John "Tom" Zeien, age 84 of San Diego, CA. died on December 7, 2007 at the Pomerado Hospital in San Diego, CA.

He was born on January 19, 1923 in North Branch to Maurice and Judith (Alvin) Zeien.

Tom was born and raised in North Branch, Minn. where he met the love of his life, Shirley Johnson. They eloped on his way overseas to serve in the 446th Bombardier Group in World War II. Tom was the only young man from North Branch who survived the war. After the war he attended the University of Minnesota where he earned his degree in chemical engineering. Their first son was born while he was a student.

Tom enjoyed a multifaceted career and truly loved his work. He began his career with Standard Oil Company in Baltimore, Maryland, where their first two daughters were born. The family moved to Cloquet, Minn. where Tom began his long career with Conoco Oil Company, and their third daughter was born. Subsequent positions took the family to Billings, Montana, where their second son was born, and to Houston, Texas. Conoco sponsored Tom's advanced study at Cornell University and Harvard University in management and leadership development. His final position with Conoco was Vice President of International Refining, during which he traveled the world. Upon retirement, Tom and Shirley relocated to Rancho Bernardo.

Tom was a very active person who loved the outdoors. He grew up hunting and fishing with his cousins, activities he enjoyed throughout his life with friends and his lovely wife, who expertly cooked the wild game he brought home. He also enjoyed camping, boating, and water skiing in Minnesota with his family and friends. Tom started golf as a boy, and it became his passion. Conoco provided opportunities for Tom and Shirley to golf in many countries and participate in pro-am tournaments. They enjoyed their retirement years on the Rancho Bernardo Golf Course, winning many a tournament and traveling with the Nomads to other courses in California. Tom and Shirley were blessed with a love affair for life; they were very best friends through thick and thin for 63 years.

Tom was a family man, a great man who lived with strength and courage. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch with Rev. Susan Schoon officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in North Branch. Casketbearers were Robert Zeien, Bob Schedin, Jim Schimelpfenig, Kevin Hogan, Bruce Johnson and Todd Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of San Diego, CA; children; Robert (Kelly) of Menlow Park, CA; Candace (Alan) Ewell of Honolulu, HI; Carol (Walter) Tingley of Arvarda, CO; Cathy (David) DuBois of Akron, OH; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son; Craig Thomas in 1999.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch, Minn.

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