Michael James Zielke

Michael J. Zielke, 66, passed away in his home surrounded by family on September 30th, 2022 after a one year battle with cancer.

Mike enjoyed a broad range of hobbies and interests - he loved gardening and caring for his beloved flowers, collecting various rocks and gemstones, volunteering at the Weis Earth Science Museum to educate the guests, watching out the window for birds especially his rare Pileated Woodpecker, riding rollercoasters all day until the park closed, rocking his signature mullet since high school, studying anything related to Science and History, gazing at the stars and speculating about space, knowing every answer to Jeopardy, participating in old Civil War re-enactments, shouting at the TV anytime the Packers were on, and spending countless hours restoring his 1957 Oliver Crawler.

Mike had an amazing sense of humor and everyone laughed with his stories and silly sayings (many that aren’t appropriate to repeat). His quick wit will truly be missed.

He was loved by many including his wife, Diane Zielke, who never left his side. His two daughters, Kolette (her partner Dan) and Tara. His good dog Jack. And his siblings and all of his extended family.

We would like to thank ThedaCare Hospice, ThedaCare Cancer Center, and the ThedaCare At Home team members for their excellent services and support.

“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night” - Galileo Galilei