Jeff
Zurheide
The Rev. Dr. Jeffry R. Zurheide, 54,
of Gay Farm Road, died Oct. 28,
2009, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical
Center, in Lebanon, after years of
declining health due to cancer,
during which he faced his difficult
circumstances with courage.
He was born in Hackensack, N.J.,
July 2, 1955. He graduated from
Hackensack High School in 1973 and
Luther College in Teaneck, N.J., in
1975, with an associate's degree. He
graduated from Gordon College,
Wenham, Mass., in 1977 with a BA in
Biblical Studies. He earned a master
of divinity degree from Golden Gate
Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill
Valley, Calif., in 1981 and a
doctorate of ministry from Brite
Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas,
in 1989.
Following his education, he lived in
Wilton, Conn., for 10 years, as
pastor of Wilton Baptist Church and
then spent five years in Edmond,
Okla., as pastor of The First
Baptist Church of Oklahoma City.
He and his family moved to New
London, six years ago, where he
served as pastor of The First
Baptist Church of New London.
IN HIS LIFE: He is remembered as a
kind and caring son, husband,
father, friend and pastor,
comfortable with and concerned for
all, including "the least of these."
He was an insightful and creative
preacher and counselor.
Jeff enjoyed listening to all kinds
of music and was an accomplished
guitarist and a talented singer. He
was an avid fly fisherman and a
lover of the outdoors, especially
all that New Hampshire offers, who
found inspiration from the beauty of
creation.
Jeff was that rare person who was
satisfied with his life, including
loving family, dear friends,
meaningful vocation and varied
enriching experiences. He did not
long for more, but left this earth
grateful for his many blessings and
confident in God's good care.
Members of his family include his
wife of 32 years, Karen (Johnson)
Zurheide of New London; two
children, Molly J. Zurheide and
Andrew R. Zurheide, both of New
London; his parents, Frederick and
Jean (DePauw) Zurheide of Whiting,
N.J.; a sister, Barbara Lewin of
Valencia, Calif.; two close cousins,
Kathleen Chalmers of Dover, Del. and
Lynn Macoun of Hasbrouck Heights,
N.J.; his parents-in-law, Robert and
Jean Johnson of Lancaster; his
sister-in-law, Brenda Johnson-Condra
of St. Louis, Mo.; his
brother-in-law, Eric Johnson of
Lancaster; and nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: A memorial service was
held Sunday at 2 p.m. at The First
Baptist Church of New London.
Memorial contributions may be made
to The First Baptist Church, PO Box
336, New London 03257 or to the
charity of one's choice to help
those in need.
For more information, go to
www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.
Obit from http://www.legacy.com/UnionLeader/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=135182319
