Stephen Edward Zielinski

Died February 6, 2023

Stephen was born in Salem to parents Ed and Anne Zielinski on October 12, 1932. He is a graduate of Salem High School and served in the Oregon National Guard until drafted during the Korean War as an Army Military Policeman. On November 24, 1956, he married Eileen June Susbauer and together they raised 5 children and grew their farm business, E.Z. Orchards.

Married over 61 years, Stephen and Eileen loved to travel and spent time on almost every continent, including a trip to Poland in 1988 as VOCA volunteers to help Polish farmers learn modern agricultural and marketing practices for their newly liberated country.

As a youth, Stephen was involved with FFA and Boy Scouts. He also volunteered at church, served in the Knights of Columbus, was on the Marion County Historical Society Board, the NW Pear Bureau and enjoyed various car clubs. He loved restoring old cars and one of his proudest moments was when his car won best of show and best of class at the Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance.

Stephen was very proud of his family and its deep roots in the Willamette Valley, beginning with his ancestor, Adam Stephens, who crossed the Oregon Trail in 1849 and settled in the Hayesville area. Stephen spent his early years in Sheridan, moving back to Salem in 1946 where he and his dad started growing strawberries and planting orchards. Stephen was proud to see the E. Z. Orchards business carry on with his three sons.

Surviving Stephen is his brother, Warren Zielinski, and five children: Mary (Mark Bogert), Mark (Sharon), Kevin (Vicki), Theresa (Bill Haskins), and John (Jeanne). Stephen celebrated many years of joy with 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Rosary is at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, followed at 11:00 by a Celebration of Life, St. Edward Catholic Church,5305 River Rd N., Keizer. Private internment at Brooks Catholic Cemetery. Donations can be made to Marion-Polk Food Share or the Northwest Vintage Car & Motorcycle Museum.