Dorothy Zehnder obituary highlights the end of an era as we remember the remarkable life and legacy of the beloved matriarch of Bavarian Inn.

Dorothy Zehnder, the co-founder and beloved matriarch of the famous Bavarian Inn, passed away on Sunday at the age of 101. 

Her lifelong dedication to the hospitality industry and her philanthropic efforts left an indelible mark on her community. 

With nearly 1,000 employees serving thousands of guests daily, the Bavarian Inn operates under the umbrella of the Zehnder family’s businesses. 

Dorothy Zehnder’s legacy is carried forward by seven family members who continue to work in the Bavarian Inn operations. 

They remain committed to developing and expanding the legacy Dorothy and Tiny Zehnder established, ensuring the family-owned enterprises’ continued success.

Who was Dorothy Zehnder?

Dorothy Zehnder’s family operations included the Bavarian Inn and several other businesses under the same name. 

Born in 1921 in Reese, Michigan, just north of Frankenmuth, Zehnder spent over 85 years working at the family operations she co-founded in 1950. 

She and her late husband, William “Tiny” Zehnder, started their journey in the restaurant industry by purchasing Fischer’s restaurant across the street from their flagship Bavarian Inn.

At Fischer’s, Dorothy Zehnder focused on her passion for cooking and preferred to work behind the scenes. 

Meanwhile, Tiny handled the front of the house. In the late 1950s, the couple renamed Fischer’s to “the Bavarian Inn” and continued operating both restaurants. 

However, in 1984, they split the businesses to construct the Bavarian Inn Lodge, one of the largest Bavarian-themed resorts in the United States.

Culinary expertise and signature dishes

While largely working behind the scenes, Dorothy Zehnder played a pivotal role in the restaurant’s success by developing and refining most of the recipes used in the Bavarian Inn. 

Over the course of 70 years, she personally trained tens of thousands of employees, ensuring that the traditional dishes served in the inn’s 12 dining rooms, accommodating up to 1,200 guests, were prepared to perfection. 

The restaurant, located approximately 90 minutes north of Detroit, is particularly renowned for its family-style fried chicken dinners and authentic German cuisine, serving over 900,000 meals annually.

A Michigan Icon and Philanthropist

Dorothy Zehnder’s impact extended far beyond the culinary realm. 

Described as a “humble servant leader,” she became a Michigan icon recognized for her contributions to the hospitality industry, her civic leadership, her role as an author and mentor, and her philanthropic endeavours. 

She received the Outstanding Achievement in Michigan Tourism award from the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, which honours individuals who significantly promote and enhance the state’s tourism industry and economy.

Accomplished author and Michigan advocate

Dorothy Zehnder’s passion for cooking and sharing her knowledge led her to author three highly regarded cookbooks. 

Her works include “Cookies and Bars”, published in 1986, “Come Cook with Me”, released in 2011, and “From My Kitchen to Yours”, published in 2014. These cookbooks, filled with her cherished recipes, became bestsellers, showcasing her expertise and love for cooking.

The Bavarian Inn’s extensive offerings

In addition to the renowned restaurant, the Bavarian Inn operates various businesses, including the Bavarian Inn Castle Shops, the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Covered Bridge Shop, Frank’s Muth retail store, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Bavarian Bleachers, a speciality line of food products, an online store, and the William and Dorothy Zehnder Foundation. 

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is also recognized as one of the largest indoor water park hotels in the state of Michigan.

Dorothy Zehnder Obituary

The family has organized visitation hours at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday. 

A prayer service will follow at 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home, and the funeral itself will commence at 11 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy memorials to be made to either St. Lorenz Church or Frankenmuth City Beautification.

Conclusion

Dorothy Zehnder’s passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a Michigan icon. Her unparalleled dedication to the Bavarian Inn and her countless contributions to her community will forever be remembered. 

As family, friends, and community members gather to mourn her passing, they will also celebrate a life well-lived, cherishing the legacy left behind by Dorothy Zehnder, the remarkable woman who will forever hold a special place in their hearts.