As a strict disciplinarian with a soft heart for innumerable pets (13 cats at one time!), taking care of friends, and putting up with Chuck’s…ahem…Marlene’s latest projects, her favorite saying was, “You’re not too old to put over my knee and paddle…Greg, Danita…Kathy…whoever you are!” THIS claim can be substantiated.
Some of her passions included the American Legion Auxiliary (for whom she regularly volun-told her children to present various musical performances—sorry, Adeline Mitchell et al.); the St. Raphael’s Altar Society and church (for whom she regularly volun-told her children to wash dishes and pick up the gym—sorry, Father Bill Cawley et al.); cleaning houses, caring for the elderly and ill at Valley View Nursing Home;and supervising children at recess (sorry—South Side School children, circa 1980s). In her “spare time,” she loved to catchup on the news* in the Glasgow Courier,cook like a professional chef (for 40), bake exquisite pies, can fresh, home-grown vegetables, bottle dandelion wine, make chokecherry jams and jellies, den-mother generations of Boy Scouts, educate children in the arts of sewing, and “coax” her children into EVERY possible category at the Northeast Montana Fair while they simultaneously labored at the Scotty Music Booster’s booth in 100°F + weather, and “encourage” her children to swim in the 25°F-waters* of Fort Peck Reservoir. “It’s not THAT cold!”*She also enjoyed “adjudicating” the singing skills of her family while on camping or road trips. “Someone is flat back there! (Cousin—name withheld due to embarrassment reasons—stops singing; Marlene, without looking,) That’s better!” Claims are substantiated.
After losing her beloved husband Chuck (Chuckles) in 2010, Marlene took a risk and jumped into deep waters of her own. She moved to Aurora, Colorado, in 2012, with her devoted caregivers Teresa and Steven Zinner. There, she regaled* her new friends at the DaVita Dialysis Center with all the old stories her family had heard so many times before!Sadly, her large, generous heart could no longer be contained in her small body. She died of heart failure in her usual blaze of glory at The Medical Center of Aurora on Election Day, November 3, 2020, surrounded by several of her children and grandchildren. Luckily, she had been able to dazzle her fellow dialysis cohorts with her Princess Leia® costume just days before, on Halloween, hair buns and all. She was glad to have cast her final vote before passing.We believe she had some pull in the final out come of the Presidential election.
Like all human beings in this beautiful mystery we call life, Mar Mar was not perfect. She fed and clothed anyone who needed it, but she was prone to temper. She was so very opinionated but willing to change her mind in the face of facts that contradicted her own beliefs. She demanded excellence but forgave easily. Most of all, she loved deeply, long,and well. And, in return, she was loved by all who met or knew her*. Rest now, Mom; your work here is done.
Marlene is survived by her 12 children: Greg (Diane), Karl, Danita, Rob, Paul (Shawna), Teresa, twins Julie and Steve, Jeanine, Josephine (Ron), Kathleen (Dave), and Richard (Stan), her youngest sister Sherryee, 30-ish grandchildren and great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins,nieces, nephews,and many people who called her “MomZ.”. Due to Covid 19 restrictions across several states, Marlene will be cremated in Denver, Colorado. She will be given a graveside service in Glasgow, Montana, and laid to rest beside her husband in the Spring of 2021.
Marlene’s final wishes were: 1.) World Peace*; 2.) To teach the world to sing in perfect harmony*; 3.) For everyone to wear a touch of plaid now and again (especially at her graveside service—she LOVED her Glasgow Scotties!); 4.) To meet her hero Alex Trebek (took care of that one!), and 5.)Inlieu of flowers, to please have friends and family send a donation to the Marlene Zinner Memorial Fund, care of Kathleen ZinnerZwink via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. Katcan also be found at katwomancarpediem@hotmail.com.An especial thank you to the doctors and nurses at The Medical Center of Aurora, the dialysis specialists at DaVita Dialysis Centerof Aurora, and the wonderful Rachel Brown of Mile High Family Services, Denver, who was gentle and kind and made Mom look as lovely for Heaven as she ever did here on Earth.
Leah Erickson says
Theresa and all of the Zinner Family, sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She definitely sent out 12 to change the world and what snowball affect! 🙏 to your family.
Leah & Lynn Erickson
Lisa Baxter says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. The world lost another wondeful lady.
Kristi (Stracener) Irwin and family says
Jeanine and the Zinner family,
Am very sorry to read of your mother’s passing. What a wonderfully written tribute to her very abundantly lived life! Praying for peace and comfort for all of you .
Kristi Shipstead (Rohde) says
Your Marlene was a treasure. She very graciously hosted and helped the sewing girls of our 4-H club. She held a soft spot in my heart for the sessions she put up with us. (personally I think she loved every minute – claims substantiated). She always reminded my Rikki (Rohde) that she and Chuck were twins with the same birthday long after the sewing sessions.