Linda Zenner

The life of Linda Kay Zenner, much loved wife, mother, sister, and caregiver ended peacefully September 10, 2022, at Orchard Creek Health Care after a long illness. She was born October 6, 1944, in Alpena and grew up in Metz, Michigan. She attended nursing school at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Detroit area and cared for patients in Macomb County, where she raised her three daughters. In 1988, she moved to Traverse City where she worked for several different doctors. Here she met her husband Carl Zenner, who survives. Linda was the ultimate caregiver. She cared for patients, nursed sick birds back to health, carefully tended her multiple gardens, and spent all the time she could with her children and grandchildren. She was the consummate rock collector, making frequent visits to the UP and Canada for her treasures. She and her sister began crafting stonework to get rid of the buckets of stones, which they then sold at craft shows in the Traverse City area under the business name “Rocky Relations.” She and her husband maintained multiple bird feeders and were especially fond of the hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles which frequented them. The Zenners also enjoyed camping and traveling out west and throughout the state of Michigan. They made many friends on their trips as Carl often remarked that “there was no such thing as a stranger where Linda was concerned.” The Zenners were wonderful dancers and continued enjoying this activity for years, along with playing cards with family and friends. Early in her sixties Linda’s health began to decline, leaving her using a cane at first, then a walker, and finally a wheelchair. She struggled mightily as she was forced to make the transition from one who cared for others to one who was cared for by others. She never truly accepted that arrangement, but despite the difficulties, she continued to find joy in nature and beautiful flowers. Even as late as last summer, she and her husband went on camping trips, and she could be found tooling around the campground in her motorized “Amigo.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Eleanor Blasky of Metz. She is survived by her three daughters, Heidi Liss of Traverse City, Michelle Cummings of Arizona, and Chandra Liss (John Sam) of Traverse City; brothers Michael Blasky (Barbara) of Houghton Lake, Paul Blasky of Metz, and sister Margaret Goeman of Traverse City; five grandchildren, Domiano Anthony Moceri, Alexis Wojcik, Nick Hernandez, Sidney Cummings, Jordan Cummings, and seven nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday, September 14, 11:00 AM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Traverse City. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of service. Linda will be laid to rest in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Linda and her family.

Linda Zenner

October 6, 1944 - September 10, 2022