Dr. Jeffry R. Zurheide
July 2, 1955 – October 28, 2009
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.