Marilyn Zahradnik

Marilyn Ann Zahradnik passed away May 20th, 2024 at the age of 70 with her family by her side.  A Celebration of Life will be held in Marilyn’s honor at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be directed to Lakes Regional Healthcare Hospice.

Marilyn was born March 18th, 1954 in Spencer, Iowa to Lawrence Charles and Annette (Dorgan) Jensen.  She grew up loving all things related to water and sunshine on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  She enjoyed water sports and sailing with her two brothers, Jim and Larry, and also helped at her parents’ resort, Jensen’s Sunset Beach Cottages.  Marilyn could often be seen zipping across the lake in her bright yellow Donzi.

Marilyn graduated from Arnolds Park High School in 1972.  She graduated from Marymount College in Boca Raton, Florida and ultimately earned her certification as a Registered Nurse from Atlantic University in Coconut Creek, Florida.

Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Duane Zahradnik, on August 20th, 1977.  Duane and Marilyn lived in Pompano Beach, Florida and their daughter, Amy, was born October 27th, 1980.

In 1985, Marilyn and Duane opened Yesterdays Restaurant on Broadway Street in Arnolds Park, Iowa.  For the next 33 years Marilyn spent her summers hiring and training ‘front of the house’ staff and greeting customers and friends with a warm smile.  Winters were spent in Pompano Beach and were a welcome respite after a busy season.  Marilyn and Duane sold Yesterdays in 2018.

Family was the most important thing in Marilyn’s life, she especially enjoyed her relationship with her daughter, Amy.  They were almost always together and they enjoyed traveling, dining out, shopping, working in the garden, boat rides and plenty of time at the pool and beach.  Marilyn’s favorite holiday was the 4th of July and she was proud to continue her mother’s tradition of the neighborhood picnic with family and friends in attendance.

Marilyn is survived by her best friend and husband of 47 years, Duane, and her beloved daughter, Amy.  Her brothers, Jim Jensen (wife Diana) and Larry Jensen.  Nieces and nephews, Kate (partner Tomasa), Michael (wife Kira), Lawrence Jensen, and Steven Jensen (wife Leah). Grand-nephews and grand-nieces, T.J., Grant, James, Jack, Lena, and Maxine.  Sisters-in-law Irene Goetsch, Marci Stoller, and Shirley Dickinson (husband Dan).  Nieces and nephews, Scott Goetsch (wife Jackie), Candi Goetsch, Ellis Eaton, Brandon Stoller (wife Whitney), Jeremy Dickinson (wife Chrissy), and Josh Dickinson (fiancé Jamie).  Grand-nephews and grand-nieces, Courtney, Heath, Caden, Bryce, Brandy, Jace, Aubrey, Emony, Lisbet, Collin, Danny, and Evie.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence C “Larry” Jensen in 1969 and her mother Annette Dorgan Jensen Neighbor in 2011. She was also preceded in death by her aunt and uncle Pearle and J.B. Osher.