Russell James Zinter Sr.

Russell James Zinter, born December 9, 1932, in Holyoke, Minnesota, passed away on September 19, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marian Lucille Zinter (Froberg) a mere three days before. Their passing, so close together, reflects the deep devotion and lifelong bond they shared — a love story that began in 1949 and endured through every season of their lives.

Marian and Russell were married on December 29, 1956 at JM Paine Presbyterian Church in Carlton, Minnesota, by the late Reverend Ahrens. Their marriage was a testament to faith, loyalty, and partnership. They met at a Broom Dance at the Carlton Community Center — Marian just entering high school, Russell a senior — and from that moment forward, their lives intertwined in a way that would bless generations.

Together they raised four children: Cyndi and husband Dennis; Susan and late husband Daniel; Dee Ann and husband Ray; and Russ, Jr., who preceded them in death in December 2023.

They are survived by eight grandchildren: Matthew and wife Deanna; Brandon and wife Sarah; Amira and husband Ryan; Amy, Sondra and husband Jacob; Christa and husband Neil; Renee and her husband Cliff; and John. They are also survived by seventeen great grandchildren: Evan, Luis, Harper, Jad, Ashton, Susannah, Abigail, Jesse, Maggie, Skyler, Liam, Eleanor, Amelia, Rebekah, James, Sam, and Tim.

Russell’s Life and Legacy

Russell was the eldest son of Mabel Edna Horner (1906–1986) and Paul Herman Zinter (1905–1979). He is survived by his siblings John (Tracy), Richard (Kandice), Thomas (Carol), Ruth Ann (Harvey), and Alice Mae (George). He was preceded in death by his older sister, Marian (1931–2016), and his younger brother, Peter, who died in infancy in 1938.

Russell graduated from Wrenshall High School in 1950 and began his military service in the National Guard (1950) before being released to join the U.S. Navy in 1951. He served with honor until retiring on March 1, 1974. After his military career, he studied automotive repair and became a lead mechanic for the Sierra Vista Unified School District. His work later expanded into building and selling homes, where he continued to serve his community with skill and dedication.

Life as a Navy Family

Life in the Navy meant uprooting the family and resettling in new places on a regular basis. Cities across the country became temporary homes — Washington, D.C.; San Diego (twice); Long Beach, California; Vallejo, California; Bremerton, Washington; and finally, Ridgecrest, California, which became “home” from 1969 until 1991. Through every move, Marian created stability, warmth, and a sense of belonging for their children.

Once the children reached their later school years, Marian returned to work as an RN — riding her bike or moped to and from work with the same determination and independence that shaped her entire life.

A Shared Life of Faith

Throughout their almost 70 years of marriage, Russell and Marian lived lives anchored in faith. Their devotion to God and family shaped their home, their marriage, and their relationships with others. They served with humility, kindness, and quiet strength — leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and steadfast belief.

After fully retiring around 1991, Russell & Marian embarked on a new journey of ministry that carried them across the country. They worked with the Overseas Christian Fellowship and later with Cadence International, building and remodeling hospitality houses for military men and women who needed a place to stay while transitioning between duty stations or tours. Russell put his carpenter’s skills to work framing houses, tiling floors, and remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Marian used her gifts as a baker, making rolls and other homemade treats to keep the crews well fed and encouraged.

Along the way, when they weren’t busy with ministry projects, they visited family and lifelong friends from Minnesota to Texas, from California to the Carolinas, and the corners in between — often helping remodel a kitchen, a bathroom, or even entire homes. Their retirement became a season of joyful service, fellowship, and generosity.

Real Retirement in Texas

“Real retirement” came while visiting family in San Antonio, Texas. Marian and Russell settled into Texas life, found a home church they loved, and vigorously supported the missions and projects of the church. Even in retirement, their faith remained active, outward focused, and full of purpose.

Family: Their Greatest Joy

For Russell and Marian, family was the heartbeat of their lives. No matter where the Navy sent them, no matter how many miles they traveled for ministry or work, their greatest happiness was found in the moments spent with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

They cherished every season of family life — camping trips under star filled skies, fishing along mountain streams, and long road adventures through National Parks where they taught their children to love nature, history, and the beauty of God’s creation. Family reunions were treasured occasions, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of being together.

As their family grew, Russell and Marian celebrated each new milestone with full hearts. Births, weddings, graduations, and every major event in the lives of their grandchildren and great grandchildren were moments they honored with pride, prayer, and gratitude. They showed up — with hugs, with encouragement, with homemade treats, with tools in hand, or simply with the steady presence that made everyone feel loved.

Their legacy is woven into the memories of campfires, fishing poles, scenic overlooks, reunion tables, and the countless celebrations where they stood smiling, surrounded by the family they adored. For Marian and Russell, family was not just important — it was everything.

Their nearly simultaneous passing is a profound loss to their family, yet also a tender reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared. After more than seven decades side by side, they left this world together, just as they lived.

They will be deeply missed and forever cherished.