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Emil Zollinger Obituary
Emil Zollinger passed away at the age of 93 on Sunday, February 20th holding the hand of his beloved wife of 67 years, Caroline. Born in Gossau, Zurich in Switzerland to Emil Sr and Hermina along with 4 brothers and a sister (Otto, Fritz, Jacob, Hans, and Marta), Emil journeyed to San Francisco in 1961 where he worked hard to establish a new life and successful career as an accomplished painter. Emil was known for his love of people, sharing of stories, endless generosity, his passion for books, and frequent visits to local pubs for a glass of wine or a beer. As active participants in their Swiss clubs, Emil and Caroline were frequently known to provide a wonderful melody with Caroline singing and Emil playing the harmonica. Loved by so many family and friends who he found in his life through his homeland, work, neighborhood, wine country, Swiss clubs, and his vacations to his home country and Puerta Vallarta, Emil (Migg as he was known to Caroline) will be greatly missed by his loving wife and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, Mono Lake Committee, Environmental Defense Fund, Sanctuary Forest, Sempevirens Fund, Save the Redwoods League, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Friends of the Urban Forest, The Trust for Public Land, and Post Peninsula Open Space Trust.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emil Zollinger
Denise Chacon
September 7, 2022
My condolences to you Mrs. Zollinger, my husband Ronald really loved your husband and you. I love you. Denise Chacon.
Pete, Gary and Louie Dobler
May 10, 2022
We will always cherish the wonderful memories with both of you
Doris Meier
April 14, 2022
Liebe Caroline, mein tiefstes Beileid zum Tod von Migg. He was one of a kind and will be missed by so many... A big hug to you (ohne Brille) ~ Doris (Tochter von Lotti aus Bertschikon)
Sempervirens Fund
March 24, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Emil. He was a longtime supporter of protecting redwoods and will be missed. We hope that next time you walk under a redwood you think of him.
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Steve Emerson
March 23, 2022
Dear Caroline..As brief as my relationship was with Emil, you just know when someone is special. You both always brought a ray of sunshine into any room you two entered. Emil will be missed by all. Sending love and prayer your way.
Golden Gate Swiss Club
March 4, 2022
Dear Caroline - we can't begin to imagine what you must be going through. We have so many fond memories of you and Emil, from Fondue events to Spring Hike and Camping (just to mention a few). Emil was always upbeat and positive - a true inspiration. Ready to entertain with his harmonica - and you singing. Or Email sharing a bottle of wine he found at a local winery - including an interesting background story. He touched so many hearts across all generations. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and the entire family.
Golden Gate Swiss Club Board
nancy leavens
March 2, 2022
I forget how Emil came into my life but for many years he was my "go to" person for meticulous work. He had the eye of an artist for color and Swiss pride in detail.
Always with a smile that made his eyes dance. He was a gem of a man and I value knowing him.
urs
March 1, 2022
Dear Caroline ,my most sincere sympathy and condolences may he rest in peace. I will miss Emil, we had always lots of Fun with a glass of wine !
Darryl Cole
March 1, 2022
He will be always in your heart.. My deepest condolences.
Brian Finnerty
February 28, 2022
Emil, may you Rest In Peace, our wonderful friend. How proud and lucky we were to know you. All our love to you, Caroline.
Cindy &Rich Hauser
February 28, 2022
We love you so much and will miss your wonderful music and story telling. We love you Caroline! love, Rich &Cindy
Rich Hauser
February 27, 2022
Such a beautiful summary of the wonderful man (and couple) I have had the blessing to know all my life. I was always in awe how - at the drop of a hat - the harmonica would come out and Carolina would start singing away to Emil´s melody. So many fond memories! Such a blessing and inspiration in my life. So many memories I am blessed with and get to carry in my heart.
Alson Lee
February 27, 2022
Dear Caroline, my most sincere sympathy and condolences for your loss. Emil gave me a job and besides being a good boss, he was a teacher and a friend as well. Generous to a fault, it was wonderful to see him really enjoy life! We can all learn from his example. My wife, Gale, and I will miss him and the joy he brought to others.
Michael Wenk
February 27, 2022
Michael Wenk
February 27, 2022
Michael Wenk
February 27, 2022
Dear Caroline and Emil in memory. Almost 30 years ago I could buy your Van for traveling around USA. 18 months in SF I had a good time, thanks for everything, I remember a lot. Al the best for you.
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