Beloved Bavarian Inn matriarch Dorothy Zehnder has died at age 101.

Dorothy Zehnder, beloved matriarch of the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, died at her home in Frankenmuth on July 9, 2023 with members of her family by her side. She was a lifelong member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.

Dorothy spent more than 85 years working behind the scenes and as the visible face of the well-known Bavarian Inn family and the many community and business operations under their name. She was born on December 1,1921, in Reese, Michigan, 10 miles north of Frankenmuth.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Rev. Brad Hubbard will officiate with burial in between services at St. Lorenz Cemetery alongside her husband of 63 years, William "Tiny" Zehnder, who passed away in 2006. Dorothy's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Church or to Frankenmuth City Beautification.

Dorothy is survived by her brother Ray Hecht, two children, Bill (Karen) Zehnder and Roxie (Jerry) Westgate, and her son-in-law Don Keller as well as ten grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William "Tiny" Zehnder, her sister Edna (Hecht) Hegenauer, and her daughter Judy Zehnder Keller.

The family released the following statement:

"We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and family matriarch. We extend our thanks for the support from the Frankenmuth community and ask that you help us remember Dorothy for the amazing woman she was and will remain in our hearts. Our family will continue to uphold the spirit of Dorothy and her legacy to this community."

Dorothy left her mark on this world for over a century and will be missed. She was a true Michigan icon in how she lived her life personally, professionally, and spiritually.