Magdalena (Lena) Zarr, age 91 of Mott ND,  passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from health complications at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger ND.

The Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family members will be held at 10:30am Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Mott.  Fr. Stephen Folorunso will officiate with burial to follow at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Mott.

The readers are Deann Scheeler, Cheryl Grinsteinner, Al Grinsteinner, and Jerry Zarr.

Honorary Bearers are Shawn Zarr, Brady Freeman, Greg Grinsteinner, Susan Furniss, Kayle Grinsteinner, Connie Boyer, Terry Zarr, and Jerry Zarr.

MAGDALENA (LENA) GRINSTEINNER was born on March 10, 1929 in Dodge, ND, the first born of 12 children to Mike & Agolena (Bleile) Grinsteinner. Lena attended rural school, helped on the farm and was a nanny for a doctor family in Dickinson, N.D.

She married Joseph Zarr on April 25, 1949 and had one son Gary Dean Zarr. They rented a farm outside Dodge, ND, and then moved to Bismarck and on to Anaconda, MT. They returned to North Dakota and made Mott their home.

Lena enjoyed baking, gardening and crafts. Lena belonged to the St. Vincent's Altar Society, was an avid pinochle card player, and enjoyed taping music.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband Joseph; son Gary; parents, Agolena and Mike Grinsteinner; sisters, Otillia Zarr, Katherine Metts; brothers Anton, Joseph, Henry, and  Michael.

She is survived by daughter-in-law Priscella Zarr; grand  children, Shawn (Martha) Zarr, Michelle (Anthony) Freeman; and three great grandchildren, Catherine Zarr, Brady and Emily Freeman; Lena's  brothers,  Adam (Pat), John (Beverly) Grinsteinner; sisters, Agnes Coffey, Joan (Dennis) Archer and Victoria (Richard) Decker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After losing her husband Lena worked at the Holiday House Hotel and The Curve, as a waitress, and babysat for many families in Mott.   The last 8 years Lena resided at the Good Samaritan in Mott. She enjoyed the many activities at her home especially black out bingo. Lena loved to read and was a member of the San Antonio Literary Gals. Lena became an artist, coloring adult coloring books, and won many blue ribbons at county fairs. The family honored Lena with a surprise 90th birthday party on March 10, 2019.   She received an award confirming "I'm the OLDEST", an ongoing joke for many years. Lena loved visiting with family and friends, enjoying all the good times. The multiple family gatherings were the highlight of her life. Lena loved to live and lived spreading her LOVE to everyone she contacted. We will miss our Matriarch Icon "I'M THE OLDEST". May you have peace eternally!

Cards may be sent to Joan Archer, 1050 Walnut St., Bremerton, WA  98310.