VIOLET M. ZENTZ

Violet Mary Zentz

April 13, 1927 - November 24, 2024

Violet Mary (Johnson) Zentz, long time resident of Binford, ND passed away Sunday morning, November 24 at the Dakota Regional Medical Center in Cooperstown. Violet lived her last few months as a resident of the Griggs County Care Center. Family were present as she passed onto her new heavenly home. 

Violet was a second generation ND resident whose maternal and paternal grandparents homesteaded in the area after immigrating from Norway and Austria. She was born to Olaf and Mary (Hovel) Johnson on April 13, 1927. Violet grew up on a farm North of Cooperstown with her two brothers Oliver and Gordon before moving to Jessie, ND where she attended school until the eighth grade. Her parents acquired a grocery store and creamery station. Johnson’s Grocery was run by the family from 1941 to 1983, even grand children helped out behind the counter. 

Violet married Oliver John Zentz on March 13, 1946 and began farm life as a couple near Aneta. They purchased their farm in rural Binford in 1953 and raised 6 children. They moved the family to Binford in 1967 they bought the O.Z. Bar, which they operated until their retirement in 1989. The couple traveled extensively to see family and friends whenever they could, including road trips to many states. They enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, vacationing in both Hawaii and Germany. But Violet never wanted to stay too long away from her home. Violet and Oliver were married for 67 years before his passing in 2013. 

Violet enjoyed flowers, gardening, quilting, knitting, fishing, bowling, Bingo, playing cards, auction sales, trips to the casino and most of all dancing with Oliver to a good polka. She was known for her baked buns, cookies, and donuts, always ready to feed whoever stopped by to visit. At 97 years old, her memory was greatly admired as she could still remember countless stories to share. 

Violet was a member of West Prairie Lutheran Church, and the Ladies Aide. She was a member of the Jonas Helland American Legion Auxiliary, supported the Knights of Pythias and many school activities. In 2008, she joined the North Dakota Association of the Blind and was president of the Binford Senior Citizens for many years. She is already greatly missed by her family and within the community. 

Violet is survived by her daughters Marlene (Dennis) Dahl, Lincoln, ND, Mavis (Doug) Brown, Lacey, WA, Mary Zentz, Binford, ND, Margery (Dave) Johnston, Colorado Springs, CO, and Michelle Zentz and Larry Anderson, Fargo, ND. Two grandsons and five granddaughters: Jeffrey (Ginger) Dahl - Haley and Joey Metzel; Daniel (Jessica) Brown - Austin Bates, Hailey Cahill, Jacob Cahill, Wyatt Cahill; Stephanie Dahl (Joel) Honeyman - Grant, Jackson, McKinley; Marcia (Phil) Zitzelman - Philip, Matthew; Kathy (Steve) Harris - Alexandra, Lila, Jessica and Stephen Jr. Great-great grandchildren Stephen III, Brandon and London; Jennifer Kaylene Carter; Melissa Johnston - Katelynn (Jeffrey) Martin, Zachary Reichert, Nicholas, twins - Oliver & Marshall. Great-great grandson, Josaiah Martin. 

Sister-in-law Maxine Bunde Johnson and 3 cousins Kathleen McCann, Marge Carper, and Agnes Hindemith. Nephews and nieces: Zentz family - Rodney (Teri); Judy (Doug) Tufte, Phyllis (Duane) Tufte, Janet Cadwell, Donna Rickford and Bud Pittenger; Ricky, Nicki (Dave) Kvislen, Mickey (Jamie) and Dickey (Lizy); and Timothy Heckelsmiller. Edwardson family - Maureen (Ross) McConnell, Jana (Elwood) Mjor, Peggy (Roger) Mayfield; and Johnson family Mike Johnson; Mary Ann Johnson; Linda (Fred) Huber; and in-laws Gail Johnson and Susan McCune. 

Preceded in death by her parents Olaf and Mary Johnson, brothers Oliver, Gordon, infant brothers Herman and James. Her beloved husband Oliver Zentz, son Michael Zentz, grandson Douglas LeRoy Brown Jr and great-great-grandson Isaiah Harris. Brothers and Sisters-in-law Nadine Johnson; Harold (Marion Edwardson), Lester (Jean), and Maynard (Dorothy) Zentz. Nephews and nieces Gary (Christie) Zentz, Cindy Edwardson Lysholm; Leslie D. Zentz, in-law Chuck Cadwell; Vicki Hecklesmiller; Dennis Johnson, Patrick Johnson, Tom (TJ) Johnson and James H. Johnson. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday November30, 2024 at 1:00 Pm at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Binford, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service in the church. Interment will be held at 3:30 PM at the West Prairie Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Violet's memory to the Binford Senior Citizens or the North Dakota Association of the Blind.