Stanley "Stan" Stephen Zielinski, Jr., 79, of Springfield, IL, died unexpectedly, but peacefully on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at his home. Stan was born November 19, 1937 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Stanley Stephen Sr. and Ruth (Mauer) Zielinski. Stan married his darling partner Celeste Wiley on April 16, 1981 in Springfield, IL. Stan proudly served his country in the 880th Engineer Battalion, MO ARNG (1957-1963). He was an active member and served on the Executive Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Missouri National Guard Association and American Legion, Post 32. He was a recipient of the ESGR Presidents "Volunteer Service Award", Illinois Committee Award for "Outstanding Performance," "Seven Seals Award" and "Certificate of Appreciation and Continuous Support of the Guard and Reserve Forces," and to the National Defense, 2013. As a member of ESGR, he felt honored to serve his country again. Stan spent his career in marketing & sales and association management, retiring from the Illinois Cast Metals Association as Executive Director. After retirement, Stan continued work as the Association Relations Representative from the Association Resource Center, Northern Illinois University. He held positions in the Illinois Manufacturers Association as Membership Representative and Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association as Membership Director. In his earlier career he was the District Sales Manager for Allied-Signal (Fram/Autolite Division). Stan was a long-time member of the Illinois Society of Association Executives, serving as its President in 2004. In 2012, a special award was created: The Stanley S. Zielinski Volunteer Service Award to honor ISAE members for outstanding volunteerism. Stan was a goal oriented, life-long learner, who, after more than 30 years of on-going studies recently earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield in December 2016. He proudly walked across stage in May 2017 to receive his diploma with family and friends in attendance cheering him. Stan was active in community service and civic activities and was a member of the Springfield Art Association, Illinois State Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis History Museum, and Missouri Botanical Garden. He and his wife, Celeste Wiley, RN, OCN also volunteered for the American Cancer Society in Springfield, IL. In addition, Stan was as a member of the YMCA; having served on the Youth Soccer, Youth Membership and Marketing Committees. He also officiated NAIA and NCAA regular and post-season soccer tournaments. He was passionate about his favorite sport. He enjoyed visiting and dining with family and friends and spent most afternoons at the YMCA working out and schmoozing with his buddies. He was known for his many letters to the editor at The State Journal-Register that gave him an opportunity to climb upon his soapbox and grouse about politicians or other complainers diatribes. Stan enjoyed yard work, feeding visiting birds and spending time in his kitchen creating new dishes to test on family and friends. He attributed his long-lasting relationship with his patient and incomparable wife Celeste, with an ability to prepare a meal she was willing to eat. He truly loved his wife and family. He is preceded in death by his parents and his Aunt Mary Sikorski from St. Louis. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 36+ years, Celeste Wiley of Springfield; children, Brian (Mary Mosqueda) Zielinski of Kirkwood, MO, Michelle (Frank Goudsmit) Zielinski of Kirkwood, MO, and Nicole (Scott) Harrison of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Jared and Kyra Goudsmit of Kirkwood, MO and Drew, Jessi, Will, Katy, Josh, Nathan, Graci, and Gabe Harrison, all of TN; brother Jim (Jan) Zielinski of Huntsville, AL; sisters Debbie (Ron) Kirn of Jacksonville, FL, and Pam (Rich) Hanten of Ormond Beach, FL; brother-in-law, Bill (wife, Ruth) Wiley; cousin Ed (Vicki) Sikorski; cousins, nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering and Ceremony; Family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Rabbi Barry Marks officiating. Military honors will be provided by DOD at the beginning of the ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110 or American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.
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