EDWARD J. "BUTCH" ZIELINSKI

Edward J. "Butch" Zielinski, 89, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Wellbrooke of South Bend. Butch was born on February 20, 1926 to the late John S. and Sarah C. (Coyne) Zielinski in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with his parents; he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and John Zielinski.

He graduated at the age of 16 from Washington High School and served his country honorably during World War II in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy as a member of the U.S. Army 34th Infantry.

He went on to receive his B.S. Degree from South Bend College of Commerce in July 1949. Butch retired in 1993 after 26 years as the Secretary – Treasurer for Portage Realty. On October 9, 1954, Butch married Margaret "Marge" Staszewski at St. Casimir Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. She passed away on May 2, 2008. Butch is survived by four daughters, Dr. Anne (Dr. Kenneth) Marnocha of Zionsville, IN; Nancy Zielinski of Indianapolis, IN; Laurie Bauer of South Bend, IN; Jennifer (John) Bentley of Mishawaka, IN; three sons, Andrew Zielinski of Plainfield, IL; William (Cari) Zielinski of South Bend, IN; Edward (Jennifer) Zielinski of South Bend, IN; 16 grandchildren, Adam, Jason, Brian, and Allison Marnocha; Sam (Whitnie) Bauer; Elizabeth (Bryan) Best; Aaron and Bridget Bauer; Alex, Scott and Jack Zielinski; Leo and Louis Zielinski; Margaret "Maggie", Audrey, and Henry Zielinski; one great-grandson, Mark Marnocha; one brother, Thomas (Fran) Zielinski of South Bend, IN; and numerous unofficially "adopted" sons and daughters.

Butch was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish; American Legion Post #357; Breezers Club; St. Joseph's Young Men's Society; and the PNA # 83 Club, where he bowled for many many years. Butch and Marge enjoyed many vacations together with their children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and Notre Dame fan, spending many Saturdays in and around Notre Dame Stadium. After retirement, Butch could be found on Tuesdays and Thursdays golfing with his buddies at Whispering Pines Golf Course. An avid and excellent card player throughout his lifetime, he was still teaching his sons, daughters, and close friends lessons at the poker table up until the very end. He lived a rich, full, gregarious life, and was loved by many.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wellbrooke of South Bend and The Center for Hospice Care for the excellent care they provided.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2015 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in South Bend. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Center for Hospice Care or St. John the Baptist Church. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

Published by Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend on May 19, 2015.

04/29/2023 EJS

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