Ronnie E. Zakrzewski

Ronnie E. Zakrzewski, 76, of Brainerd, passed away at his home Saturday, November 14, 2020 surrounded by his family.  A Celebration of Ronnie’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 20, 2020 at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.  Family and friends are invited to gather one-hour prior.  Private interment.  A live streaming option will be available through Nelson-Doran Funeral Home’s Facebook Page.

Ronnie was born June 8, 1944, in O’Neill, NE, the son of Tom and Helen (Yelli) Zakrzewski.  After attending a local country school, Ronnie graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1962.  On July 11, 1964, he married Sarah George.  The couple started their life together farming in Nebraska.  After a few years they decided to move to Minnesota.  Ronnie dedicated his life to farming.  He had dairy cattle and beef cattle.  He and Sarah were also emergency foster care providers for 26 years. Ronnie cherished the times his family gathered to celebrate holidays and feast on lots of food.  In his later years, he liked to help grocery shop, make soups, and even bake.  He would hunt with his family and enjoyed listening to his grandson sing country music.

He will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Sarah; daughters, Rhonda Tougas Zakrzewski (Allan), Brenda (Darrell) Compton, and Coralea (Matt) Borden; grandchildren, Tiffany (Tom), Daniel (Jess), Lee (Brianna), Amanda (Tim), Zachary (Travis), Emma, and Jacob; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Tom Zakrzewski, Pat Petersen, Gary (Sharon) Zakrzewski, Eddie (Beth) Zakrzewski; Slyvia (Greg) Frear, and Donnie (Charol) Zakrzewski; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; and sister-in-law, Sharron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Kidney Foundation.

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