It is with the deepest of sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Leader Judy Zehnder Keller, President and Owner of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Judy was been called to her Heavenly home on October 19, 2022. Judy passed peacefully in the presence of her close family.
“Today we mourn the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother and thank the entire community for its support during this time. Judy Zehnder Keller was a true pioneering business woman in our community and her legacy will be long remembered by those who love the Bavarian Inn and our family’s commitment to this community.”
A long time entrepreneur, community leader, women’s advocate, working mother, wife and grandmother, Judy was the eldest daughter of the Bavarian Inn founders, Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder. Judy celebrated the Bavarian German Heritage of her ancestors and all of those who founded our charming Community.
Following her graduation from Frankenmuth High School in 1963, Zehnder Keller attended Michigan State University where she earned her BA in Hotel and Restaurant Management, her master’s degree in Educational Psychology, and according to her, a doctorate in the card game pinochle.
After working 25 years at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Zehnder Keller decided to take the family business in a new direction and develop a piece of property on the east side of the Covered Bridge that is the present site of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Today the Lodge is a top hospitality resort in all of Michigan with 360 guest rooms, indoor waterpark, family fun center, restaurants and conference space.
Judy was known in Frankenmuth, throughout Michigan and throughout many channels both nationally and internationally as an astute Business Leader. She was a visionary at developing businesses and was passionate about creating amenities and services that WOWed her Guests. She always shared a joint mission of creating enjoyable experiences for our guests, team members and ourselves every day. Her personal service to others was limitless. She was deeply supportive of organizations, of communities on many continents & of many individuals. She never hesitated to support individuals in need if she was able to.
Judy, a Frankenmuth native, would always say she “fries chicken and makes beds for a living”. We all know she has done so much more over the last 60+ years when she officially started working at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in 1960 with her parents. Founder and president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, she built this resort in 1986 and led it through six expansions. She helped develop and manage other family businesses in the community such as the Schnitzelbank Shop, Covered Bridge Shop, Frank’s Muth, and numerous retail stores within Frankenmuth River Place Shops. She was also the owner of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus and in 2018 led its expansion to a new location on Main Street. Recently in June 2022, she designed and donated Frankenmuth’s “Sister City Chair” in recognition of the 60th anniversary relationship between Frankenmuth, Michigan and Gunzenhausen, Germany.
Throughout her career, Zehnder Keller was honored with many awards, a few of them including:
National Restaurant Association “Outstanding Women in Food Service Round Table Award,” Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association’s “Hotelier of the Year,” Michigan State University’s “Industry LEADER of the Year” and “Alumna of the Year,” both from The School of Hospitality Business. She also earned additional recognition as “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year” and ranked 10th out of 200 national finalists in Start Up Nation’s “Leading Moms in Business”. She was also recipient of the local Jaycees’ top honor, the Herbert L. Keinath Distinguished Service Award, for selfless local community contributions.
Though she was honored by many recognitions, Zehnder Keller was a true servant leader and didn’t care who received credit as she was interested in positive change for her community. Zehnder Keller was the first female Frankenmuth City Council Member (12 years). She was the first female Rotary Club member and first female president. She was also chairperson for the Frankenmuth Sister City Committee for 22 years and served on the Frankenmuth Downtown Development Authority for 23 years. Appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Zehnder Keller served two terms on the Michigan Travel Commission and on the Michigan Hotel/Motel Board of Directors.
A unique opportunity arose when she was appointed by President Ronald Reagan for the Presidential Commission for the German-American Tri-Centennial joining the delegation in Germany with then Vice President George H.W. Bush. She has had many leadership positions and assisted numerous organizations, ranging from CAN Council, Underground Railroad, American Red Cross, United Way, Convention & Visitor Bureaus, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commission, Concordia University, and more. One of her favorite opportunities was being a coach for her son and daughter’s Little League games. Usually, she would wear her baseball hat and the team’s T-shirt over her German work uniform.
Today the William (Tiny) and Dorothy 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, Frankenmuth Gift Shops Inc, a specialty line of food products, and an online store. The family also runs the William and Dorothy Zehnder Foundation.
