John Lee Zielke, 89, formerly of Hesston, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home in Shell Knob, Missouri, on February 7, 2020.
John was born on February 1, 1931 in Hutchinson, Kansas to John W. and Dora Froese Zielke. He graduated from Buhler High School, Buhler, Kansas in 1948 and attended Hutchinson Community College. John played on the 1947 and 1948 state championship basketball teams. These teams were later inducted into the Kansas Athletic Hall of Fame.
After college, John pursued his interest in farming. In the mid 1950’s he began a long career at Hesston Corporation as Systems Engineer.
On September 30, 1951, John was united in marriage to June Josephine Froese. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2001. This union was blessed with four children; Kathie, Karen, John A. and James. John and June made their home in Hesston for many years.
On March 23, 2003 he married Myrna Wells at Shell Knob, Missouri, where they made their home until his death. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include: wife Myrna, of the home; daughters Kathie Keimig (Michael, Sterling, Kansas; Karen Zumwalt (David, Wichita, Kansas; sons John A. Zielke (Heidi, Hesston, Kansas; James K. Zielke (Patti, Weddington, North Carolina; stepdaughter Sharon Winsler (Pat, Shell Knob, Missouri; stepson; Ron Wells (Connie, Topeka, Kansas; sisters Betty Campbell, Lakeway, Texas; Connie Panushka, Lakewood, Colorado; brother R. Keith Zielke (Diane, Lakewood, Colorado; 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren , 7 step grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were parents John W. Zielke and Dora Froese Zielke.
A memorial service will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 12 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Shell Knob, Missouri with Pastor Peggy Wobbema officiating. A graveside service will be at 1:00pm on Friday, February 14 at the Buhler Municipal Cemetery, Buhler, Kansas. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Shell Knob.
Memorial donations may be given to Central Crossing First Responders in care of Fohn Funeral Home, 27758 State Highway 39, Shell Knob, Missouri, 65747.