Ralph Zenker
ESCANABA — Ralph Zenker, 86, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at his winter home in Fort Myers, FL with his family at his side.
He was born April 6, 1939, in Gackle, ND., son of Bernhard H. and Annie (Veil) Zenker. Ralph graduated for Jamestown N.D. High School and attended Valley City College in N.D., Northern Michigan School of banking and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He proudly served in the Army National Guard.
On January 14, 1962, Ralph married the former Dorothy Jean Johnson at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, Iowa. They met while working at Woolworth in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
He worked in management for F.W. Woolworth stores throughout the Midwest including Escanaba from 1959 to 1970. Ralph joined the management staff the State Bank of Escanaba (Upper Peninsula State Bank) in 1970 and after 32 years retired as Sr. Vice President in charge of lending on Feb 2, 2002.
Upon moving to Escanaba, the family joined Bethany Lutheran Church and Ralph served on the church council and finance committee for several years. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, was elected to the city council and Mayor pro tem, and Eskymo Fan Club as President and Treasurer for 30 Years. He helped organize the Escanaba Jr. Hockey Association serving as president and board member; Michigan State Amateur Hockey Association, member and Past President Escanaba Country Club, Board and past chairman for Lakestate Industries, Escanaba Optimist Club, Life Member of the Elks Lodge 354, and served on various city boards.
Ralph and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to see family or meet new friends. Previously visiting places like Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, China, Mexico, Caribbean and Hong Kong.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Dorothy; daughter, Denise (Robert) Vorpagel of Lancaster, SC; son, Bert (Patricia) Zenker of Muskego, WI; granddaughters, Samantha (Brandon) Moore, Jennifer (Ismael) Flores, Claire (Sean) Byrnes and adopted granddaughter Rachel (David) ,Rutkowski; 7 great grandchildren, Noah, Maya, Haley, Evelyn, Finn, Oliver and Simeon; sister, Glady Bair; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Helmuth, sisters DeElda Triepke and DeLoris Fregien.
Services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba on Saturday, June 13, 2026
Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church or a charitable organization of your choice.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.
