KAREN MARIE ZINKE

Karen M. Zinke, 68 of Devils Lake formerly of Crary, ND passed away on Friday, September 2, 2011 at her home. Funeral Services for Karen will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Jamie Desai will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present, and on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Karen will be her nieces and nephews Larry Amundrud, Ben Beardemphl, Eric Beardemphl, Dawn Beardemphl, Amber Beardemphl and Lila Hilkemeier. Music will be provided by Jean Aardahl. Karen Marie was born on May 4, 1943 at Grafton, ND the daughter of Emil and Nora (Olson) Amundrud. She was raised and educated in the Union area of North Dakota and attended elementary school there. Karen graduated from Edinburg High School with the class of 1961. Karen married Duane Zinke in 1961 in Grafton, ND. They lived several places but eventually made their home in Crary, ND where they raised their family. Karen moved to Devils Lake in 1987. Karen worked as a CNA at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake for over 30 years, retiring in 2008 and at the same time worked as a Night Dorm Counselor at the North Dakota School for the Deaf for over 20 years retiring in 2007. At the time of her death, Karen was caring for individuals in their homes. Karen was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Karen’s kind, compassionate and gentle loving care was a career over 30 years and a legacy that will last forever. She was loved and adored by everyone that was placed in her care, whether it be for a day or for years. She exemplified the words kind and generous. She opened her home to family during the Grand Forks flood of 1997. She never missed a chance to serve as taxi to her grandchildren and was involved in every aspect of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She was their greatest fan when watching any of their sporting events and other activities. She made every get-together special, but she enjoyed Christmas and the 4th of July the most. After all the love and concern she showered on her family and friends she always had enough love for her pets, especially, Elmo, Georgie and Louise and their buddy Barkley. Karen was also very special to those who called her “Gram Gram” at Shannon’s Day Care. She also found room in her heart to be a Minnesota Vikings fan. That was Karen, our Mom, grandma, sister, aunt and dearest friend. Karen is survived by her sons Kevin Zinke and Shelly Ahoe of Devils Lake, Mark Zinke and Amy Grant also of Devils Lake, Daryn and Kim Zinke of Doyon and her daughter Shannon and Lane Azure also of Devils Lake; nine grandchildren Dustin Scranac, Morgan Zinke and Ana Zinke; Dana Zinke and Andrea Zinke; Kayla (Adam) Nordenstrom, Jalyn Myhro, Kaidyn Myhro and Noah Azure and great granddaughter Addyson Nordenstrom; brother Lyle and Bonnie Amundrud of Edinburg, ND; many nieces, nephews and their families and several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; brother Merlin Amundrud; sisters Marlys Hilkemier and Vonda C. Amundrud; nephew Leslie Amundrud; sister-in-law Dinah Amundrud. She will be missed dearly by all her friends and family. Friends may sign the online register book and share memories of Karen at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com