Allan W. Zachow

Obituary

Allan Walter Zachow was born on May 18, 1936, in rural Winthrop, Minnesota, to Walter and Bernice (Franke) Zachow. He was baptized on June 21, 1936, at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Gaylord, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 20, 1950, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, Minnesota. Allan attended country school in Green Isle through first grade, Immanuel Lutheran School through eighth grade and graduated from Gaylord High School in 1954. While in high school he participated in sports and was a participant in both the junior and senior class plays.

After graduation, Allan worked for 2 years at the Skelly station in Gaylord before joining the Marines.  He was stationed at Twenty-Seven Palms in California from February 1956 through February 1958.  He was honorably discharged with a rank of corporal. When he returned home, he worked various jobs including the Gaylord lumber yard, helping local farmers and at South View Chevrolet in South St. Paul servicing the Swift & Co semis and trucks.  In 1961 he began his career at Dolin Manufacturing in St. Peter, first in the stock room, then as the stockroom manager and finally as an associate engineer of manufacturing.  He retired in May of 1999.

On July 26, 1963, Allan was united in marriage to Donna Jean Demm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia. After their marriage, the couple resided in Gaylord, where they raised four girls - Jodi, Beth, Heidi and Wendy, and helped raise their grandson, Dustin. Allan and Donna shared 59 years of marriage before Donna passed away in November of 2022.

Allan was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord and enjoyed singing in the church choir, was an usher, served on various church boards and was a member of Immanuel Men’s Club. He was a member of the Gaylord Jaycees and bowled on many teams at the local bowling alley.  He also played baseball and softball on local teams.

Allan enjoyed traveling with Donna, attending his children and grandchildren’s events and even attended several of his great-granddaughter’s dance recitals. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother-in-law Lowell and going to Canada fishing with the bowling crew. He could often be found watching the Twins, the Vikings or the Gophers. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Blessed be his memory.

Allan is survived by his:
Daughters,         Jodi (Steve) Richer,
                             Beth (Randy) Trebelhorn,
                             Heidi Zachow,
                             Wendy (Quan) Shelton;
Grandchildren, Dustin Zachow, Jonathan Richer (Jamie Kosek), Courtney Richer (Zach Mogard), Isabella Trebelhorn;
Great-granddaughter, Raegan Jaquin;
Step grandchildren, Tabetha (Donald) Kurschner, Samantha (Tyler) Styles, Gavin Nourie, Jeremy Shelton, Jaden Shelton, Athena Shelton;
Step great-grandchildren, Ivy Nourie, Ellie Styles, Taylor McGuire;
Sister-in-law, Shirley Demm (Lowell’s wife);
Brothers and sisters, Dennis and Nita Zachow, Ron and Sandy Zachow, Linda Zachow, JoAnn Zachow, Lois and Orv Grund, Walt Zachow, Gene Zachow and Annie Kregness, Sarah and Ron Kirsch and Arlene and Mark Kuphal;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Allan was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his Parents, Walter and Bernice Zachow; his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, David and Lovella Demm; Brother, Roger Zachow; Sister-in-law, Shirley Demm; Brother-in-law, Lowell Demm; Sister-in-law, Lorie Zachow.