Zenon S. Bursztynsky

1953 - 2025

Zenon S. Bursztynsky
Born: December 7, 1953 in Chicago, IL
Died: February 14, 2025 in Ottawa, IL
Zenon S. Bursztynsky, 71, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
Zenon, or Zen or "Z" as he was also known, was born December 7, 1953 in Chicago to Stephan and Daria (Liszczynskyj) Bursztynskyj. The child of Ukrainian immigrants, he was the first in his family to be born in the United States. He married Susan Frank April 28, 1989, in Ottawa. Together they raised three daughters, Natalie (Tim) Klinefelter, Amanda Bursztynsky and Jessica Bursztynsky. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Taras.
Zen was the ultimate "girl dad", watching shows with the girls, taking them to concerts, telling Sam and Peach stories at bedtime and holding regular "Girl Talk" sessions. He was also the biggest supporter of Sue – volunteering to help out wherever she worked. His goal was to live to at least 71, living longer than any male in his family. He succeded.
Zenon served in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977. He moved to Ottawa in 1984 when he became employed by Community Hospital of Ottawa as a nuclear medicine tech, a position he held until his retirement in 2021. Upon retirement, he became a fixture at the YMCA, where he made many good friends. He was proud to be a charter member of the new "Y." He is remembered by many who crossed his path for his sense of humor and friendliness.
A celebration of life will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 18th at Crossbridge Community Church. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. prior to the service. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions to the Ottawa YMCA or Crossbridge Community Church would be most appreciated.
To share a memory please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.