John Zinkowich

John Zinkowich, 80, Athens, died Monday, November 24, 2014. He was born April 2, 1934 in the town of Goodrich, son of the late Louis and Frances (Budja) Zinkowich. On September 12, 1953, he married Carol Bergmann at Christ United Church, Athens. She survives. John was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Germany during the Army of Occupation. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrew J. Sutter Post No. 8527, Athens. John loved his job as an Operating Engineer for pipeline construction and worked all over the United States and Internationally, including Thailand and Alaskan pipelines. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 139. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed making firewood, hunting and spending time with his family. Survivors include, his wife of 61 years, Carol Zinkowich, Athens; four children, Sherry (Virgil) Kleinschmidt, Gleason, Glen Zinkowich, Wisconsin Rapids, Bonnie (Gary) Osness, Merrill and Linda (Kevin) Schemenauer, Marathon; eight grandchildren, Heidi (Andrew) Ihn, Heather Kleinschmidt, John and Jason Zinkowich, Justin and Ben Osness and Jordyn and Collin Schemenauer; seven great-grandchildren, Devan, Cole, Lauryn, Elizabeth, Eli, Emily and Ethan; one sister, Josephine Sommer, Edgar; and many nieces and nephews. Besides he parents, he was preceded in death by, five brothers, Frank, Edward, Louis, Fritz and Joe Zinkowich; and six sisters, Frances Nerat, Mary Cleveland, Toni Yakaites, Tena McCluskey, Ida Duerr and Annie Scheu. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Christ United Church, Athens. Rev. Teri Hanson will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Village Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion of Athens. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. "Ol' Zink was called to the big job in the sky!" Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com