Dr. Zuehl, 90 years of Youth, a Harvest

ZUEHL

Posted By: Ardythe Rees Stoesz, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/30/2008 at 14:11:39

He walked among us . . . a man of many talents. His career at Western Union and Later Westmar College was one unending loyalty and never ceasing effort.

Dr. Zuehl was buried Monday on a clear, sunshiny day after a weekend of gloom and March rain showers. The clouds had parted after a short period of tears after the loss of his beloved wife Carrie.

In his late 80's, for a time it appeared as though Dr. Zuehl's will to live was slim after Carrie died. But his lifetime hobbies and zest for life sustained him to his 90th birthday this January.

The Zuehls reached their zenith during the Le Mars centennial in 1969. Dressed in centennial finery, they were the most popular couple. There was a flurry of excitement every time the Zuehls arrived at a centennial event and they attended most of them.

In that centennial year, Benjamin and Carrie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Nov. 2. They were honored by their Sunday School Class at a dinner held in the Westmar commons. There was a community open house that evening in Calvary church and the college faculty and staff
honored the outstanding couple at a tea two nights later.

The tributes were many and deserved. The Zuehls had spent their lives helping students in every imaginable way --from Mrs. Zuehl's traditional bridal veil for college brides to opening their home for formal and informal occasions.
College studens spent so much time in their home through the years their adopted "children" are legion.

When most elderly are forced to curtail activities, Dr. Zuehl became curator of the Plymour county historical museum and active force in the senior citizens organization. He regularly appeared at the county fair with his spinning wheel and continued to spend time at the Daily Sentinel obtaining paper and printing supplies.
A Minister, scholar, teacher, sports fan, musician(harmonica and piano) woodworker, administrator and printer. Dr. Zuehl was a young at heart Christian who told the world he loved it and us.

No longer will we see Dr. Zuehl strolling across the campus on an early summer evening -- bent on some errand or other. His walks were not aimless. Nor was his life.

Dr. Zuehl has left his mark. Faithful service and devotion to duty to produce a harvest few of us ever attain -- 90 years of youth and good health.
A clear call to live. Written and printed in the Le Mars Sentinel editoral section March 27, 1973 by Cal Stickel.