John R. Zinke, 66, of Kendall died Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, at the Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center, Sparta.
He was born May 20, 1944, to Otto and Mamie (Keller) Zinke in Hillsboro. He was baptized Jan. 24, 1946, at his parents’ home. He was confirmed on July 28, 1957, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ridge. In 1962, John was a member of the first graduating class at Royall High School.
He was united in marriage to Elaine Brown on May 17, 1980, at Bloom Methodist Church, Bloom City, Wis. He worked as a milk hauler for Donovan Raybuck Trucking for more than 14 years. He attended Western Technical College and received a degree in printing.
During the years he was hauling milk, John made many friends with the local farmers. Later in life, he loved attending the farm auctions to visit many of those old friends he had made. John also enjoyed spending time outside on the farm. He found great joy and comfort digging in the soil, growing all types of vegetables and flowers. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s school events, and watching them grow. He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kendall.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; a daughter, Mayme (Jacob) Allen of San Antonio, Texas; a son, Matthew of Kendall; four grandchildren, Ava, Scarlet and Oliver Allen and Ty Zinke; three brothers, Sidney (Harriet) of Wonewoc, Roger (Lois) of Robinson, Ill., and Otto (Joan) of Kendall; two sisters, Dora Petersen of Milwaukee and Linda (Charles) Rieck of Kendall; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Zachery Justin; two infant sisters; two brothers, Edward and William; two sisters-in-law, Darlene and Sigrid; and a brother-in-law, George Peterson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kendall. Pastor Steven Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 5–8 p.m. Monday at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Kendall, and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
