David Zellman

David Allan Zellman of Cologne passed May 6, 2022 at the Lutheran Home following a long battle with Parkinsons and Diabetes. He was 73 years old.  Services will be held on May 14, at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine.  Rev. Mark Johnson will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 with the service at 11:00.  Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine.

David was born on August 26, 1948 in Shakopee, MN to Marvin and Laura (Bussmann) Zellman.  He was baptized on September 19, 1948 and Confirmed on April 15, 1962 at St. John Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member serving as an usher, teaching Sunday School and working with the youth group. He has one brother Lynn. David loved growing up and working on the farm and was active in 4H.

He went to a county school near his home through the 6th grade, then attended Belle Plaine School where he graduated in 1966. While in school he was active in FFA and band.  After graduation he attended North Western Electronic Institute in Minneapolis studying electronics. His first job was fixing TV’s at a repair store in Waconia and at home. He then worked for Telex in Glencoe as a hearing aid technician, He left Telex to work for Starkey Labs in Eden Prairie where he also worked as a hearing aid technician and retired after 36 year.

In 1970 David met Audrey Swanson and they were married July 15, 1972 in Stanchfield, MN.  They made their home on the family farm south of Cologne.  They have two children, Terry and Christopher. David was very interested in Ham Radio, his call sign was WB0YDF (he called himself young dairy farmer to help people remember his call).  After many years of asking Audrey to get her license she and both boys became Ham Radio operators. Dave and Audrey enjoyed helping with many radio events and emergencies. He was proud to be part of Desert Voices during Desert Storm, connecting military members with their family through radio.

David is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Audrey, sons Terry (Brenda), and Christopher. One Grandson, Travis Zellman.  Brother, Lynn (Patty) Zellman of Cologne. Aunt, Ellen Arndt of Norwood Young America. Mother-in-law, Pat Hilsabeck of Belle Plaine and Brother-in-law, Richard (Pat) Swanson of New Mexico. Nieces and Nephew, Melissa (Scott) Schlueter, Teresa (Alan) Jopp, Andrew (Heather) Zellman, and Lisa Cooper. Many cousins, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Grandparents, Father-in-law Charles Swanson, Step Father-in-law Robert Hilsabeck and Daughter-in-law Tanya Zellman. Thank you to the Lutheran Home and St. Croix Hospice for the care they gave to David. 

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