Zell (nee Radatz) Gretchen M. age 72 of Dayton.  Gretchen was born Oct. 19, 1945 in St. Paul, MN, to teacher Marion Anderson Radatz and farmer Frederick Radatz.  She grew up on the farm in Maplewood, where the Maplewood Mall now stands.  Gretchen graduated from Hamline University with a degree in political science in 1967.
Gretchen married James A. Zell in February 1972.  They made a home together in the Twin Cities, finally building a house in Dayton, MN, where they lived for many years.  James passed away in June of 2000.  Gretchen stayed at their home in Dayton, busy with her garden, her church, and her beloved Dalmatians, and later, Pugs.
Gretchen was a member of the Minnesota Historical Society and the Greater Twin Cities Dalmatian Club.  She was active in the Unitarian Universalist Church, helping to establish the Northwest Unitarian Universalist in Maple Grove in the 1980's.  Gretchen later joined the Michael Servetus Unitarian Society in Fridley where she served as president in the mid 2000's.
Gretchen is preceded in death by husband, James.  Survived by sister, Jean (Bill) Englemann; step-granddaughter, Kristin Dunbar (Doug Schultz); and great-granddaughter, Emma Dunbar.  Memorial service Saturday (7/28/2018) 11 AM at Michael Servetus Unitarian Society, 6565 Oakley Drive NE, Fridley.  Visitation 1 hour prior to service.  Private interment Union Cemetery, White Bear Lake, MN.
Arrangements, Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, Anoka, MN, 763-421-0220