Frankenmuth (WWJ) - It's a sad day in the city of Frankenmuth.
The Bavarian Inn has announced the death of the family Matriarch, Dorothy Hecht Zehnder. The 101-year-old died at her home in Frankenmuth on Sunday with members of her family by her side.
The Zehnder family released the following statement on Monday:
“We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and family matriarch. We extend our thanks for the support from the Frankenmuth community and ask that you help us remember Dorothy for the amazing woman she was and who will remain in our hearts. Our family will continue to uphold the spirit of Dorothy and her legacy to this community.”
Zehnder co-founded the Bavarian Inn with her late husband of 63 years, William “Tiny” Zehnder, in 1950. Dorothy spent more than 85 years working behind the scenes at the Bavarian Inn and as the visible face of the well-known Bavarian Inn family and the many community and business operations under their name.
According to the Bavarian Inn website, Dorothy developed most of the recipes used in the restaurant and taught tens of thousands of employees over 70 years the correct method to prepare all the foods served in the 12 dining rooms that seat 1,200 guests.
Dorothy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer at age 98. She is said to have fought hard against it to continue giving back to her community.
Via their Facebook page, the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge posted, "Dorothy shall forever remain the heart and soul of the Bavarian Inn. Please keep her family and the Bavarian Inn team members in your prayers."
Funeral services will be held at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, where Zehnder was a lifelong member. Details will be released later by her family.
She will be buried at St. Lorenz Cemetery alongside “Tiny," who passed away in 2006.
Donations may be made to St. Lorenz Church or to Frankenmuth City Beautification.
You can read more about the life of Dorothy Hecht Zehnder on the Bavarian Inn website and on their Facebook page.
Related
Related
