WIlliam R. Zelke

William R. Zelke, age 89 of Highland, IL, died Sunday, April 13, 2014, at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL. He was born on Saturday, November 22, 1924, in Omro, WI, the son of Adolph and Evelyn (nee Roycraft) Zelke. On Thursday, December 26, 1946, he married Dorothy J. Zelke (nee Holtz) who passed away on Monday, March 31, 2014. He was a member of the Local Teamster Union for over 40 years. He was a retired Teamster. Born at Omro, Rushford Township, Wisconsin. At age 18 he was drafted, he served with the US Army, active duty from 5/27/1943 to 2/25/1946, during WW II. He lived most of his life at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was an over the road truck driver and drove for Olson Trucking later known as CW (Central Wisconsin) Trucking, head quartered out of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; he retired after 40 years. In February 2013 he and his wife moved to Highland, Illinois and lived with their daughter for 10 months, later moved to the Highland Home in December 2013. He enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling and traveling. He and his wife vacationed to Las Vegas and throughout the United States, visiting their daughter and grandchildren. Survivors include: Daughter - Sherrie A. Barkhaus, Highland, IL Grandson - Scott K. (Erika) Barkhaus, Mascoutah, IL Granddaughter - Staci M. (Joseph) LaPorta, Highland, IL Granddaughter - Tami L. (Lt Col Rob, USAF Retired) Gilchrest, Fairfax Station, VA Great Grandchild - Tyler (Constance) Barkhaus, Valdosta, GA Great Grandchild - Megan (Chris) Bray, Pensacola, FL Great Grandchild - Olivia LaPorta, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Alexandra LaPorta, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Samuel LaPorta, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Isabella LaPorta, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Jarrett Gilchrest, Fairfax Station, VA Great Grandchild - Quintin Gilchrest, Fairfax Station, VA Great Grandchild - Spencer Gilchrest, Fairfax Station, VA Great Grandchild - Jaylin Gilchrest, Fairfax Station, VA Great Great Grandchildren - Five He was preceded in death by: Father - Adolph Zelke Mother - Evelyn Zelke Wife - Dorothy J. Zelke (died 03/31/2014) Brother - Emmett Zelke Brother - Robert Henry "Bob" Zelke Sister - Harriett Zelke Sister - Alda Bauer Son In-law - CMSGT Robert H. "Bob" Barkhaus, USAF, Retired (died 11/11/2008) Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. Kirk Clayton, Pastor, Zion Lutheran Church, Mascoutah, IL, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association.

WIlliam R. Zelke

November 22, 1924 - April 13, 2014