Clarence C. "Clary" Zelinski

April 8, 1932 - February 26, 2026

Clarence "Clary" C. Zelinski

Of Milwaukee, passed away Thursday morning February 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Dimensions Living Pewaukee West.

Age 93 Clarence was born April 8th, 1932, in the Town of Sharon, WI. He was the son of the late Peter and Annastasia "Stella" (Pollack) Zelinski. He attended local schools.

Clarence entered the United States Army on January 9th, 1953. He served active duty in Korea earning various letters of commendation. He was a field wireman and PFC Clarence C. Zelinski was honorably discharged from the service on October 25th, 1954.

Clarence married Theresa Kuzynski on June 30th, 1956, at St. Stanislaus Catholic church. After their marriage the couple settled in Milwaukee. His wife Theresa survives.

Clary worked as an Auto Paint Sprayer at American Motors for many years, retiring from Chrysler Corporation. Clary owned and operated Zelinski Lanes for ten years before closing in 1993.

Clary was an incredible and competitive athlete. He played softball and traveled with his team all over the US competing in the Senior Olympics. Clary earned the nickname "Click" during his early years of bowling, by clicking his heels after a strike. Click held a 200 average in bowling for over 20 years competing in tournaments around the state and national tournaments throughout the US. Click was bowling until the age of 90. Clary also enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved the outdoors.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 69 years, Theresa, his children; Brian (Erika) Zelinski, Barbara (Paul) Chucka, and Wayne (Shirley) Zelinski, his grandchildren, Kelsey, Kyle, Kayla, Claire, Lukas and Susan, his great grandchildren, Landan, Eli, Levi, Stella and Thomas with number six arriving soon. Further survived by one brother Dan Zelinski and two sisters Ann Stanchik and Kathy Delano.

Clarence was preceded in death by brothers, Felix, Alexander, Henry, Raymond, Anthony, Chester and two sisters Eleanor Ostrowski and Esther Engebretson.

Clary's family always came first in everything he did and his love for them had no bounds. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Memorial Service will be held at Noon on Monday, March 16, 2026, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Rd. Waukesha, WI 53188. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – Noon. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.

Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family

Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659

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