Lynn A. Zentner
Lynn A. Zentner Obituary
Mpls - Age 79, passed away peacefully in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 16, 2026.
The youngest of four children, Lynn was born on February 15, 1947 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Lynn grew up in a loving family, with a deep pride in her Swiss heritage. She lived in a variety of midwestern towns throughout her childhood as her family moved to follow her father's career. Graduating from Duluth East High School, Lynn went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, a master's degree from Temple University, and a Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law.
Lynn's early career choice reflected her love of children, and she worked in Education for several years. Lynn then, with a deep sense of justice and purpose, went on to law school and spent her remaining professional years in a number of roles as an attorney, including roles in private practice, at the United States Attorneys Office in Minneapolis, at Medtronic, and finally as the Director of Institutional Compliance at the University of Minnesota, before taking her retirement.
Lynn was deeply committed to promoting justice and decency in the world. Her ethic of service, both in her professional life and in her involvement and support of numerous organizations and causes throughout her life, reflected these commitments.
Lynn's zest for life was reflected in her love of family, friends, gardening, travel, classical music, antiques, ice cream, brie cheese, good wine and laughter, to name just a few.
Lynn was likely one of the most loving, generous, kind and gracious people that anyone that had the good fortune to know her had ever met. Even in the face of some difficult health challenges toward the latter part of her life, she met every challenge with grit and grace, met every person with love, and kept a twinkle in her eye and a smile for all that crossed her path, until the very end. Lynn's absence is deeply felt, and she is, and will forever be, dearly missed.
Lynn is survived by brother, David (Margo) Zentner; nieces and nephews, David (Cindy) Clegg, Julie Clegg, Laura Clegg, Tom (Carol) Clarke, Deborah Domalik, Eric Zentner, and Karen (Edward) Bacig; great nieces and nephews, Ellyse Bacig, Malia (Matthew) Lambrecht, Michelle McKinney, Stephanie (Mike) Servantez, Melissa McKinney, and Gregory Clarke; great great nieces and nephews, Mia Malget, Noah McKinney, Emma McKinney, Kian Reynolds, Jayden Servantez, Lillyanna Servantez, Briella Servantez, and Maya Lambrecht; and many special cousins.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents Werner and Wilma Zentner; sisters, Gretchen (Leonard) Clegg and Barbara Clarke; two brothers that died in infancy; and niece, Vickie (Robert) McKinney.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: A celebration of Lynn's life will be held on Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55403. A reception at the church will follow. Location, directions and parking information can be found at: https://www.plymouth.org/visit/location-directions/
A private inurnment will take place at a later date at Forest Hill Cemetery, Duluth, Minnesota.
Memorials or donations in celebration and honor of Lynn's life may be made to an organization of your choice that supports the wellbeing of children, the pursuit of justice and civil liberties, or the shelter of the unhoused.
Shoreview Chapel 651-482-7606
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lynn, please visit our floral store.
Mpls - Age 79, passed away peacefully in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 16, 2026.
The youngest of four children, Lynn was born on February 15, 1947 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Lynn grew up in a loving family, with a deep pride in her Swiss heritage. She lived in a variety of midwestern towns throughout her childhood as her family moved
Published on July 8, 2026
Events
Reception
Friday, July 10, 2026
10:00 am