Audrey Zeeb

With sadness in our hearts, yet with certainty of eternal life through Jesus Christ, we celebrate the life of Audrey June Zeeb, who was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 24, 2026. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday, October 29, at Zion Reformed Church in Menno with a 7:00 pm prayer service. Audrey’s funeral service will be 10:30 am, Friday, October 30 at the Zion Reformed Church in Menno with Rev. Travis Grassmid officiating. Burial will be at the Menno Cemetery. Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel of Menno is assisting the family with arrangements.

Audrey was born on August 3, 1958, in Freeman, SD, to Martin and Arlene (Kuhlman) Bertsch. She received the gift of Holy Baptism on September 14, 1958, and later affirmed her faith through Christian Confirmation on March 26, 1972, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Clayton, SD.

Raised on a dairy farm west of Freeman, Audrey learned the values of faith, hard work, and dedication from an early age. She attended Delzer Country School through the fifth grade before continuing her education at Freeman Public School, where she graduated from high school. She went on to attend the University of South Dakota at Springfield, SD, earning a degree in Clerical and Small Business Management.

On June 11, 1977, Audrey married the love of her life, Doug Zeeb, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Together they built a life on the Zeeb family farm between Bridgewater and Emery, SD, where they shared nearly five decades of marriage, love, and partnership. Audrey became a faithful member of Zion Reformed Church in Menno, SD, where she taught Sunday School, participated in church activities, and willingly served wherever help was needed. Her faith in Jesus Christ guided her daily life and was evident in the kindness, compassion, grace and patience she extended to others.

Just before her marriage to Doug, Audrey began working at The Security State Bank in Emery, SD. She faithfully served the bank and its customers for 48 years. Her strong work ethic, warm smile, and caring spirit touched countless families. She was looking forward to retirement when she received her diagnosis of glioblastoma brain cancer on June 20th, 2025. Through every challenge, Audrey remained steadfast in her faith, trusting God's plan and finding strength in His promises.

Audrey found great joy in the simple blessings God provided. She loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. She enjoyed life on the farm, caring for her garden, tending flowers, and creating beauty in her yard. Her hands were rarely still, and her heart was always focused on serving those she loved. Above all she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

God richly blessed Audrey and Doug with three children: Kristi (Brian) Carlson of Ortonville, MN; Justin (Becca) Zeeb of Emery, SD; and Amber (Brandon) Joyce of Box Elder, SD; four grandchildren Jason Zeeb, Liam Heltzel, Cora and Thomas Carlson; and three step-grandchildren Tyler Joyce, Kayla Joyce, and Braelee Colhoff.

She is also survived by her siblings: Arie (Doris) Bertsch of Minot, ND; Kenneth (Cindy) Bertsch of Menno, SD; Marlys (David) Huber of Canton, SD; and Julie (Steve) McBee of Columbia, MO, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and members of her church family.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Arlene Bertsch; her mother-in-law, Sadie Zeeb; her fathers-in-law, Ewald Frederick Zeeb, Ruben Reimann, and Ruben Suess; her brother-in-law, Michael A. Zeeb; her sister-in-law, Rita S. Zeeb; and her grandson, Frederick Brian Carlson.

Though Audrey's family mourns her absence, they rejoice in knowing that she now rests in the presence of her Savior. Her legacy of unwavering faith, devoted love, hard work, and Christlike service will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Heidelberg Theological Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD.