Dolores Zaske

Obituary of Dolores Zaske With profound sadness yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Dolores Zaske at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Pine River, Minnesota. Born on September 22, 1932, in Ree Heights, South Dakota, Dolores was a beacon of warmth and love, cherished by all she encountered. Dolores was the beloved daughter of Irvin and Alma Howard and was predeceased by her devoted husband, Allen Zaske, with whom she shared 49 beautiful years of marriage. Parents Irv and Alma Howard, Sister Delphine Howard, Grandson Ethan Monroe. Together, they raised a family of five children primarily in the Brainerd, Minnesota area, creating countless cherished memories on summer trips to the family farm and cabin. A proud high school graduate of Pine River, Minnesota, Dolores began her career at Minnesota Power but soon found her true calling as a paraeducator at Garrison and Pine River elementary schools. Her passion and creativity in teaching left an indelible mark on both her colleagues and the many children she nurtured. Known affectionately as the “Story Lady” at the Brainerd Library, Dolores enchanted young minds with her dynamic storytelling, often using puppets and her extraordinary vocal talents to bring characters to life—a gift she even shared through appearances on the local TV station. Dolores's life was enriched by her devotion to music and service to her community. She played the piano for children’s choirs, sang in church choirs, and played the organ at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus, Minnesota, well into her 80s. Her culinary skills were equally renowned, as she and Allen delighted family and friends with delightful dinners and her famed flower arrangements and crafts. Dolores’s warmth extended beyond her family, touching countless lives with her welcoming spirit and the simple pleasure of a shared cup of coffee paired with a fresh-baked sweet treat. Her legacy lives on through her children, Michael (Valerie) Zaske of Las Vegas, NV; Douglas (Diane) Zaske of Pine River, MN; Debra (Jerry) Middelstadt of Hoschton, GA; Vicky (Tim) Hughes of East Bethel, MN; and Patricia Zaske of Minneapolis, MN. Dolores also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren, Christopher Zaske, Ben Zaske, Katie Hokanson, Beth Shelstad, Hannah Zaske, Kristan Kohls, Becky Anderson, Lindsey Monroe, Sarah Hughes, and Ryan Hughes, along with 17 great-grandchildren who will carry her love forward. We invite you to join us in celebrating Dolores’s remarkable life on September 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with visitation 1 hour before starting at 10AM, located at 603 MN-371, Backus, MN 56435. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Good Samaritan Nursing Home for their kindness and support. We also extend our deepest appreciation to Pastor Travis for his tender ministry that brought comfort and joy to Dolores in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Dolores’s memory. Dolores’s life was a testament to love, creativity, and kindness—a legacy that will forever be celebrated and cherished by all who were blessed to know her.