Edward M. Zurbriggen (Michael), 66
Published 10:37 am Thursday, April 17, 2014
Edward M. Zurbriggen (Michael), 66, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed away March 28, 2014, at his home after a long illness of COPD.
Zurbriggen
He was born on July 9, 1947, in St. Louis, Mo. He graduated from John Marshall High School, Rochester, Minn., in 1965 and attended college in Rochester, Minnesota and University of Minnesota in Duluth.
On Sept. 6, 1968, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene (Dee Dee) Gerber at St. Augustine Church in Austin, Minn. After moving to Phoenix in 1971, he was employed at J.C. Penney Company and retired from management in 1996.
Survivors include his loving wife, Dee Dee of Phoenix; three wonderful and loving children: Jeffrey (Susan) Zurbriggen of Phoenix; Julie (Jay) Culton of Chandler; Jeana (Keith) Yingling of Phoenix; eight wonderful grandchildren: Abigail, Alexa, Nikolas, Amelia, Cole, Hannah, Olivia, and Easton; parents Edward F. and Rita Zurbriggen of Sun City; a twin sister Sheila Carlson of Minnesota; two brothers: Jim Zurbriggen of Surprise; and David (Tammi) Zurbriggen of Queen Creek; brother-in-law Dean (Dawn) Gerber of Minnesota; sister-in-law Kaye Gerber of Minnesota and many other relatives and friends.
Michael wrote himself:
There are not enough meaningful words, nor near enough time to tell you how blessed my life has been. My pride and joy, a wife who was giving, loving, caring, beautiful, and intelligent, selfless of her own needs throughout our lives. The rock of our family! No greater wife, woman, mother, grandmother or friend ever lived. Honey, I love you with all my heart and I thank you for being a part of my life.
My three beautiful, successful and intelligent children, you provided me with the utmost pride, throughout my life. Mom and I loved every precious moment we ever had with all of you. You made being parents a true joy throughout your lives. I love you more than you will ever know.
Eight beautiful grandchildren, who cried silently when I hurt, laughed when we laughed and brought joy to me and every person’s life they touched. They picked me up so many times without ever knowing, I only needed their presence to make a difference.
I will be with you all, always and forever! All my love, Mike, Dad, and G-Pa Z.