Edna J. Zehnder

Mrs. Edna J. Zehnder, 92, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born on February 2, 1928 in Laurens, S.C., the only child of Talmadge and Ruby (Tunstall) Sorgee. She was married to Dennis Hensley in 1944, and to this marriage, her two daughters were born. Edna later married Don Zehnder on March 27, 1980 in Jefferson City. Edna began her employment as a switchboard operator with Missouri Power and Light. She then worked most of her life as a secretary for the Missouri State Legislative office for Liberty Representative, Stan Thomas, and retired in 1980. She was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church and also enjoyed volunteering in the Capital Region Hospital gift shop helping customers shop for special gifts. Edna had a creative spirit and a good sense of humor. She was a gifted seamstress and cook. Edna and Don lived at Lake Ozark, Mo. for a short time and loved boating, square dancing and entertaining friends and family. She had a gift of style and fashion in herself and in her home. She also enjoyed knitting and making Christmas stockings for the grandkids. She had a special place in her heart for them and shared an abundance of love for them and her family. Many memories include cooking and hosting holiday gatherings and any other family event she could use as an excuse to entertain. Edna also loved to experience new places, soak in the culture, look for sea shells and just feel sand beneath her feet. Throughout her many trips, she made her way to Europe, Alaska, Switzerland, and lived in Florida every winter. She will be remembered as having a warm and outgoing spirit. Survivors include: her loving husband of 40 years, Don Zehnder of Jefferson City; daughters, Diana Trigg of Jefferson City, and Linda Lock (David) of Parkville, Mo.; step-children, Pam Johnson (Rick) of Springfield, Randall Zehnder (Donna) of St. Charles, and Kenna Brester (Brad) of Jefferson City; grandchildren, Holly Linhardt (Jonathan) of Kansas City, Jeffrey Trigg (Kelly) of New Bloomfield, Joseph Lock of Denver, Colo., and Eric Lock (Nadia) of Orlando, Fla.; step-grandchildren, Justin Hall (Julie) of Springfield, Bryan Zehnder (Bradi) of San Diego, Calif., Miranda Patel (Mohit) of St. Charles, Amber Mantle (Kris) of Jefferson City, Derek Brester (Cassy) of Columbia, and Cara Wulff (Corey) of Jefferson City; great-grandchildren, Tyler Trigg, Lauren Linhardt, and Ella Trigg; step-great-grandchildren, Aliyah, Rebekah, Wesley, and Lilianna Hall, Lillian and Eli Zehnder, Kiyaan Patel, Riley, Makailyn and Presley Mantle, Kayden and Makynsie Brester, and Nolan Wulff; and her long-time friend and cousin, Margaret Cruz of Laurens, S.C. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Brad Brester. A celebration of life service will be announced when restrictions for gatherings have been lifted. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com