Loren Burdette Zander, age 94, of Howard Lake, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home in Chaska, Mn.
Loren was born on August 2, 1922 in Victor Township to Frank and Alice (Streich) Zander. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. He was a life long member of the church and of the Howard Lake community.
He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1940. He attended Hamline University for one year, adding more honors to his high school and college track career.
Loren enlisted in the Army Air Corp, receiving his commission and wings in December of 1942. He was a B29 pilot, serving in the Pacific Theatre, flying 38 missions. Loren was later recalled in the Korean War, serving at Travis Air Force Base.
Loren married Lorraine Gutzke on Nov. 28, 1945 at the Buffalo Courthouse. The couple made their home farming in rural Howard Lake. Loren was also the Route 2 mail carrier for 30 years.
Loren and Lorraine enjoyed camping, golfing, dancing, traveling, and playing cards. They raised 6 children together. After retiring from the mail route, they spent the winter months in Texas. Lorraine passed away on June 25, 1998.
Loren married Mary Hobbs of Missouri on May 20, 2000 in Howard Lake. Loren and Mary also enjoyed their winters in Texas and summers in Howard Lake. They kept busy dancing, playing cards, traveling, playing pool in the Valley League and just being with each other.
Loren is preceded in death by parents Frank and Alice Zander, sister Lois, brother Gerald, and wife Lorraine. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Thomas (Lorrie) Zander, Richard (Connie) Zander, Mary Jo (Rob) Painschab, Jed (Tami) Zander, Jane (John) Kothrade, John (Shari) Zander, Mary sons, Carl Hobbs, Bob Hobbs, Jerry Hobbs, Don Hobbs, 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 4-8 PM with 7 PM prayer at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake, and continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church. www.swansonpeterson.com 320-543-3401