Michael L. Zenor

Michael L. Zenor, the son of Wayne and Ruby Werts Zenor, was born April 20, 1949 in Spencer, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in Spencer, where he received his education, graduating from Spencer High School in 1967. He continued his education at the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Geography. Mike married Paula Morterud on June 12, 1971 in Lakefield, MN. Following his post graduate study in public administration at the University of Colorado in Boulder, he entered Drake Law School in Des Moines, graduating in 1975 and was later admitted to the practice. In the same year, Mike and Paula returned to Spencer, where he established a law practice. He was elected Clay County Attorney in November 1978, taking office the following January. He remained in office until 2005, when he moved to Dickinson County, continuing afterwards as an assistant. He maintained an active, general private law practice, most recently with Zenor, Houchins and Borth, until his death. Mike's simple ability to get the job done resulted in many leadership roles being thrust upon him. His interest in politics led to central committee membership, and chair of the Clay County Republican Party. His concern for the elderly brought on the chairmanship of the Clay County Council on Aging, now part of the Northwest Aging Association. His faith brought many roles at Grace United Methodist Church, including its church council and senior high Sunday school. His love of great cars and the open road brought duties as director of the Iowa chapter, and later, other merged boards, of the (AAA) American Automobile Association. His deep interest in the past and future of the Great Lakes Region brought board duties for the Maritime Museum, now Historic Arnolds Park, Inc. His affection for the trial practice led him to serve the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association on its Board of Governors. His love of the game of baseball, and his children, led to coaching the game and serving as president of the Spencer Little League. Mike was a member of the Evening Shade Lodge #312 A.F. & A.M. of Spencer. Despite these many interests, Mike reserved the greatest measure of his time, love and affection for his wife, Paula and his children, Ben of West Okoboji, Amy, of Iowa City, and Paul, of West Okoboji. He was never happier than when with them, especially at their lake home. Widely read, fair, honest and open minded, Mike made enemies only when unavoidable, and was able to forge many friendships which span decades and continents. He enjoyed the respect of his professional peers and reciprocated in kind. Mike passed away at the Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota in Sioux Falls, following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne & Ruby Zenor and his favorite uncle, Dean Zenor and Uncle Maurice Zenor, but family, friends and fellow lawyers remain to cherish his memory.

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