Rodney Zuelke

Rodney L. Zuelke, 69, Wausau, passed away on October 8th 2012, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born April 12th 1943, to the late Herbert and Elsie (Jilek) Zuelke, in Marshfield. Rodney attended area schools in Stratford. After graduation, he joined the National Guard and was stationed in Oklahoma when he was then activated to Fort Lewis, WA, with the 32nd Division. He returned home in August 1962, but was a member of the National Guard until 1968.

On January 5th 1963, he was united in marriage to Diane Schumacher, at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford. They then became members of 1st English Lutheran Church. Rod drove semi for more than 35 years for several different teamsters trucking companies. He was a member of the Teamsters Union, Local #662 and past union steward.

Rod looked forward to fishing year round. He especially loved spending time 'up north' at the cottage, driving the boat for water skiing and tubing or enjoying refreshments with friends and family by the fire. After retirement, he and Diane made time to travel all over the country. Rod was a talented woodworker and his grandchildren will cherish the bookshelves and toy boxes he made for years to come. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, for better or worse.

Rod epitomized what a good father and family man was. He lived his life to the fullest and was dedicated to his loved ones. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing Rod.

Rod will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 50 years, Diane; two daughters, Jennifer (Milton) Grieser, Merrill, and Jacquelyn (Brian) Karch, Stevens Point; six grandchildren, Ryan, Courtney, and Tyler Grieser, and Danielle, Sydney, and Jordan Karch; brother, David; sister, Debra (Carl) Heusi; three sisters-in-law, Patricia Zuelke, Janet (Edward) Roberts, and Linda Habeck; three brothers-in-law, Otto Jeske, Glenn Rusch, and Lorin (Sharon) Schumacker; and many nieces and nephews.

His youngest daughter, Jodene preceded him in death, along with his sister, Vivienne Jeske; brother, James; sister-in-law, Carolee Rusch; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Schumacher and Gary Habeck.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 12th, at 1st English Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Erik Olson will officiate. Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service, at church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ahuja and the staff at Aspirus Regional Cancer Center for their dedicated care and support given to Rod over the years.