Obituary of Harold Emil Zbytovsky

Harold Emil Zbytovsky, 86, of Duluth, passed away February 16, 2017 at Golden Oaks Assisted Living in Hermantown. Harold was born on July 1, 1930 in Mission Creek Township to Emil and Mary (Spinler) Zbytovsky. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Edna Nelson on July 28, 1951. They spent 64 years together before Marilyn's passing in 2015, and together they raised their sons Wayne and Jim. Harold served in Germany in the U.S. Army in the early 1950s. After leaving the Army, he went on to work for the Great Northern Railroad. Harold and his family moved to Brainerd in 1972 after the Great Northern Railroad became Burlington Northern Railroad and in 1985 they moved to Duluth. He retired from Burlington Northern after more than 30 years. After his retirement, Harold and Marilyn spent much of their time on the family farm. Harold found great joy in tending to the gardens and pastures, mending fences and working on his many tractors. He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; his parents Emil and Mary; his brother David; his sister Lucille; and nephews Dana Jay Cranston and Henry Shiver Jr. Harold is survived by his sons Wayne Zbytovsky of Chaska and Jim (Kristin) Zbytovsky of Duluth; grandchildren Nathan and Nickolas Glenn; brother Jerry (Lila) Zbytovsky; sisters Isabell (Robert) Cranston and Janet (Mike) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Golden Oaks for the care they provided Harold throughout his stay. VISITATION: 2 p.m. gathering of family and friends until the 3 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, (218) 624-5200.