Leaves a long legacy of service to the Frankenmuth community and Michigan hospitality industry
Dorothy Zehnder, beloved matriarch of the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, died at her home in Frankenmuth on Sunday, July 9, with members of her family by her side. She was a lifelong member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.
Zehnder spent more than 85 years working behind the scenes and as the visible face of the well-known Bavarian Inn family and the many community and business operations under their name. She was born on December 1, 1921, in Reese, Michigan, 10 miles north of Frankenmuth.
Funeral services will be held at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. Details will be released later by her family. She will be buried at St. Lorenz Cemetery alongside her husband of 63 years, William “Tiny” Zehnder, who passed away in 2006. Donations may be made to St. Lorenz Church or to Frankenmuth City Beautification.
Dorothy is survived by her brother Ray Hecht, two children, Bill (Karen) Zehnder and Roxie (Jerry) Westgate, and her son-in-law Don Keller as well 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William “Tiny” Zehnder, her sister Edna (Hecht) Hegenauer, and her daughter Judy Zehnder Keller.
The family released the following statement:
“We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and family matriarch. We extend our thanks for the support from the Frankenmuth community and ask that you help us remember Dorothy for the amazing woman she was and who will remain in our hearts. Our family will continue to uphold the spirit of Dorothy and her legacy to this community.”
Dorothy left her mark on this world for over a century and will be missed. She was a true Michigan icon in how she lived her life personally, professionally, and spiritually.
A Humble Servant Leader
Dorothy’s hospitality and business acumen made her a civic leader, educator, author, and mentor, using her talents with many different restaurants, tourism, governmental, religious, and philanthropic organizations. A humble servant leader is an excellent way to describe Dorothy Zehnder. Even when she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at age 98, she fought against it to continue giving back to her community.
With over a century of life experience, Dorothy lived through Prohibition, Great Depression, and multiple wars. She saw everything from man landing on the moon to people driving electric cars. All the technological advances from when she started working in 1937 to today helped her develop the Bavarian Inn’s philosophy of “working efficiently old fashioned” as she embraced new trends throughout her life.
Dorothy co-founded the Bavarian Inn with William “Tiny” Zehnder in 1950. She preferred staying out of the spotlight, leaving the promotion to Tiny while she worked in the “back of the house.” She developed most of the recipes used in the restaurant and taught tens of thousands of employees over 70 years the correct method to prepare all the foods served in the 12 dining rooms that seat 1,200 guests.
At full employment, the Bavarian Inn Corporation has approximately 1,000 employees, serves thousands of people in a day and about 900,000 meals annually, and ranks in the top 50 most prominent family-run restaurants in the U.S. Dorothy’s children and their spouses, along with her grandchildren – a total of seven family members – work every day to continue the success story of the Bavarian Inn.
Today the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family’s diverse array of businesses includes the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Castle Shops, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Covered Bridge Shop, Frank’s Muth, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Bavarian Bleachers, a specialty line of food products, and an online store. The family also runs the William and Dorothy Zehnder Foundation.
The next generations have plans for continued development of Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder’s legacy.
Cookbook Author and Honoree
A 2020 Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Saginaw Lifetime Achievement Award, Dorothy is also the author of three sold-out cookbooks, “Cookies and Bars” published in 1986, “Come Cook with Me,” published in 2011, and the follow-up “From My Kitchen to Yours,” published in 2014. Her cookbook “Come Cook with Me” is filled with stories about Dorothy, cooking, her family, and the German-themed restaurant they created.
In 2013 Dorothy received the Outstanding Achievement in Michigan Tourism award from the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA) which recognizes the person who “Serves to promote, protect and grow Michigan tourism to the benefit of all industry segments and our state’s economy.” In addition, the Detroit chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) also recognized Dorothy in 2013 as one of its Top 10 Michigan Business Women.
About Bavarian Inn Restaurant: Celebrating 135 years of service, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers, and tourists from around the globe have discovered genuine Bavarian hospitality in this 1,200-seat restaurant thanks to the late Dorothy and William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods, or Michigan’s most outstanding selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products, striving to serve more Michigan-grown and produced foods and Michigan-produced beverages than any other restaurant. Nestled within the backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops, and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.
About Bavarian Inn Lodge: For over 37 years, nestled along the banks of the Cass River in Frankenmuth, it has been one of the state’s largest indoor water park hotels. The Lodge, currently managed by the 4th generation Bavarian Inn family members, has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, two gift shops, two lounges, and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square-foot Family Fun Center houses two thrilling water slides, three pools, two whirlpools, over 160 video games, a two-level children’s play village, and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. Banquet facilities can accommodate events for 2-500 guests to enjoy Old World Charm with modern technology and delicious meals. In over 37 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an essential destination for travelers, evidenced by the 2.5 million room nights booked there since its opening and its top rating on TripAdvisor®. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com/
Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com
My condolences to the Zehnder families. Dorothy an inspiration to all who met her and her memory will live on forever. God bless.
I have known her for a long time and the family too. When my Husband came along He got to meet her to , When every we saw her in Town She know Who we were. I going to miss her , She Was What Made Frankenmuth.
It is very sad to hear about Dorothy’s passing never got the chance to meet her but i wish i had
My sympathy and prayers go out to the Zehnder family. What a remarkable lady who left a true and inspiring legacy.
