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BORN
1937
DIED
2026
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Norma Zehnder Obituary
Norma R. Zehnder
Passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Covenant Healthcare after a brief illness; age 89 years. Norma Geyer was born in Saginaw, MI on March 7, 1937 to the late Fred and Leona Geyer. She was married to Martin Zehnder on June 20, 1959; he survives her.
Norma was employed by Saginaw General after graduating from the University of Michigan with her Bachelor’s. After four years she was asked to be an instructor at Saginaw General School of Nursing. She was a homemaker mother raising her family and was a part of Kinder Haus Nursery at the former Schreiner Store. Afterwards she worked at an OBGYN doctor’s office in Saginaw and later attended Wayne State University receiving her Master’s and PhD. She later taught nursing at SVSU for the next 20 years.
Norma was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and its treble choir, and the National Nurses United. She enjoyed downhill skiing, golfing, traveling, and cheering on the University of Michigan, but most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Surviving besides her husband Martin are: Scott (Cherl) Zehnder of Calabash, NC; Steven (Tammy) Zehnder of Frankenmuth, MI; Leslie (Karl) Snyder of Lansing, MI; Craig Zehnder of Port Angeles, WA; grandchildren Taylor and Colin Beaudin, Katelyn and Kyle Zehnder, and Shuyuan and Tsz-Yan Snyder.
Norma was preceded in death by daughter Leigh Zehnder-Najera.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Frankenmuth, MI. The Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate. Norma’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz School Music Department, Music at St. Lorenz, or St. Lorenz Male Choir.
Memories and Condolences
for Norma Zehnder
Cynthia Rotunno
March 19, 2026
Rest in peace dear friend. I have been so blessed by our friendship. I will hold in my memory your beautiful smile and kind gentle spirit. I treasure my memories of our time shared—especially those made in sim lab with nursing students at SVSU. You touched the lives of so many young student nurses. I am so thankful for our annual summer visits since retirement. Sending hugs across the miles from Texas. Prayers for your family during this time.
Cindy Lou Who
Anne Forgrave
March 18, 2026
I am so sorry to hear this. I can still hear Norma’s laugh as she and my mother shared stories. I remember how nice she was as a neighbor on Greenleaf and as my “employer” when I babysat. She and Marty arrived home once to find me reading her copy of Valley of the Dolls—scandalous for a teenager back in the day—but she only smiled and said, “It’s pretty good, isn’t it?” (The kids were asleep in bed by then, or she might not have been so understanding.) And she was a good friend when my mother began to struggle with her memory before she died several years ago—another only child—stopping by to visit and help with errands. The neighborhood ladies stuck together over the years, even when they no longer lived next door to one another.
My deepest condolences to Marty and all the family. My prayers are with you all.
Anne (Bassett) Forgrave
Ray & Deb Escobedo
March 18, 2026
Marty, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Norma rest peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus. Peace be with you.
Rod and Denise Bickel
March 18, 2026
Marty, So very sorry to hear of the passing of Norma. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Meta Hollingsworth
March 18, 2026
Dear Martin and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Norma’s passing. I have a lot of fond memories of us growing up together.
She will be surely missed.
Janet Winfield
March 18, 2026
She was the delight of her parents...an only child so loved. Norma was my mom's cousin (Lydia Rutkowsky Nuechterlein of Alpena before her death in 2004). I do not drive that distance as a widow and we are still dealing with ice storm issues. God is good always. Love to all my relatives who may be able to be there.
paula and sal najera
March 17, 2026
Always so fun with Norma around. Will be missed by so many.
Linda Strodtman
March 17, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Norma's death. She was PhD nursing student at Wayne State University during my same time in program. A marvelous nurse with a great nursing career. May your grief be lightened by the many memories of life with her. Peace and grace.
Vera Bamberg
March 16, 2026
Marty and family, my sincere condolences to you, I am so sorry I won’t be able to attend Norma’s funeral as I am still in Texas at my daughter’s house. May you find peace and comfort knowing her faith was strong and she is noon the arms of Jesus. She was such a beautiful lady and always had a smile for everyone.
God’s blessings to you.
March 16, 2026
Dear Marty and Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Rest assured and may you find comfort she’s in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Always enjoyed seeing her with her friendly smile, kindness and of course a greeting of Go Blue!
May you find peace in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Ken Boesnecker
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Funeral services provided by:
Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth590 N. Franklin, Frankenmuth, MI 48734