Zelda Sawyer

Zelda Marcia Sawyer, 85, a resident of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died Thursday, June 2, 2011, at her home. She was born on July 25, 1925, at home on the farm near Freeman, South Dakota, the daughter of Thorvald and Alice (Hansen) Smidt. When she was a young child her family moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, where she attended school, graduating from high school there. She went on to college at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, later transferring to the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology. Zelda was employed for several years at the University of Minnesota in a Research Lab working with heart disease. On May 12, 1956, she married Thomas Sawyer in Minneapolis. They were the parents of two children, Leslie and Steve. The family moved frequently with Tom’s job with General Electric, but they eventually settled in Fergus Falls where their children were able to finish their education. Zelda had a love of music, which she passed on to her children. She enjoyed opera and symphonic music, and was a fan of the New York Metropolitan Opera Radio Shows. She was a long time member of AAUW (American Association of University Women) and was named Fergus Falls AAUW Woman of the Year in 1994. During her years with the club she served as the secretary, chaired the Committee on Women, was the cultural chairman, co-editor of the newsletter, winning a state award in 1991, and participated in their Money Talks Investment Club. She was a Schumann Club member, Lake Region Hospital Auxiliary member and hospital volunteer, a Great Books Discussion Club member, and a volunteer for Meals by Wheels. Zelda enjoyed traveling, wildlife, and bird watching. She had a passion for cooking, loving to create gourmet meals. She was also a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she played in the Handbell Choir. Preceding her in death were her parents, and a brother, Owen Smidt. Survivors include her husband, Tom, of Fergus Falls; her children: Leslie Sawyer of Boulder, Colorado, and Steve Sawyer of Rochester, Minnesota; two grandchildren, William and Cadence Sawyer; her sister, Miriam Risch of Chicago, IL; and numerous cousins. There will be a gathering time with family and friends one hour prior to the service. Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Robert Worner Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church Handbell Choir.