Norman Henry Zink

Norman Henry Zink, a man of profound faith and steadfast devotion, was peacefully called home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 24, 2026, at the age of 90. At the time of his passing, he was enveloped in the warmth and prayers of his loving family, Audubon Hospice, and the staff at Lake Sherwood Village Independent Living Center, who cared for him as he entered eternal rest.

Norman's earthly journey began on April 26, 1935, in Petoskey, Michigan, where he was born as the son of Henry and Sophie Zink. His life was defined by a quiet strength and a commitment to service, beginning with his honorable tenure in the United States Army. That hard work continued with his career as an engineer, retiring from the Stone & Webster River Bend Nuclear Plant. He spent the last 20 years of his life traveling with his beloved wife, Donna. From the falls of Niagara to the many fishing trips at Grand Isle, LA, they shared their passion for travel, life, love, and family.

A man whose life was a testament to the values of hard work and spiritual conviction, he was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, serving faithfully as an Elder, was a constant presence in worship and congregational Bible studies, and shared his gift of music with the Trinity Lutheran Adult Choir. While that presence will be deeply missed, his family and friends find peace in the promise of the Resurrection and the knowledge that he is now reunited with his Creator and Redeemer.

Norman is survived by one step-daughter, Mary Frances Despres (Paul); two step-sons, Michael Foret (Vanessa) and Paul Foret (Libby); step-daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann Blackwell; eight step-grandchildren, Douglas, Jr. and David Blackwell, Danielle Manor, Justin Crawford, Andre Despres, Julia Despres Barksdale, Blake Foret, and Mercedes Foret; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Norman is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Catherine Wilson Zink; second wife, Donna Marie Foret Zink; father, Henry J. Zink; mother, Sophie Stelzer Zink; two stepsons, Douglas W. Blackwell and Jerry Foret Jr.; and brother, Russell Zink, and sister, Lucille Zink, and half-sister, Evelyn Zink.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA 70714 on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Bill Crowe. The graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Audubon Hospice and Lake Sherwood Village for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church.