Mary Ann Zenk

Mary Ann Zenk, age 92, passed away very peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, November 18th, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community.

Mary Ann was born on November 1, 1933, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Benedict and Clara Reiniger Sehr.

Mary’s strong Catholic faith was instilled in her from an early age. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1952, then graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Mankato in 1953. The many Catholic nuns who taught her over the years left a legacy of wisdom and faith that she continued to live her life by. She always seemed to have an appropriate quote to share at just the right times! Her nursing career was spent at St. Joseph’s Hospital. After her children were grown at Naeve Hospital, and as a home health aide through Freeborn County Public Health. She thoroughly loved what she did.

Mary and Irvin Zenk were married on June 27, 1959, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Ulm. Irv and Mary built a beautiful life together and were blessed to share 66 years of marriage. Their children, Steve, Jim, and Cindy enjoyed an amazing childhood on the acreage on South Shore Drive. Her family was her life, and she created such a loving home and many special memories that will live on with them forever. She treasured times spent with her family. Everyone was always welcome. The coffee pot was always on and she’d always have a plate of treats ready.

Mary found joy everywhere she looked. She didn’t take anything for granted and reminded us daily how blessed she was! She loved God’s beauty in nature, gardening, cooking and baking, and caring for her family. She had a true servant’s heart and was at her best when she was helping others. Mary truly shared the love of Jesus with everyone she encountered.

Those left to continue Mary’s legacy are her loving husband, Irvin; children Steve (Kim) Zenk, Jim (Michelle) Zenk, and Cindy (Dan) Bodensteiner; Grandchildren Tim (Katrina) Zenk, Katie (Chris) Hebblewhite, Emily (Brian) Honsey, Jeffrey Bodensteiner, and Jamie Wright; Great-Grandchildren Addison “Ole” Zenk, Twins Steven and Isaac Zenk, Amelia Zenk, Clara Zenk, Henry Zenk, Samuel Zenk, Gideon Zenk, Kari Hebblewhite, Kamille Hebblewhite, Paislee Honsey, Paxton Honsey, and Cameron Wood.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Benedict, Linus, Raymond, Irene, and Edwin; Daughter-in-law Laura Zenk; and great-granddaughter Ruthie Grace Zenk.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, at St. Theodore Catholic Church. Fr. Kurt Farrell will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon will follow at Marian Hall. Interment will be in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Theodore’s Catholic Church or School.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Mary’s kind and compassionate caregivers at Thorne Crest and St. Croix Hospice.