Emma Zelenka, 97
Emma E. Zelenka, 97, of Montgomery, died on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at the Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague, surrounded by her family.
She was born April 22, 1911, in Blue Earth, a daughter of Charles and Emma Hadlick. She graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1929. Emma attended nurses training at St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis and graduated as a registered nurse in 1932. In 1936, Emma married James (Jim) Zelenka of Montgomery in a double wedding ceremony with her sister Helen. She worked as a private duty nurse in Minneapolis, Blue Earth and at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague. Following her wedding, Emma and Jim lived in Montgomery, where she continued her nursing career. She worked with Drs. Westerman, Lehrer and Daly, along with working as a nurse at the Green Giant plant in Montgomery. Emma was very active in the community and volunteered on the Combined Charities Drive Committee, Civil Defense Committee, and assisted in the coordination of the community calendar. She donated time as a volunteer at Queen of Peace Hospital and also participated in the hospital hospice program. She also worked as a volunteer at the American Legion Club. Emma was a member of the Holy Redeemer Altar Rosary Society, Mission Sewing Circle, Queen of Peace Hospital Auxiliary, and was a 72-year member and past president of the Montgomery American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, dancing and spending time with her family.
She is survived by children Mary (Duane) Zaun, Lakeville, Helen (Brian) Borg, Montgomery and Robert (Sharon) Zelenka, Eagan; grandchildren Lori (Steve) Norden, James (Lani) Zaun, Jon (Cori) Zaun, Jeffrey (Jodi) Zaun, Ryan (Kristi) Zelenka and Melanie (Pete) Cermak; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and nine siblings.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery. Casketbearers were James Zaun, Jon Zaun, Jeffrey Zaun, Ryan Zelenka, Lori Norden and Melanie Cermak.
Visitation was held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church prior to the mass.
Arrangements were with the Keohen Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery.
