Zana Windahl Sehlin

Zana Windahl Sehlin (Windahl) ObituaryZana Windahl Sehlin, 94 years, passed away on April 26, 2025, 50 days after her husband of 72 years, Art (Jack) Sehlin.
Zana's life was marked by her deep commitment to family, community, and service. She was the heart of her family - the biggest fan and loudest cheerleader for each of us. Her support was constant, her love unconditional. Zana approached life with passion and energy, believing that love was best expressed through action, not just words.
Orphaned at four years old, and lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, Zana grew up quickly and found her way as a spirited young woman. She loved sports and became a pro at riding the streetcar around Minneapolis to speedskating, swimming and diving events. Zana was one of the few women in the late 1940's/early1950's at the University of Minnesota to earn an "M" as a student-athlete.
Zana was a remarkable mom to Tammy and Peggy, a role model of what it meant to be a strong, independent woman. She would literally have done anything for us, and in fact, did.
She was an amazing friend to many – she and her friends from Washburn and the University of Minnesota remained close throughout their lives. Zana never forgot a name or a face, and people rarely forgot her, her warmth left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. She could be in another country, and someone would walk up to her and ask, "Did you go to Washburn?" When her daughters meet an old classmate/neighbor/friend, their second (if not first) question is, "How's your mom?"
She was a lifelong lover of sports - as a talented participant or an enthusiastic spectator, and even as an accomplished coach of the Hopkins Eisenhower Girl's Downhill Ski Team. She rarely missed her grandchildren's games, from T-ball all the way through collegiate basketball. Zana and Art, alumni of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, bled maroon and gold.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, resilience, and love in motion. While our hearts are heavy, we are forever grateful for the gift of her presence in our lives. She showed us how to live with strength and how to love with our whole hearts.
A Celebration of Life for both Zana and Art (Jack) will be held on June 30, 2025, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior MN. Visitation at 2:00 pm, service at 3:00 pm.
Huber Funeral & Cremation Services
Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595
Zana Windahl Sehlin, 94 years, passed away on April 26, 2025, 50 days after her husband of 72 years, Art (Jack) Sehlin.
Zana's life was marked by her deep commitment to family, community, and service. She was the heart of her family - the biggest fan and loudest cheerleader for each of us. Her support was constant, her love unco