When asked, Zehnder Keller would say she “believes that life’s journey is not to arrive at the gravesite safely in a well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, totally worn out, shouting…. HOLY MOSES….WHAT A RIDE!!!”
Well, Judy Zehnder Keller did just that and lived her life to the fullest in all aspects!
Private funeral services will be held at Cederberg Funeral Home. Click here for more information!
The Tate family sends our sincere condolences! What a loss to endure. Judy was a beautiful soul inside and out and will be greatly missed. But what an addition to Heaven! Farewell dear Judy and rest well!
Hunley family send our condolences we have a lot of memories of Judy in different events we attended over the 40 plus years of coming to Bavarian Inn especially New Years Eve she was very personable lovely lady. We will truly miss Judy.
So very sorry for your loss🙏🏻🙏🏻 I remember on Halloween party at the lounge. Judy came up and sat with my family and I for a few minutes. She was an amazing woman and very delightful to meet. May God wrap his arms around you and your family in this time of sorrow. God bless you and your family. The Falk family ❤️🙏🏻💙
Such an amazing woman to know and work for . She will be so truly missed.
We are so appreciative of Judy’s warmth and hospitality over the past many years. Our sincerest condolences to Judy’s family, friends, and the staff at the Bavarian.
No words. We are in shock. Condolences to the family.
From the Prong family.
Where deeply sad to hear about Dorothy passing. My God bewith you and your family in this time of need.
Judy was a great lady!! She would help anyone. Judy will be miss so much!!!
My condolences to the family. I enjoyed my self while I worked at river place.
Judy was an inspiration to many. She overcame obstacles and defied stereotypes. I respected her. Sending prayers of comfort to the family.
Judy was a great lady. I worked for her and learned so much in my short time with her. She was one of my top bosses. I looked forward to our weekly meetings. She will be missed. Sending my prayers to her family.
Judy will truly be missed I have enjoyed working for her at the Lodge and covered bridge.rest in peace Judy and prayers to the family
So sorry to hear Judy passed away always enjoy vac there she was the sweetest lady prayers for the zehnder family
May her memory be a blessing.
I had my wedding and reception at the hotel Judy gave a little speech at the reception and was at the front desk when we came down to go outside for the wedding she was such help with my grandsons to get them to walk before I came out I will never forget her and all of her help that day she made it so special.
Our family is saddened by the passing of Judy. We stay at the Lodge at least 3 times a year and feel very welcome every time we go. Prayers for the family may she rest in peace 🙏✝️🕊️
We are sorry for the loss. She was fun to work with. We will miss her. We pray for the family and ask for a blessing from God.
Kathy Philo &
Richard Stormer
Judy was a high school friends, although she was a year older than me. Our parents were friends. You never thought “I wonder what she meant by that?” Judy will be missed!
Our family is deeply saddened by this news. Judy meant so much to me, her family and community! We send our condolences and love to Michael, Martha, Woody & Don & the whole family!
Judy always had time to talk to us while visiting the Lodge, Myself and wife always hoped to run into her while there and was one of the reasons we return to the Lodge year after year. Prayers to the family.
Gods blessings to the Zehnder family 🙏 Judy was an amazing lady that gave back so much to our community. RIP dear lady. God has gained a precious soul.
Prong family
With deepest sympathy for your loss of Judy. May God be with your whole family in your time of need.
Sending prayers to the family.
How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news. Judy, did just that with her family, community, and staff. A true example of a visionary and servant leader who put other before self in all she did. What a shining example for us all! Judy will be truly be missed on this side of Heaven!
Deepest sympathies to the family!
Judy Zehnder created a legacy that impacted my entire childhood. The Bavarian Inn Lodge holds my fondest childhood memories, I am forever thankful for her dedication to her community and the impact she made on many. She will be deeply missed!! My deepest condolences to the family, and Judy—May you Rest in Peace. ❤️
Judy was such a positive force for good! She was my softball coach in grade school & continued to support me in my life endeavors. I can still hear her greedy to me- “hey, Big A” which is still a nickname of mine today. Condolences to her family from me. She will be missed!
