Marie Henrietta (Reisenauer) Zenner

Marie H. (Reisenauer) Zenner of Genesee died Saturday, Oct 27, 2018 at Brookdale Senior Living in Lewiston, Idaho, she was 94.

Marie was born October 1, 1924 in Colton, WA to Emil and Lucy (Spils) Reisenauer.  Named for her maternal grandparents, Henry and Mary (Hanf) Spils, Marie Henrietta was the eldest of nine children. She attended Guardian Angel School in Colton, WA. She graduated in 1942 from St. Boniface High School, Uniontown, WA. Marie studied nursing for three years at Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Spokane WA., graduating in April 1945. She married Andrew G.  Zenner, June 19, 1945 at St. Boniface Church in Uniontown, WA. He served in the Army, having returned from 27 months active duty in Australia and New Guinea. After the wedding, he returned to California to complete his duty and she returned to Sacred Heart for three months of work and further training. In September of 1945 they were reunited and moved to his parent’s home east of Genesee where they farmed and raised a family. They lived and farmed in the Genesee community until their retirement when they moved to a residence in Genesee.

An accomplished cook, Marie began cooking for her family when she was eight years old and continued to hone her cooking and baking skills throughout her life. She would often join her sisters, mother and aunts to butcher, pick produce and can fruit. Later she would take her children along as there was always a task found for another set of hands no matter the age!  These were times to work together and a chance to connect with her family. She loved to visit her and Andy’s siblings and never missed a chance to attend a graduation or wedding of a brother, sister, niece or nephew. Having grown up during the Depression she knew how to make something from nothing, and so often amazed her grandchildren years later with her ability to make a delicious meal from seemingly very little. Marie supported the work on the farm, while raising their children by helping to feed the hired hands and family members during haying and harvest seasons, and would often also be canning at the same time to supplement the family’s meals throughout the year.

Sewing was another of Marie’s skills. Early on she crafted clothing for the kids and grandchildren,  from pajamas to dresses, flannel shirts for the men and endless patching of blue jeans and when the jeans could not be fixed she would turn them into rugs for the house. In her retirement years she turned her attention to quilting, creating many gifts for family and friends. From baby receiving blankets to anniversary quilts for her children and graduation quilts for her grandchildren her enjoyment of quilting had no bounds. She belonged to the local Genesee quilter’s group and actively participated in their many shows and enjoyed figuring out the latest quilting challenge.

Marie belonged to the parish of St. Mary’s in Genesee and was active in the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters. She was a joyful participant in the parish and would help out with any task or event.

Survived by her Children : Mark (Mikilann)  Zenner, Ronald (Debi) Zenner, Leroy (Beth) Zenner, Rick (Rhonda) Zenner, Harlan (Marnie) Zenner all of Genesee, Idaho, Denise (Galen) Driesel of Jerome Idaho, Donna (Steve) Hall of Othello, Washington and Kurtis (Michaell) Zenner of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by siblings: Thomas Reisenauer of Spokane, Washington, Lawrence Reisenauer of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, Monica Druffel of Colton, Washington and Kathy Mortar of Ione, Oregon. Marie also leaves behind her beloved 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years Andrew G. Zenner, an infant daughter Linda Jean and a son Keith Lauren, a sister, Lucille Harrington and three brothers, James, Phillip and Robert Reisenauer. 

Viewing will be from Noon until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday and from 9:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow.

A rosary will be recited at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 2, 2018 followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Genesee. The Rev. Joseph Schmidt will celebrate the Mass, and burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Genesee.

A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the Colton Gun Club.

A special thanks from the family to St. Joseph Hospital Hospice Care, and to the loving staff who cared for Marie during her residence at Brookdale Senior Living.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Mary's Church Foundation, the Genesee Fire and Ambulance Fund or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.

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