Lawrence W. "Red" Zender

Lawrence W. “Red” Zender passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, August 14, 2023. One of 11 children, Red was born on October 4, 1930, to Jacob and Catherine Zender in Kendall, WA.

Red served in the Korean War for the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. On August 12, 1961, Red married the love of his life, Beverly Main. They were blessed with six wonderful children. Red had many accomplishments throughout his life, including art, wood carving, carpentry, and having one of his paintings hung in Carnegie Hall when he was in high school. He worked in the logging industry for over 50 years with his eight brothers and two brothers-in-law, forming Zee Brothers Logging and Trucking Inc. Red was a long-time member of the Deming Logging Show and earned the title of Bull of the Woods in 1999. He was a lifetime devoted Parishioner at St. Peter’s Mission Catholic Church.

Baseball was an important part of Red’s life. He and his eight brothers won second place in the semi-pro National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas as the Deming Loggers in 1956. His passion for baseball continued throughout his life. He was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners and his grandchildren’s school sports. Red and Bev hardly missed a game.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Catherine Zender; eight brothers, Pete, Dick, Bee, Nick, John, Jake, Dan, and Jim; sisters-in-law, Betty and Rose; and brother-in-law, Lee Williamson Sr.
Red is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bev; children, Mary Lou (Todd) Kelly, Larry (Martha), Kelly (Becky), Tom, Bill, and Kyle (Angi); 18 grandchildren, Tyler (Sara), Matt, Monika, Tessa, Jackie, Jordan (fiancée Sydney), Jennifer, John, Brittany (Ryan), Megan (Jesse), Kurtis (Maddie), Kolton, Gracelyn, Kolby, Chloe, Brayden, Birhanie, and Keya; six great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Weston, Harper, Hayden, Declan, Zeppelin, and one more on the way; sisters, Mary Williamson and Kay (Denny) Cox; and sisters-in-law, Ellen, Pearl, Celine, Lenore, Iris and Mary Ann Burgess.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Whatcom Hospice House for the care they provided and Visiting Angels, especially Bobbie Dell for her friendship and care for Red.

A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at St. Peter’s Mission Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 22nd at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 23rd at 10:30am at St. Peter’s Mission Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Gary Zender, with committal following at St. Peter’s Cemetery, and a reception at St. Peter’s Church Hall. Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Mission Catholic Church, the Deming Logging Show, Visiting Angels, or Whatcom Hospice House.

Red will be remembered for his faith, love of family and ability to tell a good story.