David Jay Zehringer

David Jay Zehringer, 71, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2026. He was born on September 18, 1954, in Ortonville, Minnesota, to Jack Anthony and Marie Elizabeth (Philagios) Zehringer. David grew up on the family farm north of Ortonville alongside his twin sisters, Kristine "Kristy" and Katherine "Kathy". He graduated from Ortonville High School in 1973 and later attended the University of Minnesota before returning home to farm with his father, eventually taking over the family farm. David was formerly married to Nancy (Hoel), with whom he shared four children: Noah, Hannah, Aaron, and Jordan. Farming was David's true passion. Though life took him down different paths, his love of cultivating the earth and tending his crops stayed with him always, living on in the gardens he kept. He was always fascinated with finding innovative ways to improve his yield while preserving the land that made it possible. After farming, he spent time over-the-road trucking and worked in a variety of trades. He possessed an uncommon ability to repair almost anything. David loved working alongside his four children and helping them with projects around their homes. He took pride in teaching his kids different skills so they could tackle things on their own, but mostly he just cherished the time spent together. His passion for food extended from farm to table. David was a talented cook who loved bringing people together around good food. He could put together a great barbeque with whatever happened to be on sale, often complete with homemade ice cream. His kids carry fond childhood memories of family Sunday dinners at home, as well as wayside rest picnics on the open road... regardless of the cookware, he could grill a mean burger! Those who knew him understood both his strengths and his struggles, yet they also knew someone who, in his own way, cared deeply for others and was capable of real generosity. He had a gift for finding the right joke at the right moment, along with a hearty laugh that he shared easily and often. David is survived by his four children: Noah (Joy) Zehringer, Hannah Zehringer, Aaron Zehringer, and Jordan (Jessica) Zehringer; his seven grandchildren, Christian, Luis, Isaiah, Cruz, Jacob, Henry, and Emmett; his sister, Kristy Zehringer; as well as many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marie Zehringer, and his sister, Kathy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Twin Cities Nonviolent (twincitiesnonviolent.org) in David's memory. David's family finds comfort in the many moments of laughter, the meals shared around the table, and the memories they will hold close for years to come.

David Jay Zehringer

September 18, 1954 - July 25, 2026

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