We love Bavarian Inn and all of the places in Frankenmuth. We come there usually 2 times a year. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the wonderful family and friends of Ms. Zander.
We lost a real icon of the greatest generation. They don’t make them like Dorothy anymore, so sad she’s gone . Had so much respect .
Dorothy was a great teacher for me in my life. I was blessed to work with Dorothy for 35 years. Prayers of Gods peace for the Zehnder family in Jesus Name.
Mrs. s
Zehnder and all of her family have been special to our family throughout our lives and we are very thankful for that
She was a Blessing and always will be in our Hearts, Thoughts and prayers for the whole Family.
I am so sorry to hear this.
The Lash Family wishes to send our sincerest condolences! A couple of years ago we ate dinner in the same room as Mrs Zehnder. (At Zehnders)
We sang Happy Birthday with her family. ❤️
Wonderful woman, precious and sweet. God Bless you and your spirit. You left your mark on a lot if us. We will carry you with us always.
Sweet Dorothy will truly be missed by many of her family members, friends, and thousand of aquaintances. Her charm would lite up a room with her happy smile. She was so devoted to hard work and her loving family.
Prayers to all of her family and friends. I will never forget this matriarch. Rest in peace, dear gracious, Dorothy.
Warm and loving thoughts,
Sandy Budrick
Heaven received an Angel soar with the Angels 😇
Dorothy will be truly missed. She was a great person and we will miss seeing her on our visits rest in peace, sweet Dorothy.
Thank you, Dorothy, for your life of service. Because of you and many others our family has years of memories as we would land ourselves in Frankenmuth for a wonderful family style chicken dinner. I have not lived in Michigan for many years but when I travel home we always fit a trip to Frankenmuth.
We are so deeply sorry to hear the passing of Dorothy. Prayers sent you your whole family.
I’m very sorry for the loss of your family member, Dorothy. I remember her recent birthday, saying how she only wanted to be in her kitchen there.
Very devoted and strong lady.
My family has gone to your restaurant for three generations and will feel the loss of Dorothy.
What a loss. Dorothy was a remarkable woman, her spirit, accomplishments, business acumen all served to make her an inspiration to me and many others. God be with her family.
A true icon. So devoted to her profession that you would see her in the restaurant and shops. She came out to wish my Mother a Happy 90th Birthday in 2012. God bless
A most gracious and beautiful lady, A privilege to have known her,
Dorothy. A dedicated woman. Our entire family was there every Thanksgiving and New Years… other visits sprinkled in separately. It was an Occasion. I believe there are still plastic monkeys, camels etc nestled in keepsake drawers. Any one who visited from out of state, was treated to the famous family Chicken dinners. Oh, the memories.
Dear Bill, Roxie and Zehnder family,
I have such fond memories of your mom and dad!
I would often accompany my dad, Wilbur Hoffman, Schaefer Hat Store, as dad would deliver pants and other clothing that your dad had purchased at the store. I remember climbing those narrow stairs to the office where your dad would be waiting. Such kind people! Your mom would make a point to sit with my mom and me when we would come for lunch at the restaurant. She and my mom found lots to chat about.
Your mom was a blessing to many…. Keeping you all in our prayers💗
The food is decadent at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. The banana bread French toast is so rich, no syrup is required 😋
My wife and I can’t wait to return to taste the many delectable dishes the Bavarian Inn offers.
May God Bless Dorothy Zehnder and her family! She was truly an amazing person! My family and I live in the Chicagoland area and have been visiting Frankenmuth every summer since 1989. This coming July 24-26 will mark the 34th-straight summer! it started with my parents, myself and my brother and it’s now grown to my wife, our son and my parents. My wife and I just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this month (July 12) and we’ve made FM part of our anniversary every year as we got engaged in the Sommer Garten July 1, 2012! We had the blessed opportunity of meeting Dorothy about 6 years ago just outside the kitchen area in the Bavarian Inn restaurant and she was a pleasure! It was absolutely incredible to know how hard she worked and for how long she worked in the kitchen until her retirement just a few years ago. She will be sorely missed, but I know she is definitely looking down with a big smile on her face 🙂 May God Rest hers and Tiny’s soul as they are reunited in heaven together!
What a loss for all at or involved with Bavarian lodge. I loved reading about such an amazing woman. She was a true pioneer as a business woman. I’m an sure her passing has touched hundreds of thousands of people. She was a pillar to all this that worked with and for her. My deepest condolences to the Zehnder Family and those who’s lives an touched.
Miss Dorothy was delightful, enjoyed every time my friends and I were able to say Hi, had pictures with her, as she was always so willing to take the time to hug us and chat. What an amazing lady she will always be remembered with love. Her family was certainly blessed to have her.
What a legacy, extraordinary in so many ways
I love this place I came in July 1968 to celebrate my 21st birthday. Next time I came was in 1990 after my husband finish 21 years in the army. After that we came almost yearly.
Really sad to head that Ooma Dorothy Zehnder passed away. What an amazing life and so much achievement. Her and her late visonary business pioneer husband are great examples of success through hard work and skill and also having principles, respect for culture and a great vision for the future. She lived a long life, for which one can be thankful. I saw her at the Bavarian Festival parade a few years ago, and bought her cookbook. A really amazing life story. Beste Wünschen für die Zehnder Familie.