Michael George Zender

Michael George Zender, 62, of Fergus Falls died peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2015, at his home, as a result of his long term medical condition.

Michael was the 2nd of 8 children, born to George and Phyllis (Strand) Zender on the 30th of December 1952 in Tracy, MN. The Zender family moved to Fergus Falls in 1962, where he graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1971. He attended Fergus Falls Community College and attended Varnet bike school in Colorado Springs, CO.

In 1990 he and his family moved to Grand Marais, MN where he bought Wilderness Waters Outfitters. Wilderness Waters was a canoe outfitters and he guided people into the BWCA. Mike and his family owned and operated WW for a year before expanding with x-country skis and Trek mountain bikes, when he opened a second store, On the Edge Sports. Mike and his family ran the store for 10 years before returning to Fergus Falls. Upon his return he went back to work in the family business, Coca-Cola 7-up Bottling Co. Fergus Falls, Inc. He worked until semi retirement, then going into his lifelong love of woodworking. He then went to work installing beautiful, antique wood flooring. Mike enjoyed his work and did everything to perfection.

Mike had a zest for life and you were blessed if he called you his friend, and he had many! His true passion was to capture the natural beauty of the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He flew by the seat of his pants and was always trying new things, which he always excelled. He made some awesome maple syrup from trees he tapped, was a beekeeper, and a sled dog enthusiast, having 27 at one time. He has always been known for shooting big bucks and even won a The Big Buck contest in Grand Marais. On a summer day you could find him riding his Harley cruising around the lakes. Mike was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include three daughters, Jennifer Zender of Grand Marais, Juli (Luke) Struck of Shakopee and Kelly Zender of Howard Lake; one son, Patrick (Kari) Zender of Elk River; seven grandchildren, Trent, Rilyn, Brooklynn, Ryder, Benjamin, Chase and Brady; his parents, George and Phyllis Zender of Battle Lake; five sisters, Becky (Steve) Ogaard of Moorhead, Cathy (Mark) Welle of Fergus Falls, Mary (Mark) Johnson of Moorhead, Martha Zender of Fergus Falls and Nancy (Kent) Mattson of Fergus Falls; two brothers, David Zender and Joseph (Emily) Zender all of Fergus, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2015, with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the funeral home
Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski and Deacon Chuck Kampa
Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements