Irvin Francis Zenk

Irvin Francis Zenk, age 97, passed away on Thursday, February 12th, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community.

Irv was born on May 14th, 1928, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Casper and Anna (Lenertz) Zenk. He was the youngest of six brothers and 2 sisters. He graduated from Belgrade High School in Belgrade, Minnesota.

He was very proud of his service in the Army during the Korean Conflict in 1951-52. He enjoyed sharing stories of his many interesting experiences in the military. 

Upon his return to the states, he enrolled at Mankato State College to pursue a career in elementary education. He ran his own delivery business to work his way through college. He taught in Brooklyn Center, Clarks Grove, and spent the last 28 years of his career shaping young minds in Albert Lea. He absolutely loved working with children, and recently said that he'd still be teaching if he could! He loved running into his former students around town and hearing what they were up to and reminiscing about those precious school days.

Irv married the love of his life, Mary Sehr, on June 27th, 1959, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Ulm. Together, they provided their two sons, Steve and Jim, and daughter, Cindy, a very rich childhood on the acreage on South Shore Drive, which began as a real work in progress! Irv was very proud of his work renovating the house and keeping the yard looking well kept. He loved working outside and taking in all of nature's beauty.

When he retired, his brother, Paul, introduced him to "a wonderful machine-the scroll saw"! Irv spent countless hours in his workshop in the garage delicately creating many beautiful wooden works of art. He was so happy to gift his projects to family and friends, creating many lasting treasures.

He was a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed sharing his abilities with others. He had quite a following of retired teachers who were quick to call him when they needed help with projects around the house. He always served others with his heart.

Irv was an eternal optimist, always looking for the good in everything! He loved people and was quick to strike up a conversation. No one walked away from him as a stranger. He and Mary created a very welcoming home, and everyone felt free to stop in for a visit and a cup of coffee.

Irv was a very active member of St. Theodore's Catholic Church. He served on the Parish Council, Building and Maintenance Committee, the School Board, and ushered for 28 years. He was a man of rich faith that guided him through his life.

Carrying on Irv's legacy are his 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), Steven, Isaac, Amelia, Clara, Henry, Samuel, and Gideon Zenk; Kari and Kamille Hebblewhite; Paislee and Paxton Honsey; and Cameron Wood.

Irv was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary; his parents; siblings Norbert, Walter, Clarence, Elmer, Milton, Paul, Florence and Marion; 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, February 17, 2026, 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 Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to St. Theodore's Catholic Church or School, or St. Croix Hospice. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Irv's kind and very compassionate caregivers at Thorne Crest and St. Croix Hospice. He loved you all dearly!