In Memory

Robert Zalk

Robert Humphrey Zalk

Zalk, Robert Humphrey 64, of Edina, MN, died on August 3, 2009 after a long illness. He was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on December 1, 1944, son of Donald and Juliette (Erickson) Humphrey. His father was killed in World War II shortly before his birth. He and his mother moved to St. Paul, MN, where in 1954 Juliette "Judy" remarried Donald Zalk who became Bob's adoptive father. Bob graduated from Carleton College in 1966 and the University of Minnesota Law School in 1969 where he was a member of the Law Review. He and his wife Ann Lee were married for 36 years; they had two daughters, Amy and Jenna. They spent many wonderful summers together at Ten Mile Lake. Bob was deeply devoted to both his immediate and large extended family, as well as many dear friends. After starting out in corporate and general law, Bob became a partner specializing in family law at Fredrickson & Byron, P.A., from 1984 to 1994; and owned the law firms, Zalk & Eayrs, P.A. and Zalk & Bryant, P.A. from 1994 to 2006. Most recently he served as a mediator, evaluator and arbitrator for Dispute Resolution Services in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the past president (2000-2001) of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member of the Board of Governors for the national organization. Recognized for his genteel demeanor and tactful negotiation skills, Bob earned the respect of many clients and colleagues and in 2006 he received the Civility and Professionalism Award from the Family Law Section of the Hennepin County Bar Association. Bob's faith and spiritual life were extremely important to him and influenced his daily decisions in work, leisure and family. He was active in the ecumenical Christian movement, Cursillo, serving on many weekend retreats in churches and also serving on the organization's (Unidos en Cristo) governing board. He is survived by his mother, Juliette Zalk of Arden Hills; two daughters, the Rev. Amy and her husband, the Rev. Matthew Larson of Decorah, IA; Jenna and her husband Dr. Peter Zalk Berendzen of Cedar Falls, IA; a grandson, Nathan Larson; a granddaughter, Abigail Larson; brothers, Michael Zalk (Sissel Ilstad) of Maplewood, MN; Donald Zalk (Marni Hockenberg) of Minnetonka, MN; sisters, Jody (Al) Hilgers of Arden Hills, MN; Mary (Dean) Neumann of Prior Lake, MN; Marjory (Greg) Zalk Enerson of Bismarck, ND; sister-in-law, Jane Greco of Maplewood, MN; special friend, Pam Loffhagen of Edina, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Zalk is preceded in death by his father, Donald Humphrey; his adoptive father, Donald B. Zalk; and his wife, Ann Lee Zalk. Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at Normandale Lutheran Church on 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, Rev. Dale Howard presiding, with a reception following at the church. The family will greet friends from 4-8 PM Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, 5000 West 50th Street and Hwy 100 in Edina. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Normandale House c/o Normandale Lutheran Church. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996