Rev. Jean Paul Henry Zenke

Reverend Jean Paul Henry Zenke, 92, of Aitkin, MN passed away Monday, October 26, 2020 in Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin, MN. A graveside service for family was held Monday, November 2 in St. John’s Cemetery in Broadlands, IL. Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer Association, ALZ.ORG.

Jean Paul was born October 1, 1928 in Broadlands, IL to Alfred and Trazya (Wiese) Zenke. He attended college and seminary at Mission House (now Lakeland University) in Sheboygan, WI and was ordained in 1953.

His first church was a dual parish in Long Prairie and Bertha, MN in 1953, where he met Cheryl Cook. They were united in marriage July 29, 1955. Jean Paul and Cheryl served churches in Norwood, MN, Waukon, High Hill, MO and Peru, IL before retiring to the Aitkin, MN area in 1992.

Jean Paul served the Cedar Lake Norwegian Church in rural Aitkin after retirement, played violin in the Great River Strings, the Andante Quartet, and various other local groups. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Aitkin.

His passions included music, auto and small engine repair, water sports and fishing. He was an avid collector of small engines, small electric motors, and anything that might be usable someday.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; his parents; his brother, Marion; his sister, Hope Celestine. He is survived by his daughter, Celeste (Thomas) Daiber; his son, Paul (Rebecca) Zenke; his grandchildren, Jared, Leah, Kate, Bryan and Emily; his great-grandchildren, Tommy and Aurora; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.srtfuneral.com. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Aitkin, MN.