Carl Jordan 'C. J.' Zenker

Carl Jordan ‘C.J.’ Zenker entered into Eternal Rest with his Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at home in Dora, Missouri after a short illness. A native of Curtis, Michigan, age 81 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Kathy A. Zenker of Dora, MO. C.J. also leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, John Zenker(Nichole) of Van Vleck, TX; Michael Zello(Trisha) of Benton, AR; and daughter Joy Rogers(Kevin) of Cabot, AR. He was the devoted grandfather of Kayla Zenker, Katelynn Zenker, Madisyn Zenker, Christopher Zenker, Samuel Rogers, Sarah Rogers, and Zachary Rogers. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his brother, Pat Zenker of Van Vleck, TX. C. J. is preceded in death by his late parents, Fred and Ruth Zenker, as well as his siblings, Edna Rushford of Curtis, MI, and Vern Zenker of Van Vleck, TX.

C.J.’s family moved from Michigan to Arizona when he was a child, and it was there that he developed a great love for all things Western. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at a local church in Whitehall MI, where he attended with a friend. He worked as a ranch hand for a rancher on the south end of the Grand Canyon when he was a teenager, and it was there that he learned to rope and ride. He attended high school in Payson, AZ and rode broncs in the Payson Rodeo. As a young man, C. J. moved to South Texas and began working as a heavy equipment operator with his brothers, eventually starting his own heavy equipment operations business until returning to Dora, MO for his retirement in 2000. He was also a master woodworker, building the family home with timber he harvested himself several years ago that was filled with laughter and love for all who entered.

C. J. lived the last 25 years on the farm he purchased in the beautiful Ozark Mountains with Kathy, where he enjoyed fishing and visiting family and friends for outdoor cookouts regularly. He and Kathy attended Family Life Church in Dora, MO for many years before his health waned. He always put family first and himself last, and tried to make life easier for those around him. He was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor in need whenever he could. The world will never be the same and the sun won’t shine as bright without his infectious smile.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Graveside Committal Service on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Marvin Prevost Memorial Cemetery, 48474 N. Prevost Ln., Loranger, LA at 10:00 AM.

“Life is short, Memories last a Lifetime, but Love is Forever…”

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