Edward P. Zeller

Edward Zeller, age 95, of Brooklyn Park, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Edward “Ed” Zeller was born in Waverly, Minnesota on March 13, 1928 to Phil and Josie Zeller. The middle child of seven, he was the first to be born in a hospital, one year before the Great Depression. Young Ed’s responsibility was to listen to his mother and “keep the wolf away from the door,” meaning to do anything to keep the family from starvation or poverty. Ed learned to do many different jobs around town, including delivery of handbills to theaters and breaking down old farm equipment with “knuckle busting wrenches” along with his brother, Bob. He appreciated his disciplined and modest upbringing which, along with his Catholic education, shaped his unwavering moral standards throughout his life.

Ed served for 2 years in the Army when WWII was just ending. While he peeled many a potato, Ed often praised his fellow vets, those fighting in direct combat, as the “real heroes.” In recent years, he frequently expressed gratitude for the support and good care from the VA Medical Center during his two bouts with cancer.

Ed met Labelle Eull at a dance in Rogers, MN and they married on Oct 10, 1953--recently celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary! Together they raised a family of five daughters in Brooklyn Center. Ed spent most of his working career as a carpenter doing framing and drywall work. He earned the nickname “Fast Eddie” as he was the first to quickly grab whatever the crew needed on the job—a servant wherever he went! With some help from family and many skilled friends, Ed proudly built two family homes, a cabin in Pierz, MN and remodeled their winter home in Mesa, AZ. He was a faithful volunteer in the Minneapolis area for his church, Habitat for Humanity, Sister Jean’s Cookie Cart and Caring & Sharing Hands. It was his delight to give back to his community and to God in these ways.

From a young age, Ed’s favorite way to spend his free time was playing baseball. He recently said that he could have been “a heck of a good player” if he had committed to batting left-handed! He remained an avid Twins fan all of his life. Ed also enjoyed dancing, golfing, playing cards, and a fun party with family and friends. Ed loved a variety of music, with classic Country and a few movie musicals at the top of the list!

Ed always saw life as a blessing and gift from God. His Catholic faith, with regular mass and prayer, remained deeply important to him through the years. Many would agree that this devotion radiated out from him in Christlike ways. He found true joy and meaning in very simple things—a favorite pair of blue jeans or sweatshirt, a good cup of coffee, live music, an AZ sunset, a hand-in-hand stroll with Labelle or a brief chat with someone he loved. When asked what he might say to God when they met face to face, he replied, “I have an awful lot to be thankful for.”

He is survived by loving wife of 70 years, Labelle; daughters, Sue Zeller, Joan (Randy) Austin, Joyce (Michael) Finch, Terese (Dan) Foley and Mary (Dan) Obermiller; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Grotz and Rose (Wayne) Malachek.

Ed was welcomed Home by his parents; siblings-Viola, Gertrude, Bob and Catherine; granddaughter Alicia; many other relatives and friends

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, February 9 at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 9100 93rd Ave N., Brooklyn Park, with visitation one hour prior to Mass.,

Luncheon reception to follow at the Osseo American Legion, 260 4th Ave SE, Osseo, MN 55369.