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1943
2012
Rodney L. Zuelke
Rodney L. Zuelke, 69, Wausau, passed away on October 8th 2012, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family.
He was born April 12th 1943, to the late Herbert and Elsie (Jilek) Zuelke, in Marshfield. Rodney attended area schools in Stratford. After graduation, he joined the National Guard and was stationed in Oklahoma when he was then activated to Fort Lewis, WA, with the 32nd Division. He returned home in August 1962, but was a member of the National Guard until 1968.
On January 5th 1963, he was united in marriage to Diane Schumacher, at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford. They then became members of 1st English Lutheran Church. Rod drove semi for more than 35 years for several different teamsters trucking companies. He was a member of the Teamsters Union, Local #662 and past union steward.
Rod looked forward to fishing year round. He especially loved spending time 'up north' at the cottage, driving the boat for water skiing and tubing or enjoying refreshments with friends and family by the fire. After retirement, he and Diane made time to travel all over the country. Rod was a talented woodworker and his grandchildren will cherish the bookshelves and toy boxes he made for years to come. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, for better or worse.
Rod epitomized what a good father and family man was. He lived his life to the fullest and was dedicated to his loved ones. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing Rod.
Rod will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 50 years, Diane; two daughters, Jennifer (Milton) Grieser, Merrill, and Jacquelyn (Brian) Karch, Stevens Point; six grandchildren, Ryan, Courtney, and Tyler Grieser, and Danielle, Sydney, and Jordan Karch; brother, David; sister, Debra (Carl) Heusi; three sisters-in-law, Patricia Zuelke, Janet (Edward) Roberts, and Linda Habeck; three brothers-in-law, Otto Jeske, Glenn Rusch, and Lorin (Sharon) Schumacker; and many nieces and nephews.
His youngest daughter, Jodene preceded him in death, along with his sister, Vivienne Jeske; brother, James; sister-in-law, Carolee Rusch; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Schumacher and Gary Habeck.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 12th, at 1st English Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Erik Olson will officiate. Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service, at church. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ahuja and the staff at Aspirus Regional Cancer Center for their dedicated care and support given to Rod over the years.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Zuelke Family
Our deepest sympathy during this precious loss. May God keep you close and provide comfort for you all.
Jeff & Jo-Lea Binger
October 12, 2012
Our deepest sympathies to Rod's family. Rod was a great guy to work with and to have known. I worked with him at ANR/Advance Transportation. I saw him on different occasions at the Legacy and in Merrill watching his grandchild running. Rod will be GREATLY MISSED. God Bless!
Butch Maier
October 12, 2012
Diane and family,thinking of you and your family at this sad time. You and Rodney will be missed at the reunions. Love Barb and Romie Schoenfuss Love ya Diane.
October 11, 2012
Zuelke Family,
Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.
Kathryn Ellis
October 11, 2012
Diane and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rod was a great classmate.
Mark & Karen Nowack
October 11, 2012
Diane and Family,
Sorry for your loss of Rodney. He was a great classmate.
Mark & Karen Nowack
October 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.We are so sorry for your loss and know God will be with you. Hold tight to all the wonderful memories.
Schmidty, Bev, Nate & Ethan Schmidt
Bev Schmidt
October 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Don and Arlene Hofmann
October 11, 2012
Diane & Family:
Sorry to hear about the loss of one of our wonderful classmates. Our deepest sympathy to you at this sad time.
Margie & Dale Gehrke
October 10, 2012
Diane and family,
I just read about Rod, and I am truly sorry to hear the news. May the happy memories and comfort from friends and family give you some peace during this time. Sincerely, Dianna (Robinson) Reinardy and family
Dianna Reinardy
October 10, 2012
Diane,
Sorry to hear about Rodney.He will be deaply missed. Always a good guy
Lois Schalow
October 10, 2012
Diane
Sorry to hear about Rodney,he will be dearly missed. He was such a good guy.
Lois Schalow
October 10, 2012
Diane
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Rodney.
Wish I could be there for the funeral, but too far away
denny
October 10, 2012
Diane and Family: Rod was one of the nicest men I ever knew. He was always cheerful and friendly and fun. He will be sorely missed by Jim and I. Love always,
Karen and Jim Dix
October 10, 2012
Hello Diane Sorry for your loss, Please accept my condolences.
Paul Bradley
October 10, 2012
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Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service302 Spruce St, Wausau, WI 54401
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