Elaine Zenzen

Elaine R. Zenzen, age 65 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the Cura Care Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A prayer service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday December 4 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. A private family interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Elrosa.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Elaine Rita Zenzen was born August 16, 1959 in Melrose, Minnesota to Sylvester and Anna (Primus) Zenzen. She was a special needs child and indeed was very special in all ways. Elaine attended school in Brooten and Sauk Centre and always said she wanted to graduate. She graduated from Sauk Centre. Elaine was a loving person who always had a hug for everyone and never wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings. 

In her years after living with her mom and dad, she had also lived in several other homes throughout her life. She worked in St. Cloud, at AOC in Alexandria, and WACOSA in Sauk Centre. In 2010 after things were getting harder for her, sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Willie Boeckers took her in and took very good care of Elaine for 14 years.

Elaine loved playing cards, especially Rummy, games, bowling, and going to casinos where she would stay overnight enjoying wine and crackers. She was always happy to go on trips with friends and groups, even to Nashville and Florida. Elaine loved books and had many, and always carried some wherever she went.

Survivors include her siblings, Marcy Klaphake of Meire Grove, Delores (Ken) Jenc of Elrosa, Janet (Willie) Boeckers of Sauk Centre, Eugene (Kathy) Zenzen of Coon Rapids, and Mary Ellen (Dennis) Boeckers of Sauk Centre; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Sylvester Klaphake; nephew, Michael Boeckers; great-nephew, Gregory Klaphake; great-niece, Kylie Boeckers; and many aunts and uncles.