Marilyn Zins

Marilyn Zins, 80, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, while receiving hospice care at the home of her daughter, Melinda Bray, surrounded by her family in Tennessee.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, September 28 at 10:00 am at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary in Bismarck, with Fr. Jacob Magnuson presiding. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, with a rosary and prayer service starting at 2:00 pm at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Marilyn was born on May 29, 1946, the first of four children born to Harold and Eva Zenker. She grew up on her family’s farm south of Streeter, North Dakota, where she learned the value of family, hard work, and community.

Marilyn married Edward Zins at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bismarck on June 29, 1968. Together, they built a family and shared many years of memories. Many years of memories were made in both Bismarck and Williston, North Dakota. Marilyn was a strong-willed woman, whose days were filled with management of the family home and rearing the couple’s seven spirited children.

Marilyn continued her education throughout her life. In 1990, she attended the University of North Dakota–Williston, where she received a certificate in General Business. In 1991, she earned an Associate degree in Applied Science in Administrative Assistant studies. Throughout her working years, Marilyn was employed with MidDakota Clinic, Unisys and Liberty Tax.

Marilyn had a heart for helping others and volunteered for many years at the Burleigh County Senior Center. She spent her time working in the home-delivered meal packing area and driving residents to appointments and other activities. She enjoyed being able to help others and became a familiar and caring presence at the center.

In her later years, Marilyn had opportunities to meet new people and make a difference in the lives of others. Marilyn had a vast network of caring friends who gathered together often. She took special delight in entertaining in her treasured home. Marilyn enjoyed playing various card and board games, having coffee, socializing with friends, traveling and playing Bingo. In particular, Marilyn was known for her skill at playing her most beloved card game of all, Pinochle. Marilyn’s love of this game was passed along to her children and grandchildren.

Marilyn was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her six of her children; Rhonda (Brian) Thornton, Joleen Evans, Russell Zins, Melinda (Bryan) Bray, Michael Zins, and Joseph Zins; and her nine grandchildren; Franklin Thornton, Joseph Thornton, Darrien Thornton, Lori Pray, Drew Pray, Morgan Evans, William Evans, Dakota Bray, Destiny Bray; her siblings, Marcella (Gene) Horner, Marlene (Gary) Grosz, and Darold (Deloris) Zenker, along with extended family and many friends who will cherish her memory.

Marilyn will be remembered for her kind heart, her willingness to help others, her love of family, and the friendships she made throughout her life. Her memory will live on through the children, grandchildren, family, and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

She may be gone from our sight, but she will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Edward Zins, her daughter Charlotte Pray, both her parents and a grandson.