NEW ULM–Colleen “Coke” Zins, 81, of New Ulm passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Ridgeway on 23rd after a seven-year battle with dementia.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm. Private burial will be in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Colleen is survived by her children; a son, Dan (Barb) Zins of New Ulm; a daughter, Michele (Brent) Farasyn of New Ulm; a daughter, Nicole (Joe) Anderson of Minnetonka; grandchildren Cody (Missy West) Gasner of Arizona; Amber Emersyn of Texas; Ceanna Zins, Nickolas Zins and Zoey Zins of New Ulm; Giana Anderson and William Anderson of Minnetonka; great grandchildren, Skyler, Sydney and Asher (Cody).

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Richard and Dave Gulden.

Colleen Ann Zins was born May 30, 1944 in New Ulm to Bert and Frieda (Kalz) Gulden.

She was a 1962 graduate of Holy Trinity High School. Colleen was married to Howard Zins on October 24,1964 in New Ulm, MN and together they had 3 children. Colleen worked at the Brown County Courthouse in the Assessor’s office for many years and later worked at the New Ulm Medical Center.

Colleen was a devoted cat lover, each one finding a safe and loving home in her presence. She enjoyed the challenge of crosswords and sudoku puzzles, playing a tune on her piano or tending to her plants. She also had a sweet tooth and never passed up a scoop of ice cream or chocolate, savoring life’s little pleasures. But perhaps most memorable was her gift for conversation — she loved connecting with people, sharing stories, laughter, and the kind of everyday banter that made others feel seen and heard. Her presence was comforting, her spirit kind, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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