Willard Zarnott

Obituary

Willard Otto Zarnott was born on May 3, 1927, in Transit Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. He was the son of Adolph and Clara (Volinkaty) Zarnott. Willard was baptized as an infant on May 29, 1927, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mountville, Dryden Township, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 17, 1940, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord. He received his education at a country school. He started farming with his father at the age of 13.

On January 20, 1945, Willard was united in marriage to Mary Selle at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helen Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. After their marriage the couple farmed in Transit Township. This union was blessed with six children. Willard and Mary shared almost 74 years of marriage.

Willard was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord, and served as a Deacon and custodian.

Willard enjoyed fishing the area lakes, Canada and the Lake of the Woods, hunting, spear fishing, ice fishing, traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe, playing cards especially Sheepshead, vacations with family and friends, dancing, bowling and going out to eat. He had a great sense of humor. Willard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Willard passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at the Ridgeview Sibley Medical Center in Arlington at the age of 91 years. Blessed be his memory.

Willard is survived by his:
Wife,               Mary Zarnott of Gaylord, MN;
Children,          Warren Zarnott of Winthrop, MN,
                        Judy Jayne of Chicago, IL,
                        Wayne Zarnott and his wife, Marilyn of Willmar, MN,
                        Julie McNellis and her husband, Sam of Glencoe, MN,
                        Sharon Zarnott and her husband, John Cook of Eden Prairie, MN, and
                        Michael Zarnott and his wife, Jill Chrisman of Bowlingbrook, IL;
8 Grandchildren, Matthew Zarnott, Jennifer Zarnott, Jeff Muchow, Jess Wibstad, Ben Wibstad, Mason Wibstad, Erin McNellis and Ian Zarnott;
8 Great Grandchildren, Branton Wibstad, Tyler Wibstad, Gram Wibstad, Adam Wibstad, Jack Wibstad, Dylan Wibstad, Cameron Wibstad, Ethan Wibstad;
Sisters, Ruby Streich and Pearl Streu;
Sisters-In-Law, Vera Teetzel, Lois Zieger, and Carol Grosfield;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Willard was preceded in death by his Parents, Adolph and Clara Zarnott; Son-In-Law, Jerry Jayne; Brothers-In-Law, Herb Streich and Raymond Streu.