Christine Zielinski Obituary

Christine Ann Zielinski

1947 - 2016

Christine Ann Zielinski went to her peaceful rest on Jan. 18, 2016, after a long and brave battle with early onset dementia. She was 68 years old. Born April 28, 1947, to Richard and Betty Zielinski in Milwaukee, Wis., she grew up in the Bayview area until her family moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., while she was in high school.

Champion to the under-represented, Christine became a family court counselor for Fond du Lac and Calumet Counties and, later, a school social worker for the Fond du Lac School District. Many were the children and families who benefitted from her efforts to give people the chance to make good lives for themselves.

Considering herself always a Milwaukeean at heart, Christine relocated back to that area as she neared retirement. Traveling Europe was one of the things that topped her list of joys, as did her memberships in The Red Hat Club and her Mermaids water aerobics group in Whitefish Bay. She taught classes for Marian College part time as she neared retirement.

Christine lived life fully for as long as she was able. She was a master at overcoming obstacles and "finding the fun" while doing so. Never shying away from hard work, Christine believed that life is a precious gift that should be both cherished and lived to the best of one's abilities. Her care and kindness for those around her, along with her work toward social justice, are living proof of the woman she was.

She will be deeply missed by her two grandchildren, Aidan and Delaney Jane Hawkins of Bristol, Wis., along with the rest of her family. They include her siblings Dr. Richard Zielinski (Cathy Griffin) of Norman, Okla., Cyndi Morgan of Cincinnati, Oh., and Cathy Reitz (Jeff) of Eau Claire, Wis. She will be further remembered with love by her two daughters Traci Feiereisen of Oshkosh, Wis., and Lori Hawkins (Robert) of Bristol, Wis. She is further survived by her former husband James Feiereisen of Fond du Lac, Wis., and loving nieces and nephews.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents.

Christine's family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers who enriched her quality of life at Brookdale Memory Care and Azura Memory Care. Further thanks and gratitude are extended to the nurses, doctors, social workers, and chaplains of Aurora Hospital and Aurora at Home of Kenosha. Finally, special thanks to the angels of Hospice Alliance. Your involvement has been a godsend.

A celebration of Christine's life will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Visitation will be at Proko Funeral Home in Kenosha from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:30 p.m., also at Proko. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Hospice Alliance of Kenosha.

Proko Funeral Home & Crematory

5111-60th Street Phone: (262) 654-3533

Visit Christine's Online Memorial Book at:

www.prokofuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kenosha News on Jan. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Christine Zielinski

10 Entries

January 25, 2016

A true advocate for low income children and their families. It was a privilege to know and work with Chris.
Betty Clausen
Director ADVOCAP Head Start, retired

Amy Riutta

January 23, 2016

A lovely lady that will be missed.

Denise Paar

January 21, 2016

Chris was a true advocate for children. She saw the good in all of them and worked hard to make them see it in themselves.

Pat Law

January 21, 2016

Deepest sympathy to the family of Chris. I remember a lady who loved her family and took great joy in learning. She was a friend to all and did her best for children. I'm sure she had an impact on many lives. So sorry her grandchildren won't remember her as she truly was.

David Hackbarth

January 21, 2016

A beautiful and enlightening soul.

January 20, 2016

Chris was the first friend I had after moving to FDL. We were both new girls together. Great memories of her. Sue Kramer Wimberger

January 20, 2016

Chris, "Mrs. Feireisen" then, was my 7th grade teacher at St.Mary's school in Eden back in the early '80's. I still consider her one of my favorite teachers...especially in science. My deepest sympathy to your family. God bless you all! ~Kristie (Flood) Martin

Judith Stafford

January 20, 2016

Christine was a delight to all who knew her and her gift for helping others made a difference in people's lives. She had a special spark and enthusiasm for life. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Patti Sawyer

January 19, 2016

Forever grateful to this wonderful woman. Chris could see through the eyes of a child into their hearts and truly care about them. I have thought about her often thru the years and wish I would have let her know how much her insights meant to me. Thank you my friend.

Kerry Andersen

January 19, 2016

Christine and I became friends after she was held captive by dementia. And yet somehow, I knew her deeply. Everything I read about her in her obituary I know to be true. She was kind. Giving. Intelligent. Super funny. Passionate. And stronger than than the disease that took her from us -- because now she is free. Until we meet again, Dear Friend.

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