Obituary: Reverend Lora J. Zink

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Lora Jean Zink, beloved mother, sister, aunt, pastor, mentor, and servant of the Lord, entered into the presence of her Savior on August 12, 2025, at the age of 78. A devoted follower of Christ, Pastor Lora spent over three decades ministering to souls, nurturing faith, and building a legacy of love and service.

Born in Morris, IL and raised in Channahon, IL, Lora began a career in nursing and worked for 19 years in Psychiatry at St. Joe's Medical Center in Joliet, IL. She answered the call to ministry at the age of 40 and earned her theological degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Lora served many churches throughout Northern Illinois: Millington UMC, Platteville UMC, Sheridan/Norway UMC, East Side UMC (Chicago), Lockport First UMC, Disciples UMC (Mt. Morris), St. Andrew UMC (Homewood), Christ UMC (Rockford), and Grace UMC (Joliet).

Lora's life was filled with the things that mattered most; family, friends, and God. She lived life with open arms and an open heart, and her spirit inspired others to live more fully, love more deeply, and laugh more often. Pastor Lora was known for her wonderful sermons, compassionate counseling, tireless outreach and unwavering support to all who asked. She loved to laugh and brought the light of God into so many lives.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Leah Greenbeck (Bruce Lund); her twin sister, Lana Stafford; brother, Frank Zink; nephews, Eric (Dawn) Karr, David Stafford and Alan Stafford; great-nephew, Gil Karr; aunts and uncles, Karen and Bill Wilson, Pat and Bill Favero; many cousins and very dear friends, Peg Riordan and Gail Bjekich.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Karyn Greenbeck; her parents, Frank and Cheril Zink and her brother-in-law, David Stafford.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Channahon United Methodist Church on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, with a Memorial Visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Channahon United Methodist Church.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believed in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die."

John 11:25-26

For information, please call Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Morris (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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