Obituary of Zonna L Tennyson
Zonna L. Berndt was born on August 11, 1936 at home on Riley Street in Dundee, Michigan. She was one of three children and the only daughter born to Ernest and Doletta (Boldt) Berndt. The day of her birth coincided with a carnival taking place in downtown Dundee, ushering in a lifetime of smiles and wonderful memories. Zonna was a graduate of Dundee High School. She met her future husband, Kenneth Tennyson, while waitressing at the Coffee Cup restaurant in Dundee where they both worked. On July 31, 1956 she and Kenny wed at a Justice of the Peace in Tazwell, Tennessee. The couple enjoyed sixty-five years of marriage and were blessed with four children. Zonna made it her life’s work to care for her home and family.
Zonna was fantastic cook and learned to make many German dishes passed down to her from her mother, including her specialty cherry soup. She never missed an episode of her favorite soap operas and game shows, particularly Jeopardy and Family Feud. Zonna was also a big fan of professional wrestling. She cheered especially loud for John Cena and Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson. Zonna was a whiz at solving word searches. It seemed she completed the puzzle books just as fast as her family could bring them to her.
The kindest and most loving person you’d ever meet, Zonna felt it was very important to impress this trait on her children. She took their friends in as her own and never hesitated to help someone in need. A loving grandmother and great grandmother, her grandkids made her so happy that her face would light up just to see them or hear their voices.
Zonna L. Tennyson, age 85, of Dundee, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her brothers: Donald Berndt and Robert Berndt; and great grandson: Bennett.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband: Kenny Tennyson; children: Susan (Thomas) Fugate, Wesley Tennyson, Ronald (Susan) Tennyson, and Tim Tennyson (Yvette Callahan); grandchildren: Brian (Kelli) Fugate, Daniel (Brittany) Fugate, Adam Fugate, Nicole (Jerry) Kniffen, Timmy Tennyson, and Tyler Tennyson; and great grandchildren: Hayley, Aubree, Skylee, Landon, Kinzley, Addison, Oliver, and Jack.
Friends may gather on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 2:00 to 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee, 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734)529-3156. A Celebration of Zonna’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to Maple Grove Cemetery, Dundee.
Online guests may leave words of comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com
