John Eugene Zuelzke

Jack Zuelzke, 88, passed away on October 25, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 6, 1935, in Appleton, the son of John “Jack” Albert and Julia Veronica (McGinnis) Zuelzke. Jack graduated from Appleton High School in 1953, and then married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Zimmerman on April 27, 1957, in Appleton.

Jack graduated from Milton College in 1979, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. He joined Service Co., 127^th Inf. July 1957. Completed six months basic training at Fr. Leonard Wood, MO. Mobilized in 1961, one year Ft. Lewis, WA. Involved in four State active-duty call ups: Milwaukee, Madison, Gresham, and Waupun State Prison. He was awarded the Honorary Freedom Jaycee member of Waupun State Prison by residents.

He was a first sergeant, Hq. Co., 1^st Battle Gp.; first sergeant HHC, 127^th Inf. Promoted to Bn. CSM, 2^nd Bn., 127thINf. In 1969 and retired as CSM 32^nd Inf. Brigade in 1984 after 28 years of service. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous other military medals. He was also awarded the Milwaukee Journal Award for outstanding achievement in 1964. He retired as a business unit manager after 38 years from Kimberly Clark, Lakeview Badger Globe Mill.

He was a life-long member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Appleton, a member of the Kaukauna Elks and American Legion Post #38. He also served on the Appleton Library Board. Jack was an avid hunter, over the years participating in duck, goose, pheasant, and deer hunts to name a few, including a special bear hunt. He enjoyed fishing, spending time at the cottage on Lake Poygan. He wintered in Lake Havasu, AZ for 21 years. Jack was an avid Packer Fan, and very proud of his Irish heritage.

Jack is survived by his wife, Carol; 4 children: Sue (Randy) Lopas, Lori (David) Olbrich, Jack (Michelle) Zuelzke, and Steve (Paula) Zuelzke; 9 grandchildren: Sarah (fiancé Greg Yohe) Durall, Laura (Significant other Jesse Miller) Harrison, Maggie (Ryan) Huddleston, Elizabeth Zuelzke, Jack (Sonya) Zuelzke, CarolAnn (Adam) VandenBerg, Steve Zuelzke, Melissa (Josh) Brehmer, and Tracy Zuelzke; 15 great grandchildren; a great great grandchild; a brother-in-law: Gary (Joan) Zimmerman; other relatives and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Jeanne (Don) Gast; brother: Jim Zuelzke; brother-in-law: Earl (Shirley) Zimmerman; and a sister-in-law: Connie Boone; and his in-laws, Earl J. & Aurelie V. (LaTulip) Zimmerman.

Funeral liturgy will be held at 10:30 am, on Monday, November 6, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Monday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the Mass. Full military honors will immediately follow the Mass. Inurnment will be at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.