Daniel 'Dan' M. Zelinger

Dan Zelinger MOUNT PLEASANT – Dan M. Zelinger, 91, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. He was born in Burlington on January 21, 1925, raised in Silver Lake, the son of Joseph A. and Florence (nee: Mathews) Zelinger. Dan proudly served in the United States Army in World War II from 1944 to 1946 with the 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and spent time in Germany, France, Luxembourg and Belgium. Upon returning home he attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. Dan was former Chief Engineer and President of Webster Electric, working there for 22 years. He was then General Manager of Grover Piston Ring in Milwaukee, retiring in 1995 at the age of 70. On June 26, 1953, he was united in marriage to Helen Jorgensen at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where they were active members for many years. Dan was Treasurer of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Foundation and past President of the church council. He was also a member of SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) for more than 55 years. In addition, Dan was very active in the Racine community, serving on many boards including Racine Literacy Council for 20 years, Racine Youth Symphony, YMCA, Racine Churchmen’s Club and Racine Southside Redevelopment Corporation. In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, reading, traveling (to all 7 continents), and playing bridge. Surviving are his wife Helen and their children, David (Cherie) Zelinger of Shawano, Paul (Jodi) Zelinger of Pewaukee, Jan Vlasak of Racine, Joan Zelinger of North Prairie, Melanie Zelinger of Sun Prairie and John (Belinda) Zelinger of Rochester; grandchildren Amy Zelinger (Dianna Frisbie), Philip Camren, Kelli Zelinger, Rachel (Jay) Longley, Frank Zelinger and Sarah (Mickey Isberner) Zelinger. He is further survived by lifelong, special friends Kishor and Lene Patel, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by two great granddaughters, Brooklyn and Savannah Longley. A special thank you to the phenomenal care he received from the Hospice Alliance staff and the staff at Primrose Retirement Community. Celebration of Life services will be held at Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave, on Monday, September 19, 2016 from 4 p.m. until time of service at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Our Saviors Foundation, c/o Racine Community Foundation, 1135 Warwick Way, Racine, WI 53406 or Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

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Daniel 'Dan' M. Zelinger

January 21, 1925 - September 13, 2016