Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Carmel Zink
Carmel Kay (Bruns) Zink, age 65, Carrington, ND, passed away peacefully at CHI St. Alexis Carrington on June 12, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Carmel was born April 30, 1960, at Jamestown, ND; the first-born child of Anna and Charles Bruns. Carmel attended Carrington Public School, graduating in 1978. Her caring, giving spirit was displayed during her many years of caregiving at Holy Family Villa Nursing Home.
Carmel married the love of her life, Tom on February 12, 1996, in Ixtapa, Mexico. Tom, Dean, and Becky planned a surprise engagement on the beach (fortunately, the bride-to-be said “yes”), and the wedding was held the next day.
Tom and Carmel were blessed with two sons, Adam and Seth. Her family was her pride and joy. She supported their efforts in everything they did. Her homemade meals and treats will be missed by construction workers and branding and cattle drive crews. The 2 AM breakfasts were a favorite of not only her boys, but nieces and nephews who experienced occasional sleepless nights.
Carmel was an accomplished quilter. She made many quilts for family and friends, but one of her masterpieces was a quilt depicting 15 of the color-coded cancer ribbons. This quilt has proudly been displayed at the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND.
Carmel bravely battled cancer for 25 years; initially diagnosed with breast cancer, then pancreatic, and finally lung cancer. She refused to let her illness and treatments define her, continuing to cook, sew, clean, paint, garden, celebrate birthdays with girlfriends, and care for and love little Callyn.
Carmel is survived by her husband, Tom; sons Adam (Shayla), Seth, and granddaughter Callyn. Sister Dee Dee Bruns, brother Toby (Nancy) Bruns, sister, Annie (Dave) Pederson. Brothers and sisters-in-law Peter Zink, Becky Zink, Jane and Kevin Lura, Jerome and Patty Zink, Dan and Cindy Zink, Tony and Lori Zink, Mary T Roth, Wayne and DeAnna Zink, Bob and Julie Zink, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Todd, Tom’s parents, Russell and Cedy Zink. In-laws, Bonita Zink, Dean Zink, Rick Roth, and stepfather, Thomas Huss.
God bless the memory of Carmel.
Carmel’s Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 2:00PM-3:00PM followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 PM, all at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington.
Her Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.
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I miss you, my friend. May you be as blessed in the next life as I was in this one by knowing you.
The world is going to be very dim without your friendship Carmel. You left me with so many fond memories, you will always be in my heart.
Tom, Adam and Seth, please know I am sharing in your sorrow. May you all find comfort in knowing someone so special will never be forgotten.
You fought a long battle and now you have peace! Your strength and resilience during this journey will always be a testament to the wonderful, strong women you were. Rest in peace Carmel!
Carmel was always so kind to my Dad when she cleaned for him.
This is so sad to hear. I didn’t know Carmel very much but always enjoyed our visits. Hugs to Carmel’s family.
My condolences Tom and Family
Carmel will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace my old friend
Tom,
I am so sorry for your loss!
We are going to miss you Carmel. You were a thoughtful and generous person who loved making others feel good. Thank you for welcoming us to this community 20 years ago. May you rest in peace now. You were so very brave.
Tom and families – I’m so sorry for your loss. Just the thought of not running into Carmel uptown and having a “chat” saddens me. May she be at peace now and may the family find peace in all the good memories.
tom sorry for your loss you have my sympathy clarke crocker
Tom and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Carmel was a fighter and I think she beat all the odds this time. Now she is in a better place. Cherish the memories.
I always had good conversations with Carmel anywhere I saw her and at FSA when she helped DeeDee or filled in for her. I haven’t seen her since we retired and moved, but I remember her well. RIP Carmel. No more cancer.
Carmel cleaned for my Dad-Steve Homes after my mom’s death….i can’t imagine cleaning for him🤣 I know he appreciated them and so did I! So sorry for your loss Tom and boys….
Tom, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Such a great photo! Beautifully written obituary. The writing in the funeral folder is so very touching. I am saying prayers that God please, hold Carmel’s family tight as they navigate through their new normal. She will be so very missed….
Our deepest sympathy to you, Tom and family. May your memories bring you comfort and may you know comfort from the Great Comforter. Claire & Jill
My deepest sympathy to Tom and family in the loss of Carmel. To this day I recall her smile and laugh from our high school days. May God bless you and give you peace during this difficult time.
Tom and family, So very sorry for your loss!! Sending prayers to your family!