James "Jimmy" Zielinski

James E. “Jimmy” Zielinski, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at Theda Clark Medical Center. He was born on October 31, 1933, in Neenah the son of the late Lawrence and Lena (Jankowski) Zielinski. Jimmy graduated from Menasha High School in 1951. He served our country in the Navy from 1952-1954. Jimmy was united in marriage to Shirley Gullickson on June 23, 1956, at St. Margaret Mary, Neenah. Their marriage was blessed with five children. Jimmy worked for Banta for over forty years retiring in 1992. After retiring Jimmy volunteered for BRAVO, helping stranded motorist on Hwy 41. He volunteered for Theda Clark Medical Center and was congratulated for over 7000 volunteer hours. When the children were young he was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 52. Jimmy was an avid Packers fan and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jimmy was very active at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was a collector of many things some included: stamps and model trains. He was a great woodworker. He always looked forward to meeting up with friends for Friday bloody marys.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Shirley of 57 years, five children: Michael (Charlotte) Zielinski, Ann Weber, Anthony (Un Suk) Zielinski, Karen (Ric) Mauthe, and Joseph Zielinski; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Stacey) Zielinski, Jessica and Timothy Weber, Holly (Ben) Larson, Brian (Nichole) Mauthe, Kelly (Matt) Hoppe and Alison Mauthe; eight great-grandchildren: Christopher M., Colin and Camryn Zielinski, Bryce Larson, Libby and Rosie Ebben, Audrey and Celia Hoppe; one brother, George (Mel) Zelinski of Grandbury, TX; eight sisters-in-law: Carolyn (Tom) Manley, Claudette (Frank) Pittl, Janice (David) Paul, Suzanne Giebel, Mary (Bill) Ruttenberg, Barbara (Don) Wittmann, Julie (Ron) Sprenger and Cathy (Marty) Pavich. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Harold and Josephine Gullickson, two grandsons, Christopher L. and David Zielinski; four sisters: Janie, Frances Ann (Tom) Gertz, Helen (Bill) Tuttle, Rose (Dick) Lutz; two nephews: Brian and David Tuttle; and one brother-in-law: Tom Sahotsky.

Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 516 DePere Street, with Father Joseph Mattern officiating. Friends and family may visit at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will take place at St. John Cemetery, Valley Road, Town of Menasha. Memorials are being established.