My condolences to the entire family. We met Judy for the first time during the New Year Millennium 2000 weekend activities when we stayed at the Bavarian Inn Lodge for that once in a lifetime celebration 🎉. What an amazing woman was lost today. She had a gift of managing many departments while still being part of the team & directing while still giving a hand where needed. May God bless your soul Judy. Sending love and light to the entire family
In this time of mourning and transition – The Flaker (Pfleger) family
With deepest sympathy to the Zender and Keller families. I loved working for her, she made me feel proud to be part of her team. Rest in Peace Judy and until we meet again,
With heart felt sympathy to you and your family Don. Sounds like Judy was a great lady.
So sorry to hear Judy passed away. I have a awesome story on how kind and thoughtful that she was. About 22 years ago I worked for Sysco Foodservice and was trying to sell new china plates to the hotel. I met with Judy on many different times to show her samples. During that timeframe my wife and I were expecting our 2nd child. After my daughter was born, a package showed up at our door. Judy sent me a gift for my new daughter. My wife and I couldn’t believe that she took time to do that for us. It’ s a memory that I’ll never forget. P.S. I didn’t ” win” her business for the plates but I certainly gained respect for a lifetime for her!!
Our son, Grant Weenig, married into the Neuchterlein-Zehnder extended family. Over the years, we were privileged to visitFrankenmuth several times, and meet Judith, her siblings, children and and of course, Grandma Dorothy. Although we were certainly at the periphery of this wonderful family, we were always made to feel included as members.
Frankenmuth and Michigan were blessed to have Judith and her many talents supporting their community..
In her wisdom, she has mentored many family members to continue managing her legacy and we am certain that they will follow in her footsteps.
We send our Sympathies, Best Wishes and Warm Personal Regards.
Clair and Joan Weenig
The Thieme family and all of us at Amigo Mobility are saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. Judy was the perfect combination of a strong leader and a gracious host. She had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and added a touch of humor to many situations. Our community will miss her, and we are grateful that she and Don have built a legacy of their best traits through their children.
She was a wonderful, cheerful woman and I’m sure will be missed by so many. She took care of everyone. Now God is taking care of her.
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.
God Bless Judy. Her C200 friends will miss her greatly. We so fondly remember our grand adventure to China together. We had much fun exploring the sights, culture, businesses, embassy and of course the shopping. Her wonderful outlook on life will be remembered by us all. ❤️
Our deepest sympathies go out to your family. Visiting the Bavarian Inn for over 37 years this hits a lot closer to home.
Thank you for making every trip a memorable one.
Our deepest sympathies to your family. We have been staying at the Bavarian Inn for over 20 years. Judy was there giving our daughter words of wisdom and calming her nerves as she waiting to walk in for her wedding held at the Bavarian Inn. She built a legacy that many families have enjoyed for decades and have passed down the tradition to their families.
So sorry for your loss of your loved one. Frankenmuth is a magical place that we’ve enjoyed for many years as our family tradition is to come to wonderful Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth every Christmas season when possible, just last week my adult Son reminded me to hurry up and book a room before they’re all sold out!
Thank you Zehnder Keller Family for all you do for us.
Judy was a wonderful lady. Our condolences to the family.
We never had the opportunity to meet Judy in person. But with enjoying the Bavarian Inn and its shops for many years, you can see the excellence she gave in giving the community and its visitors a wonderful experience. What a legacy she has lived and laid out to her family and community. Prayers to the entire Zehnder family.
An incredible woman… Thank you for the decades of JoY passed on to all of us! We are 3rd generation of family & friends that have cherished the wonderful experiences of Bavarian Inn – Frankenmuth! RIP Your journey has blessed ours.
Well, it’s November and I just found out about Judy’s passing.
Haven’t seen here for some time but I wanted to contribute. I was editor of the Frankemuth
High School paper long go and she was the advertising manager and one of the reasons we
were so successful in gaining a national award.
I would say now that you very well could tell back then that she had the spirit, the drive and the polished maxi to truly succeed in working with others for success. She drove hard to accomplish much and did not let things get in the way.
Condolences to her family.