1941
James
2010
James Zweerink
October 20, 1941 — October 26, 2010
James Edward Zweerink, 69, of Waubun, MN, put up the good fight but lost his two year battle with Multiple Myeloma on October 26, 2010. He won in the end and was ushered into heaven surrounded by his family at his home.
Jim was born on October 20, 1941 in Firth, Nebraska to Harold and Ruth (Prange) Zweerink. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1959 and joined the Navy in 1960. While in the Navy, he received a degree in Electrical Engineering, was commissioned as a Naval Officer and served on surface ships and submarines. Jim married Sherry Lesoing on August 20, 1965 in Council Bluffs, IA, and they raised three wonderful children together.
Jim retired from the Navy in 1980 and they bought a fishing resort, Sunset Beach Resort, on West Battle Lake near Battle Lake, MN. Harold and Ruth also moved there to help out. The Zweerink family ran the resort until February 1985 and then moved into their new home on a lake up north and have lived there ever since. Jim then went to work with his son Troy and built lake homes and several hundred pole buildings located throughout Minnesota and North Dakota until he retired in 2001 at the age of 60.
Jim loved to fish with his family and friends and went on many special fishing trips to Canada. He also enjoyed hunting deer, square dancing, playing cards, games, reading, watching sports, and most of all, spending time with his family. He treasured the fact that the urn to be used for his service was made by his son, Troy.
Jim will be greatly missed by his Wife, Sherry; Sons, Doug (Chele) of Maribel, WI; and Troy (Mary Jo) of Osage, MN; Daughter, Dr. April (Scott) Abrahamson of Hugo, MN; Grandsons, Jordan and Christian Zweerink and Noah Abrahamson; Granddaughters, Kara, Samantha and Courtney Zweerink and Abby Abrahamson; Mother, Ruth in the Tabitha Nursing Home, Lincoln, NE; Sisters, Carole (Steve) Clifton of Bennet, NE; Amy (Terry) Chandler of Lincoln, NE; Julie (Dave) Lovelace, of Lincoln, NE; Brenda (Kenny) Albright of Lincoln, NE; Susan (Don) O’Connor of Hickman, NE, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Dad, Harold; Sister, Kimberly; Brother, Bob; Father-in-law, Elmer; Mother-in-law, Elizabeth; Brother-in-law, Russell.
Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church of Detroit Lakes, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Detroit Lakes, a Member of the Minnesota Square Dance Federation since 1986, President of the Federation two times, and Co-Chairman of the Minnesota State Square Dance Convention three times. For the past several years, Jim has also taken depth and clarity readings of their lake for the MN DNR.
Memorial Service will be held at United Methodist Church of Detroit Lakes at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 29th with Pastor Brenda North officiating. Honorary Pall Bearers will be all who are present to celebrate Jim’s life. Friends may call at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.
Special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley for making it possible for Jim to remain at home during his last days here on earth. Special thank you to Sanford Health for their loving care of Jim throughout his long battle.
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