Jeanette Zehrer

Jeanette K. Zehrer, age 94 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Cura Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be held at 4 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Jeanette Katherine Zehrer was born on December 19, 1931, on the family farm near Melrose, Minnesota, to Frank and Elizabeth Hinnenkamp. She grew up in the Melrose area and attended country school near her home.

Jeanette later met Alphonse Zehrer, and the two were married in Melrose. Together they settled in Upsala, Minnesota, where they farmed and raised their family. Jeanette was deeply spiritual and actively involved in her parish community. She assisted with religious education, volunteered her time generously, and shared her talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements for church services and parish events.

In 1977, Jeanette and Alphonse moved to their beloved lake home on Lake Sylvia near Melrose, MN. They were devoted members of St. Rose of Lima Church in St. Rosa. Jeanette continued sharing her musical gifts as a church organist and remained an active volunteer throughout her life.

Jeanette enjoyed playing the organ and accordion, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and dancing. Known affectionately as the “Polka Queen,” she brought joy and energy wherever she went. More than anything, she loved her family deeply and cherished time spent together. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and open to everyone.

Survivors include her children, Darrell Zehrer of Rogers, Jacinta “Cindy” Zehrer of Lake Elmo, Patrick Zehrer (Patricia Harren) of Upsala, Pamela Zehrer of Upsala, Janine Zehrer of Anoka, and Scott (Andrea) Zehrer of Melrose; grandchildren, Gabriella “Gabby” Zehrer, Alexa “Allie” Zehrer, Matthew (Cheryl) Zehrer, Michael Tjosvold (Sammy Hawkins), Joseph Tjosvold, Tyler (Lucia), Allissa (Ben) Mueller, Sarah (Jeremy) Leinberger, Dylan (Lauren) Kyker, Bruno, and Sophia; and great-grandchildren, Levi, Weston, Freya, Adeline, Walker, Evelyn, Grace, Porter, and Hayes.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse Zehrer; parents; brothers and sisters, Leona Blenker, Lydia Beuning, Mary Ann Tooley, Ida Pung, Ernest Hinnenkamp, Hubert Hinnenkamp, Fred Hinnenkamp, Jim Hinnenkamp, Lillian Hinnenkamp, Irene Athmann, Monica Hinnenkamp, and Sylvester Hinnenkamp.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Christian charitable efforts of your choice.