathering honoring Rich will be held, at a later date. Condolences can be left at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com and cards mailed to Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan, MN 55352 and will be distributed to the family.
On December 27, 1960 Rich was born in Shakopee, MN to parents, Orville and Lydia (Buckentine) Zehnder. He was the 5th of six children growing up in Norwood Young America, MN. As a young boy, Rich formed a love for sports. He enjoyed playing football, baseball and basketball. Rich attended Central High School in Norwood Young America, graduating in 1979.
Rich furthered his education at the University of Minnesota, in Crookston, MN, earning a degree in Radio Broadcasting. He also loved playing for the Golden Eagles football team. He took his achievements in broadcasting and combined it with his love for sports to announce local sporting events. Rich spent most of his career as a business manager for Super America. The past 8 years, he worked for Mystic Lake Casino.
Life for Rich was blessed becoming a father to three amazing children, Torey, Mandy and Whitney. Life was once again enriched, when he met and married Denise Taubert on April 29, 2011, in Prior Lake, MN. And life was truly complete, as Rich became the proud grandpa to 4 grandchildren.
Rich passed on his love of sports to his family and many friends. Throughout the years he enjoyed attending local sporting events. In particular, he enjoyed watching and rooting for the North stars, Twins and Vikings. He had a passion for music and loved to sing. Rich also enjoyed the lake life, especially boating and fishing. In more recent years, he found great enjoyment touring the neighborhood in his golf cart and recently on his new moped. He also enjoyed attending his grandsons sporting events.
Rich was a wonderful man. He enjoyed making people laugh with his quick wit and great sense of humor. Rich had a generous and caring heart and wanted everyone to be happy. He would do anything if it just meant putting a smile on your face. He simply made you feel loved.
Forever loved, Rich will be missed by wife, Denise; children, Torey (Carrie) Zehnder, Mandy (Shane) Ruths, Whitney Harper; grandchildren Nolan, Hudson, Magnolia and Easton; siblings, Gary (Jane) Zehnder, Nancy (Phil) Christenson, Bonnie Zehnder, Miriam (Delton) Brelje, Julie (Tom) Baecker; father-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, relatives and devoted friends.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Zehnder family.
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Luke, Steph, Leila, Jake Korkowski
Our deepest condolences to the Zehnder family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ryan
I used to work with Rich at little six casino. My heart goes out to everyone in his family, he was a great man! I’m so sorry for your loss.
Brent Zaic
I use to work with Rich at Little Six Casino in Valet up until last year. Although Rich worked days, I had the pleasure on a couple of instances to with him. He always had a smile on his face and was so easy going. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Take care Rich, and know you made a difference in the world!
Debbey Steele
I worked with Rich when he was hired in Valet at Little Six. He is one of a few people I can honestly say was a true gentleman, he was always a joy to see around the casino. He never said a bad word about anyone (almost!). It was such a pleasure knowing Rick; he will be greatly missed.
Cindy Casterton (Korkowski)
Sending love and prayers during this difficult time; may you find peace in reminiscing fond memories of Rich.
Doug and Chris Berg
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We pray for God’s comfort and peace in your hearts.
Steve Betow
My condolences to the family. Rich was one of the kindest and most caring men I ever met. I will never forget his sense of humor and quick wit. He always made me laugh and see the fun side of life. He was one of a kind.
Steve and Glenda Ellingson
We are so sorry for your loss. Rich was a kind, funny, generous friend. We will miss him.
Kathy P.
So sorry for your loss. Your memories of Rich will forever be treasured in your hearts. Praying for God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love you all ~ Kerry, Kathy, Kraig, Kyle, Kelly, Tyler and Jake Peterson
Lori & Dave Heinz
Our heartfelt sympathy to you during this difficult time. Praying that God will comfort all of you and give you peace. Love you guys.
Ric Whitenight
Can’t really say much that hasn’t been said already.
Richie Rich always brightened the day when he walked into the room.
Way to young to be taken away.
He will be missed again and again by all that knew him.
So sad…
Shirley Schulz (Zehnder)
My deepest condolences to your family.
Dawn Emerson
So sorry to hear Denise and family. My condolences go out to you all. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. Dawn and Randy Emerson
Brewer Family
We are so sorry for your Loss there’s nothing that will comfort your heart at this time , but know you have love and support from the people he met and the kind person he was! God bless you all ,
Sincerely
Brewer ,Fraley Family
Tim Koch
Dee Dee, so shocked and saddened to hear of Rich’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. Please take care of yourself.
Your friend, Tim
Pat Hennen
I am so sorry for your loss. Rich was a great friend to my family.
We will pray for his safe journey to heaven and for the family he leaves behind.
The Hennen Family
Kathy Hall
Dee Dee… OMGosh I am so very sorry to hear this! sending prayers of love and comfort at this difficult time xxx
Kathy
Steve Little
I’m so very, very sorry. Peace.
Davide Friedman
DeeDee,
I’m so sorry to hear about Rich passing. I know what you are going through and wanted to say take things slowly and live each day a day at a time.
I know he is with God now. Big Hugs to you
Davide Friedman
Andrea and Kirk Hinrichs
We are so sorry to hear about Rich! We were blessed to know him and even after Dee and Rich moved from the Harbor they came back to visit us on Friday evenings. Such a sweet and fun loving man, never a negative word from his mouth! Our thoughts and prayers rest with Dee and his family!
Karla Bell
Dear Dee Dee and Family,
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Rich’s passing. We pray for your comfort and solace in family and friends during this difficult time.
With Kindest Regards
Karla & Bret Bell
Ron and Kathy Evans
DeeDee and family,
We are so sad to hear about Rich’s passing. We can’t imagine your heart break. We enjoyed the time we spent with you at the Harbor with our Friday evening get togethers at the pool. You are in our prayers.
Warmest thoughts,
Ron & Kathy
Gregory Lind
I remember Rich from the SuperAmerica softball team back in the 80s, and when he managed my SA in Savage. He was a class act. Prayers for his family during this difficult time.
Lori Lock and Mike Hackett
We are praying for you and your family and take comfort Rich is at peace and watching over all of us . He was the kindest man and will never be forgotten. God bless !!!
David Hoppe
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Michael Barrett
Rich was a humorous person brought after at work. My symphony goes to his family. He will be missed
Corinne Kissell
Denise and family I’m so sorry of Rich passing my thoughts to you all. I’m hoping you see this msg I like to get in touch with you.
Your neighbor in Burnsville
Corinne Kissell