H. John Zentz

John Zentz

The Man, The Legend,

The Legacy

The Man

John Zentz, 92, of Park Rapids, MN, went home to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on February 14th, 2025. He is now walking on streets of gold with his loving wife, Patricia Zentz of Park Rapids, by his side. He was born Harry John, third son to Joe and Helen, brother to Joe, Marvin and Jerry Zentz of Pine River, MN, on October 16, 1932.

He lived in Minnesota, Washington, Florida, Colorado, California and many other places, but made his home in Minnesota for the past fifty years.

The following are just a few words about some of his achievements, what he stood for, and the lives he touched.

The Legend

Have you ever known someone larger than life? Someone full of charisma; vibrant, adventurous stories; and a passion for life unmatched by any other?

John was many things to many people. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, uncle, friend, colleague, boss and neighbor. The life he lived, the epic endeavors, the passion, humor, wisdom and love that he emanated are far too many to write about in one tribute for it would fill countless newspapers, books and movies. Surely only God knows them all.

Here are just a few of the things he did while he walked this Earth.

John enlisted in the Navy when he was seventeen around the time of the Korean War. He flew cargo planes in the Navy, on and off sea carriers.

He worked as a successful salesman during his lifetime. John worked with companies such as Walt Disney, General Electric, Xerox, and NASA, just to name a few. He did a little bit of everything , from picking up pop bottles as a kid and turning them in for cash, to owning and running a large software company. John was fortunate enough to meet many famous people such as the crew on the first Apollo program. John met Merv Griffin when he obtained the rights to Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune which he burnt onto floppy disks and marketed them to the Target Store.

John was married three times, outliving each of his wives.

He was married to Jackie(Florence) when he was young, where they resided in Florida and raised two daughters – Pam and Kathy.

He was married to Jan(Cannon)as a much older man and enjoyed her companionship in later years.

And in between, he wed the greatest love of his life, Patty(Sanderson). They would sing and laugh and share a passion for all that’s beautiful,

true and good. They raised their daughter Tanja, in Park Rapids, Minnesota with whom he spent his final years on this Earth. He was step-father of Tim, Tammy and Tyler Englund, always sharing in life’s journeys with many children and grandchildren.

John owned many properties including lake houses, Pattyville, (formerly Konshok Mall), Pattyville II in Detroit Lakes Mall, a dance studio (formerly Assembly of God church), a water tower, a ranch, and many, many more homes, properties and businesses over the years.

There are many stories of his accomplishments and endeavors. Most recent was his entertaining Newspaper column, “Tales of the North” and his volunteer efforts in the Toys for Girls and Boys and Tiny Tots Christmas program.

The following is a little about the legacy he leaves behind.

The Legacy

Every good man leaves his mark upon this world. His memory imprinted in all our hearts and minds. If he touched your life: if you loved him and were loved by him, then you were truly blessed. To be known and loved by such a great man is a gift indeed.

So, remember the lessons he taught, the advice he wisely and generously gave, hard won and forged through ninety-two years.

If you were fortunate enough to sit at his table, to hear his stories, to bask in his humor and love, then you may imagine what he would want you to take into the future.

John loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all his heart, all his mind and all his strength.

John appreciated art, hunting and golf. He wrote award winning poetry and shot a hole in one at Eagle View golf course.

He may remind you to laugh. If you knew John, you knew he was a master story-teller, had a keen sense of humor and an entertaining imagination. So, remember to laugh! Remember one of the fruits of the spirit is joy. Spread some laughter in his memory.

John lived a good life, a large life, a full life. John’s ninety-two years will leave a ripple effect through the hearts, lives and communities he touched for many generations to come.

He is survived on this Earth by: His children: Pam, Kathy, Tanja, Tim, Tammy, and Tyler;His grandchildren: Heather, Holly, Tim, John, April, Alex, Kalvin, Remington, Isaac, Heather, Ben, Josh, Melodie, Nathan, Miranda, Yolanda & Jeramiha, Twenty-six great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

His memory will be loved and cherished by all, for eternity.