James P. Ziolkowski
James P. Ziolkowski
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James Ziolkowski Obituary
Jim was born June 2, 1935, in Goodman, Wis., to the late Walter and Mary (Slowik) Ziolkowski. He graduated Goodman High School in 1952; earned his Bachelor's Degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1956 and earned his Master's Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. Jim married Carmen Fontes on June 2, 1962, in Hermosillo, Mexico. He was the director of special education for Area XIII for 23 years and was instrumental with raising funds for the VODEC building in Council Bluffs. Jim was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Lions Club, where he served as past-president.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Ziolkowski; and sister-in-law, Etoile Ziolkowski.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carmen Ziolkowski, of Council Bluffs; brothers, Harry Ziolkowski, of Lewiston, Mont., Ed (Sharlynne) Ziolkowski, of Glendale, Ariz.; sister, Elinor (Jack) Werle, of Naperville, Ill.; sister-in-law, Gloria Ziolkowski, of Merrill, Wis.
Recitation of the Rosary, Tuesday, 6 p.m., followed by visitation with the family until 8 p.m., at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Fr. David Fleming, pastor as the celebrant. A lunch will immediately follow at the Walnut Hill Reception Center, 1350 E. Pierce St. Interment will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012, at the Glenwood Cemetery, Goodman, Wis. Memorials are suggested to VODEC, 612 South Main St., Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51503 and St. Patrick Catholic Church.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Raymond Morley
September 17, 2021
Each time I hear the song "Ave Maria" I think of Jim. He had a wonderful voice and used his God given skill to sing in a variety of environments. He was a great friend willing to share his faith in God- something all Christians need to consider these days. Jim was a great patriot with great love of country and family.
Raymond morley
September 17, 2020
I remember Jim often as a close friend and the many times we went fishing, hunting, and other activities. A special time was when we fulfilled a dream of ours--to fly in a balloon. What great times we had and what great memories. I particularly remember his care for everyone and his devotion to christian beliefs and practices. He cared and demonstrated his care through thoughtful acts of kindness. I listen to his voice via his recorded song of "Ave Maria" every once in while. The voice via song brings me peace. A great man for sure. A great friend always!
Raymond Morley
September 17, 2019
I remember you often and wonder of your new journey. I will celebrate our fishing expeditions this month and will celebrate a good catch via honoring you with "This one is for you James."
pokojowy (peace)
Roberto Tapia Jr.
February 18, 2013
Uncle Jimmy, I never thought Ive been writing this to you, 5 months had gone since you left us, and the only thing I can think of is only you. You left my mind out of its place, my tears out of my eyes. Time passed by like lightning when I heard your last words "Take care Robertito, be a nice kid." And everytime I remember that, I break into tears. On my school, we pray the Angelus, Ave Maria is the background music. Its hard for me to keep myself calm and try to stay with my eyes dry because I always have a memory of you singing that song at the church. Its just to hard for me to pray the Angelus and remember you without crying, you left a great mark on my heart and memory. I miss you so much, and I love you too. God bless you on heaven, you deserve it. I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!
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Kim Strohbehn
October 1, 2012
Carmen, We are very sorry of your loss. Somenday you will meet again in haven and continued you love affair. Besos from the Kim Strohbehn Family in Baltimore, MD
Ana Carolina Tapia Arthur
September 30, 2012
"A letter to an Angel in heaven..."
Ok, I don't know where to start, there are really just so many things I would like to say, and what an original way to start than not knowing where to start from.
I love you so much..
I remember when my mom woke me up that sept. 17, she woke me up to the sound of words I wish no one could get ot hear in their lives...
You were gone uncle...you were gone
I couldn't believe it, I just couldn't process it at the moment..
So I decided to get ready and dress up to go to school since I couldn't come to my senses for a good part of the day.
I didn't know how to react when I came to know about what had happened, but when I did just a few hours later I couldn't help but to tear up myself and fall to pieces in the school library.
A big part of myself crumbled
A big part of myself crashed down and it's still trying to manage and get the pieces together again, yet knowing they won't ever fit in the same way...
I don't wanna sound selfish at all but please uncle Jim, please come back, I beg you, please, please, please, at least just for one more day, or not even a whole day, just enough to fill myself with your presence once more...
People tell me not to be sad, but how am I supposed to help it uncle, tell me, you were one of my closest relatives and loosing you has opened my eyes to the fear of ending up alone someday, I don't wanna be alone...
I don't even knowing if what I'm writing is good or wrong anymore, it's hard to distinguish what goes up in my mnd when I have something else much more important in my heart...You.
I'm writing between teary eyes and broken heartbeats.
I beg and plead in silence for you to come back, but I know that it just won't happen, it doesn't make sense, nothing makes sense right now..
