Robert Zosel

Robert Campbell Zosel, family man, hardware man, and Wadena County historian passed away at his home on Sunday, August 21, 2011. He was born on July 7, 1924 to Robert Saunby and Shirley (Campbell) Zosel in Wadena, MN. With the exception of three and a half years of service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he lived all of his life in Wadena. On March 5, 1948 he married Jeane Townsend and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage. From their marriage came six children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Bob was a successful hardware man as partner and owner of Zosel’s Wadena Hardware store from 1946-1992. He served on many community boards including those of the Wadena Tri-County Hospital, the Wadena Library, and the Wadena State Bank. He also served on the Executive Board of the Our Own Hardware Company, with which his store was affiliated. Upon his retirement in 1992 with the sale of Zosel’s Wadena Hardware Company, he became very involved with the Wadena County Historical Society, serving as president for many years. He loved researching, compiling and writing about the history of Wadena and Wadena County businesses, families and happenings. Being a self-effacing man, Bob was always pleased when residents told him how much they enjoyed his stories that appeared in the Wadena Pioneer Journal, the local newspaper. He was exceptionally proud of Wadena and proud to be a resident of his beloved hometown. Above all, Bob was a loyal and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved nothing more than taking his children on hikes to Black’s Grove and Itasca State Park, camping on the Partridge River, going deer hunting in Wyoming and in later years, cross-country skiing and traveling with his family and friends. He loved to plant trees; pines and maples at Black’s Grove, and to groom ski trails for others to enjoy. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Margaret Jeane in 1968, two grandchildren Anna and Benjamin Zosel Olson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jeane; daughter Mary and her husband Ray Hawes of Savage, MN, Sara and her husband Carl Sawicki of Fredericksburg, TX, Robert S. of Wadena, Jean Zosel of Missoula, MT, and Molly Zosel of Fargo, ND. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister Marian (Joe) DeMars of Battle Lake; and nephews John and Jim and their families. An evening of remembrance will be held on Friday, August 26, 2011 at the Johnson Memorial Home in Wadena from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Wadena United Methodist Church in Wadena. The family suggests memorials be given to the Wadena County Historical Society and the Wadena Tri-County Home Health and Hospice.

Robert Zosel

July 7, 1924 - August 21, 2011