4/2/2021 8:37:00 AM Visitation for Delores "PeeWee" Zink April 9 at Zion Lutheran Church
Delores was born Jan. 20, 1937 in Stewartville to Ida and Theodore Bakken. Said to be small enough to sleep in a shoebox, she was nicknamed, PeeWee, a name that stayed with her throughout her 84 years! She grew up in her hometown and lived there most of her life, with the exception of a few adventures living down in Arizona and northern Minnesota, but she was always pulled back to her family and friends. Family meant the world to her, with her many siblings, nieces and nephews being among her closest companions.
In 1956, she married Wayne Zink, her best friend, and the two carved-out a long, beautiful life together - married 55 years, before Wayne passed away from lung cancer. During that time, they proudly adopted and raised two children, Jerry and Kim, and greatly enjoyed seeing three grandchildren enter their lives. She was a devoted Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Wild fan, never missing a game and never giving up on them, even when they missed the winning kick! Watching her son and his teammates wrestle throughout his middle, high school and college years was one of her favorite things to do; honored by the athletic booster club for their dedication. She loved her gardens, baking, cooking, and canning, lovingly making things for those around her. Hundreds of photos of her loved ones could be found throughout her home, almost like companions in her later years, keeping the memory of everyone close to her. The coffee pot was always on; ready for company. She was a sister, mother, aunt, grandma and friend to many, and will be missed by all.
My brother and I, along with our families, would like to extend our gratitude to those who have blessed us with their love and assistance this past year. With everyone's care and compassion, we were able to honor her wishes to stay in her home until the end. Sadly, she developed a high fever and chills from her second COVID vaccine and with her advanced, complex medical picture it was too much for her immune system, or simply, it was her time to join our father and be lifted from a body that was failing her.
Free of pain,she joins those who have gone before her. Delores is proceeded in death by her parents; six sisters, Thea (Lee/Barney) Barnhart, Lil (Connie) Ringey, Myrt (Lloyd) Gunderson, Ella Mae (Frank/Buster) Rodenz, Marion (Bill) Sexton, and Betty Lou (Tom) Sexton; one brother, Orin (Betty) Bakken; her husband, Wayne; and several nephews.
She is survived by her children, Jerry (Kelly) Zink and Kim (Tim) Schandel, two brothers, Donald (Mert) Bakken and Jerry Bakken, grandchildren, Mary Sawin, and Ashley and Cody Zink, brother-in-law, David (Char) Zink, sister-in-law, Alice Billings and dozens of nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, April 9, 2021 from 3-5 p.m, at Zion Lutheran Church, 400 5th Ave NE in Stewartville. Masks are required and safe social distancing protocols will be in place.
A graveside service for the immediate family will follow with Pastor Byron Meline, at Woodlawn Cemetery, and can be watched live (or later) through Griffin-Gray's website, www.griffin-gray.com, by clicking on Delores's obituary and then clicking on the following link - https://my.gather.remember/delores-zink
Delore's samily suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church Youth & Family Ministry or to the Stewartville Tigers Wrestling Booster Club.
Condolences and memories of Delores are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home, 201 3rd Ave NW, Stewartville, MN 55976, 507-533-4664.
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