Alfred Leonard Zon

Al was born May 14, 1933, in the Township of St. Andrews, ND, the youngest of 9 children. During the summer, he worked in the potato fields to help buy shoes and clothes for the next school year and when he turned 12, he began working in his sister’s restaurant.

Following graduation from high school in Minto, ND, Al married Frances Bushaw and enlisted in the US Army serving in the Korean War. Upon returning home, Al worked as a ticket agent and telegrapher for the Great Northern Railroad while attending Mayville State College in North Dakota to become a teacher.

Al was offered a teaching position in Carlin, Nevada where he taught for four years, until he was offered a position at Phoenix High School in Oregon, where he taught shorthand, typing and business classes.

Immediately after retiring, Al began volunteering for Alcoholics Anonymous and St. Vincent de Paul. He volunteered for the next 32 years of his life, receiving the 32nd year of service pin October 2022 at the age of 89.

Al was persistent, a mentor, kind, steadfast, resilient, and a survivor. After beating cancer at age 60, he decided to quit smoking and he did. Al believed in working hard and helping others so they could help themselves. He believed in second chances, the goodness in everyone, and getting through the hard times with a sense of humor. Al loved babies and was blessed with many in his large family.

Al is survived by Kimberly Faith, Shannon Grey, Patrick Zon, Jennifer Pettegrew, Lisa Young, and Bradley Zon; Drew Axel his best friend and longtime companion, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Al was preceded in death by his children, Michael and Alison Zon, his parents, John and Bertha Zon, and his 8 siblings.

There will be a celebration of life at St. Vincent’s October 11, 2025, at 10:00 am; all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent de Paul.

St. Vincent de Paul

2424 N Pacific Hwy,

Medford, OR 97501