To access the Livestream of the service please go to https://www.oslcminot.com/watch
To view the flowers from Eileen’s service, click here: Eileen Zander Flowers
Eileen Zander, 73, Minot, formerly of the Washburn area, died Sunday, August 7, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family and hospice.
Eileen was born September 24, 1948 in Bismarck, ND, the daughter of Clarence and Ethel (Reitman) Swanson. She was raised on a farm near Washburn, spent the 1st grade in a country school, then went to Washburn schools where she graduated in 1966. She continued her education at the Trinity School of Nursing and received her degree as a Registered Nurse.
Eileen was united in marriage to Merle Zander on January 16, 1971 at the Birka Lutheran Church near Washburn. They made their home in Minot, where they raised their two children, Troy and Jill.
She was employed as a registered nurse for 44 years at Medical Arts Clinic and Trinity Hospital, where she worked for Dr. Giltner and Dr. Folkert. She ended her nursing career working at the Protime Clinic at Trinity and retired in December 2012.
She was a charter member in the founding of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot. She was actively involved in singing in the Church Choir and volunteered there in a number of capacities.
Eileen’s greatest joy was her family. They enjoyed 24 summers at Rice Lake and most recently at Blue Lake. Her favorite times were sitting on the deck at the lake and watching her children and grandkids making memories. Along with all of her hobbies, she enjoyed attending her grandkid’s activities and sporting events the most. She loved to decorate her house for the holidays and cook her family’s favorite foods and sweet treats.
During their retirement years, Eileen and Merle loved to travel the world, taking a number of cruises with their favorites being Tahiti (visiting Moanatea Smith), Brazil and China. For the past 9 years she and Merle have also enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida.
When asked….what words best describe your life and explain why? “Very fulfilled. I have everything I have always wanted, an education, working as a nurse, getting and being married for 51 years, having 2 very special children, and 5 grandchildren whom I’m so very proud of. What more is there to life?”
Her loving family includes: husband of 51 years, Merle; children, Troy (Linn) Zander, Bismarck & Jill (Luke) Schwan, Bismarck; grandchildren, Jericah, Blaike & Beau Zander and Kooper & Berklee Schwan; sister, Barb Hoffer, Bismarck and nephew, Mike (Robyn) Hoffer of Atlanta, GA.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter.
Funeral service: Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot. To access the Livestream of the service please go to https://www.oslcminot.com/watch
Visitation: Wednesday, August 10th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Graveside service: Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Birka Lutheran Cemetery, rural Washburn.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to Our Savior Church Building Fund or the Cancer Care Center of Minot.
