David John Zinter

David Zinter, 85 year old of Long Prairie, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 7:0 PM, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral the next day.

David John Zinter was born on September 8, 1936, the son of Richard and Mary (Gaulke) of rural Long Prairie. He graduated from Long Prairie High school and later joined the Minnesota Army National Guard, obtaining the rank of Captain. He then started farming with family. David met the love of his life, Beverly Hummel. The two were smitten and were united in marriage on May 6, 1958. Their union was blessed with three children, Mary, Brian and Karin. The young couple raised their family on the family farm. David loved farming life. He found great pride in working the land and like all farmers loved a bountiful crop. David and his brother, Donald began growing potatoes in 1959. They were known as Zinter Brothers Potato Farm. David and Donald were innovators in the irrigation and potato industry in Todd County. 

He worked for a period while farming as a crop adjustor for RCIS, and weed inspector for the county. He thoroughly enjoyed getting out in the field and "shooting the breeze" with the local farmers. When he was no longer physically able to go out in the field, he worked at home on the computer doing insurance claims with mom as his "secretary." He also served as a church deacon and was a member of the Long Prairie School Board for 23 years. From early on in adulthood, David was very patriotic and proud to be an American. He felt a civic duty to serve his community and support his country. When he was not farming or volunteering, he worked on his collection of caps, toy tractors, belt buckles and Terry Redlin Prints and plates. Christmas was David’s favorite holiday, the blessing of Jesus’ birth and the excitement of the children and grandchildren brought a smile to his face. His generous heart overflowed during the holiday season. He was an honest man, who loved to tell a good joke or tease, his heart of gold will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

David went to meet his Lord on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the Lakewood Care Center. He was 85 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Beverly; children, Mary Woeste, Brian Zinter, Karin Fearing; grandchildren, Beth, Mark, Daniel Woeste, Jeremy, Brandon Zinter, Adam, Rebecca Fearing; 6 great-grandchildren; Sister, Jeanette Anderson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Zinter; brother, Donald Zinter; sister-in-law, Ruth Zinter.

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