Obituary for Rev. Father Gerald F. Zensen
Reverend Father Gerald F. Zensen, 90, originally of Merrill, Iowa and most recently of Oto, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oto, Iowa. Burial will be in Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cemetery at Merrill, Iowa. Visitation will be Friday, July 17 after 4:30 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at 5:00 p.m. and Vigil Wake service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Armstrong Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family and friends at www.armstrongfuneral.com. Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oto or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anthon. Gerald Frances "Jerry" Zensen was born August 22, 1924, at Merrill, Iowa, the son of Reinhold and Irene (Weis) Zensen. He grew up in the Merrill area and graduated from Merrill High School. His minor seminary education was received at Trinity College in Sioux City, Iowa. Upon completion, he transferred to St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota as his major seminary. He was ordained June 7, 1949, at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. ξFather Zensen's assignments were at Assumption Parish in Emmetsburg, St. Patrick Parish in Estherville, St. Joseph Parish in Granville, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Mt. Carmel, St. Michael Parish in Whittemore, St. Mary Parish in Dow City, Visitation Parish in Maryhill, St. Mary Parish in Remsen, Corpus Christi Parish in Fort Dodge, Immaculate Conception Parish in Sioux City, St. Mary Parish in Oto, and last at St. Joseph Parish in Anthon. Father Z, as he was often called, was a talented musician and played the trumpet with passion. He was a charter member of the "Dixie Daddys", a dixieland band that played all over northwest Iowa, brought joy to many while donating any funds received to charity. Upon retirement, Father Zensen made his home in Oto until he became a resident at the care facility in Mapleton. Survivors include one sister, Midge Barry, of Danbury, Iowa; one nephew, Mike "Chops" Barry and his wife, Jean also of Danbury; two great nieces and one great nephew; and two great great nieces and two great great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert "Bob" Zensen; and one brother-in-law, Bill Barry.
Service:
Saturday, July 18, 2015 ξ10:00 a.m.
St. Mary's Catholic Church Oto, Iowaξ
Visitation:
Friday, July 17, 2015 After 4:30 p.m.ξ
St. Mary's Catholic Church Oto, Iowaξ
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Service:
Saturday, July 18, 2015 ξ10:00 a.m.
St. Mary's Catholic Church Oto, Iowaξ
Visitation:
Friday, July 17, 2015 After 4:30 p.m.ξ
St. Mary's Catholic Church Oto, Iowaξ
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