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John M. Zechmeister, age 95 of Chisago City passed away peacefully at home, with family, the morning of Friday, August 19, 2011.

John is preceded in death by loving wife, Dorothy (Dori). He was born and raised in St. Paul by parents Michael James and Ida Katherine (Saiko) Zechmeister and worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 36 ½ years and remained a union member for over 58 years. In 1976 he retired and moved to North Center Lake in Lindstrom with his wife Dorothy. He became and remained a member of the Forest Lake American Legion and St. Bridget's Catholic Church for over 35 years. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona for many years. John's favorite pastime was reading the newspaper and a good book (his favorite being Louis L'Amour westerns) and watching the Vikings and Twins. He enjoyed going out for breakfast and spending the day with Dorothy. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

He will always be remembered and sadly missed by family and friends left behind, especially Marie (Bill) Whelan, Bonnie Reinhardt, Jerome Sears and Barbara (Darrell) Montbriand and Michael (Linda Weber).

Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church in Lindstrom with Fr. Mark Wehmann officiating. Music was provided by Karl Kornowski. Visitation one hour prior to mass at church on Wednesday. Interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials preferred to St. Bridget's Church or donor's favorite charity.

Arrangements by Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Condolences maybe left at grandstrandfh.com.

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