Brian James Zens, age 56, of Mitchell (formerly of Redfield, SD) passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. He had been battling cancer for one year and diabetes for 46 years. A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, November 24, 2018 in Redfield, SD at the Redfield Senior Citizens Center. Refreshments will be served following the service. Burial will be at a later date.

Brian was born in Dixson, Ill on February 2, 1962 to Darwin and Arlene (Gabriel) Zens. He was a rambunctious youngster who was always tinkering with toys and tools. After graduating from Nemo Job Corp, Brian jumped right into the work force. He was a true working man who enjoyed jobs that entailed physical labor, helping others, and working with tools of all kinds. Some of his most beloved jobs included Trail King of Mitchell, SD, Western Printing of Aberdeen, SD, and Mills Property Management of Brookings, SD. Being a man who helped anyone at the drop of a hat, Brian also began his own handyman business and worked for numerous people.

Brian had a deep love for a variety of things. He never missed a NASCAR race (lover of Rusty Wallace and Kevin Harvick) or a Minnesota Vikings game; he could talk your ear off about his opinion on numerous sports and politics. Mr. John Wayne, The Duke, was his hero, and the beautiful eagle was a symbolism he worshiped. Brian was a collector of these special loves in his life.

As a family, Brian truly loved spending time with everyone, He was a jokester and want-to-be comedian who kept things light and fun. You didn't see Brian too often without a mischievous smile on his face. His grandchildren, nieces, and nephews always knew who to find when they wanted something. Brian was simply just "a good man".

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Jeri Zens of Mitchell, SD. They were blissfully wed on this past August, 11, 2018; he wasn't a happier man than on that day; sons Jeremy (Rose) Gehm, Derek Zens, and Brady Zens; daughter Melissa Zens; step-sons Jesse (Mikayla) and Trevor Clark; step-daughters Andrea Nelson, Tiffany Clark, and Diamond Little; grandchildren Damion, Cheyenne, Jonathon, Elizabeth, Austin, and Wyatt; siblings Chris (Don) McCord, Denise (Tony) Solheim, Lori (Pat) Zens, Scott Zens, Mary (Kelly) Beardemphl, and Deb (Cella) Zens and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Kevin Zens and sister Jacqueline Grebe.