Brent Zinnecker
September 28, 1962 - July 29, 2016
Obituary
Brent Lynn Zinnecker, 53, passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2016. A friend to many with a heart of gold, he will be greatly missed. Brent was born on September 28, 1962, to Marilyn and Zip Zinnecker, the third of four children. He attended school in Billings and graduated from West High. Brent has worked in the food and beverage industry for most of his career. He was an amazing cook, bartender, and loved by all. He owned Zee Diner for 16 years and had a dedicated following of return customers. When the diner building was torn down, Brent worked at other restaurants and used his excellent skills for catering. He was currently running his own catering business, and was a bartender at the Tap Inn, and once again, his customers were loyal and loved him. He always had a joke or a story that was shared with a twinkle in his eye. Brent married Brenda Jans on September 16th, 1989. They later divorced but remained great friends. The joy and purpose of Brent's life was always his two daughters, Kayla Rose and Marissa Lynn, born in 1992 and 1994. His love for his daughters was only surpassed when the newest joy in his life arrived in 2008, his granddaughter, Breanna Rose, who always had her Papa wrapped around her little finger. Breanna always looked forward to “Breanna and Papa Day”. Brent is survived by his daughters Kayla and Marissa, his granddaughter, Breanna, and another grandchild on the way arriving early in January. He is also survived by siblings Denice (Jim) Schilling, Renee Zinnecker, Mark Zinnecker, and several nieces and nephews. Brent is also survived by more friends than most will ever get the chance of having. His positive attitude and sense of humor were a gift to all, and anyone who came close to Brent left with an uplifted heart and a smile on their face. To know him was to love him. A celebration of Brent's life will be held on Friday, August 5th, 2016 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus. There will also be a celebration of life on Thursday, August 18th, 2016 from 6:30 to 8:30 with a silent auction at the Tap Inn. Both celebrations will be done “Brent Style- good food, good music, and good BBQ.” In remembrance, the family would love to see you wear something for the Montana Bobcats, Minnesota Vikings, or for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. In lieu of flowers, we have a GoFundMe account under “Brent Zinnecker,” or an account set up at Western Security Bank under “Brent Zinnecker Memorial Fund” to help cover expenses for the family, and to ensure the best possible life for his two grandchildren, which is all he would have asked for. Breanna's last words for her papa are that “I miss him like crazy. I don't know what I am going to do without being able to drive you crazy on Thursday's and Saturday's, or being able to sneak in and paint your toenails while you are sleeping, or even give you wet willy's just to wake you up. I love you, Papa. You were my favorite.”
Events
There are no events for Brent yet.
Photos
No photos of Brent have been shared yet.
Memories
DF
David Foster
Other •
I have known Brent for 50 years this summer. We grew up next door to each other and had some great times together. When we were both 16, our parents let us sample a little, actually lots, of champagne on New Years Eve of 1978. That same year we both got instant print cameras for Christmas. While in our slightly inebriated state, someone decided we needed pictures of our bare butts. I heard for some time that my smile was cracked or not recognizable. I think Brent showed everyone them pictures. I never did know what happened to our smile pictures. In our early twenties, when Brent was working at Bucks Bar, there was a demolition derby at then Balero Speedway. Brent decided, most likely when inebriated, that he wanted to drive a car in the demolition derby. It was all he could talk about and he just knew that this was going to be an awesome blast. To help fuel his dream, I bought a 65 Buick Wildcat car from a neighbor for Brent to run in the demolition derby. Brent got a few sponsors for the car from his customers at Bucks Bar. One Evening while Brent was working, a few of my other friends and I took the old Buick Wildcat out for a drive. My other friends and I did this on two separate nights. On the first night when Brent got off work and the car was gone, he run next door and talked to my Mom, he was just frantic about where the car was. My Mom assured him that my other friends and I were just out for a drive in the old Buick. Brent told my Mom that we were going to wreck the car before he even got to run it in the demolition derby. After the second night that he got off work and the car was gone, Brent decided to take the car to Worden. My Mom told me that Brent was about beside himself over us taking the car out as he just knew we were going to destroy it before the demolition derby. After Brent took the car to Worden, he complained to me that the car’s steering wheel was way off center, drove funny, and the brakes had a bad vibration in them. I think I know who caused them issues! The car did survive, just barely, and Brent was able to live his dream and drive the car in the demolition derby. About 30 seconds into the demolition derby, Brent got nailed hard in the front end and he bounced around in that car like a BB. He did not win the derby, but he did give it his all. He never again mention or offered to do another demolition derby. I suspect, or know, my other friends and I had way more fun in that old car then Brent did at the demolition derby. To this day, I still cannot get over how upset Brent got in thinking that we would harm that old car, as Brent was usually a very easy going person. I did later, tell Brent how much fun we had in that old car, even though I do not think he totally believed me. Brent and I through the years had many other memorable occasions. He and I always seemed to be able to have a good time when we got together like when we had to clean our his Dad’s garage. I still cannot believe that Brent has past away. You are already missed. My thoughts are with Brent’s two children and his two grandchildren - one on the way. God Speed old friend and RIP! David Foster
CR
Cheryl Rivera
Other •
Brent.....what a guy! He made the best greasy cheese!! That was the standard order all the way back to the days of Buck's Bar . Brent always made me smile......I called him Black ( Brenda was a Clint Black fan) and he called me Jackson. My condolences to the family. May you treasure and keeps his memories close to your heart Cheryl
MA
Myran Julie Jarmon of Midland City, Al
Other •
I read about the untimely death of Brent after just 53 short years of precious life and I wanted to express my feelings of sympathy for the Zinnecker family. Most of us have seen this enemy death claim the lives of people dear to us. But Jehovah God (Psalms 83:18) promises to destroy this enemy, death, once and for all. Rev. 21: 4; tells us: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." (Isaiah 25: 8, 1 Corinthians 15: 26) For more comforting scriptures please visit: http://bit.ly/1K38EFt. It has given me comfort and helped me find the answer to Why? I know it will do the same for you. God's kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for at Matt. 6: 9, 10 will bring about these wonderful promises including the resurrection. (John 5: 28) I offer my sincere condolences to the family. Feel free to contact me at my email address: myranj@centurytel.net
NR
Nicci Reynolds
Other •
Wow, Im shocked to hear this very sad news. Seems like I saw him just days ago. Will pray for the family and Kayla I hope to see you at the Tap Inn!
RH
Rhonda (Parent) Hobbs
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with Brent's family. He was a great friend to so many!! He was my first friend when I moved back to Billings in 1987. I wish I could be there for his memorial today at the Tap Inn - Brent style! Prayers for all.