LaFern Zentz

LaFern Zentz, 75, of Washington, KS, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010 at her home. A funeral services was held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 12 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Washington. LaFern was born at Herkimer on June 25, 1935 to Herman and Alvina (Frerking) Gleue. She was a graduate of Marysville High School. In December of 1955 she was united in marriage to Jerry Elliott. They later divorced. Then in July of 1995, she married Walter Zentz. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2007. LaFern worked for the Marysville Advocate, Marysville Mutual Insurance Company, managed a motel and restaurant in Blue Rapids, and managed a motel in Colorado, worked at Mutual of Omaha in Omaha and for United Fire and Casualty. She was a member of the Marysville Community Theatre and had roles in “Music Man”, “Rehearsal for Murder” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” She was active in fund raising projects and was house manager. She was active in AlAnon serving as secretary, treasurer and group representative for the area. She was a member of the Lincoln Orchid Society and the American Orchid Society. Gardening and especially raising orchids were her passion. LaFern liked to travel and had planned on traveling after retirement, but her illness prevented much travel. She did get to go to China to visit her grandson and had a great time. Sports were another activity she enjoyed, watching K State, KU, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Cubs. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter; and a sister, Laura Kos. LaFern is survived by her two sons, Jerry Elliott of Washington, Tim Elliott (Lisa) of Elko, Nevada; sisters, Lillian King of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ruth Fredrichs of Herkimer, Florence Olsen of Pleasanton, California; and five grandchildren, four step grandchildren and six great grandchildren. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of LaFern Zentz, please visit our flower store.