I miss you just so much
They say things happen for a reason, but God it's still so soon for me, and I'm sure it's still soon for the rest of us.
I remember how I used to hug you real tight whenever you came to visit us, and it just makes me wish I could at least hold your hand firmly once again...
See you laugh at the sound of either a joke of mine or and occurrence I'd say, and it just makes me wish I could at least see you smiling cheerfully like you used to do while looking at me with those deep blue eyes full of warmth and joy.
Translate you conversations my mom, nana, and aunt used to have because you'd hardly understand what they were talking about; that's another thing I liked about talking with you, you'd made me see how much my english had improved.
I'll miss the domino games, watching you and uncle Mike play or when we used to play and you ended up beating me, it was fun, I must say you were really a master at that game.
And when holidays came and you used to dress up as Santa Clause and cheer the whole family the night before Christmas, oh how you would brighten up the night, you'd enlighten our lives.
How I wish I could've seen you just one more Christmas…
Or whenever I came to my nana's and you would receive me with a “Hi Beautiful!” (always being honest, weren't you?).
And another important thing I will NEVER forget, when I was about to go to Medschool and you sort of “trained” me for my interview and helped me by practicing with possible questions they could ask me, which really helped and I want to thank you so much for that, for that and for everything.
*Sigh* you were simply the best, uncle, a clear example of a REAL human being from head to toes.
I pray to God to let me hear your voice once again, to feel that shrilling coldness embracing me, and know that they're your arms wrapping around me, telling me it's gonna be okay.
Uncle Jim, I must say you were truly and angel on Earth as much as you are in heaven now..
God, I am really really gonna miss you…
If there is something that will make me feel better with time, is to know that you're obviously in a better place, but moreover, a place where I'm sure you'll keep watching us all the time, where I'm sure you'll be with me every day and make me company and motivate me, a place where I'll always know where to find you and be sure you're there to tell you stuff and maybe ask you for an advice, a place where I know I'll always keep you with me no matter what, a place where there are no boundaries and distance is just an imaginary word; but most of all, a place where you'll keep doing what you did best…being an angel.
You were and will always be a treasure kept in our chests.
May you rest in peace my dear Uncle Jim…I love you with ALL my heart.
Your niece, who will carry your memory on, forever
Ana Carolina Tapia Arthur
I feel I'm still missing WAY too many things to say, but that I can only say by heart, only time will make the words come out through the memories we built together, only time will tell…
Lola Britton
September 29, 2012
Ay mi gordito bello,, te nos fuistes muy rapido, voy a pensar en ti cada vez que vayamos de pesca, te queremos mucho,
Fam Britton Fontes
September 27, 2012
Carmen,I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He's a great guy. My thoughts are with you..
Mark Axland
P Morrison
September 26, 2012
I worked with Mr. Ziolkowski at AEA. I am so sorry to hear of your loss Carmen. Bless you in your sorrow Carmen, you are in our thoughts.
September 24, 2012
Carmen,
I am so sorry to learn this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I recall so many fond memories of Jim and the times we were together. Wayne will be welcoming him and will be with him and that brings a smile to my face! You will get through this with family, friends and God's loving Grace.
Love,
Jeanne Trachta
kelly sangster
September 24, 2012
carmen,
I am so sorry to hear about jim. He was an awesome friend and neighbor. He will be missed. You are in my prayers
RON & TODDY ANN STANDER
September 24, 2012
CARMEN...WHAT A SHOCK. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. STAY STRONG. MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU STRENTH AND PEACE. YOU ARE SUCH A NEAT LADY AND I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED YOU. ALWAYS ENJOYED JIM WHEN I WOULD STOP BY THE HOUSE. YOU ARE BOTH A WONDERFUL COUPLE. WE HAD A GREAT TIME PLANNING ALL YOUR TRIPS. MISS SEEING YOU...TODDY ANN
James Glowa
September 24, 2012
Carmen and family members:
Our thoughts and prayers and with you at this time of great sorrow.
Leonor Arthur
September 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, please accept our deepest sympathy.
the Arthur Family
John Disalvo
September 23, 2012
My dear Carmen. I can't believe what Ginny told me tonight. I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I just saw you both at mass last week. I am happy that I was able to see you both last week. Please remember I love you very much and my heart goes out to you. We will see Jim again someday, of that I am sure of. I am very fortunate to have known you both. Just take comfort in knowing he is with our Lord and Savior right now. Love you very much Carmen.
Connie & Pat Conlon
September 23, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
September 23, 2012
WE are so sorry to hear of his passing. MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH AND PEACE!
Sincerely,
Enrique and Carmelita de la Guardia
Raymond Morley
September 23, 2012
No greater a friend have I had the fortune to encounter. His influence remains and will be everlasting in my future pathway. Do widzenia Do zobaczenia. (Good Bye, See you Later)
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545 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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