Eugene D. Zelmanski

Eugene Donald Zelmanski of Kalamazoo Michigan. Starting line May 24, 1936 Detroit; finish line September 5, 2019 Alamo Township.

Son of Edward “Hap”, Stella, and Eleanor Zelmanski; Brother of Louise, James, and Ronald.  Proud father of Susan and Pamela. Even prouder grandfather of Jayson Ramesh, Nathan Eugene, Margaret Jeanine, Abigail Mary, and Sean Patrick.  Loyal uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend to many.

And there’s much more: Fisherman, paratrooper, proud pond owner, golf course builder, WMU graduate, 35 years Parker Hannifin engineer, passionate nature lover, beekeeper, wild bird enthusiast, hummingbird tracker, chicken and duck owner, expert soup maker, drinker of massive amounts of coffee, hunter, racehorse owner, charter fishing business owner, bar and restaurant owner, Army veteran, bicycle enthusiast, never missed a breakfast out-er, scuba diver, sky diver, box wine lover, multiple Ragbrai participant, ABBA lover,  half-shirt fashion trendsetter, Thanksgiving chef, fishing camp leader, ingenious fixer of all things, lifelong Lions fan. And an excellent dancer.

It was QUITE a ride!

Family and friends are welcome to join us at his home (Lions attire and fishing poles recommended) to reminisce and celebrate a life lived to its fullest.  Saturday, September 21st 1:00-4:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made to the Kal-Haven Bike Trail 269-637-2788 or

http://igfn.us/vf/GIVE

.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Eugene D. Zelmanski

Condolence Messages

Kathi Fuss

September 9, 2019 at 2:49 pm

Well, Larry and Gino are up there playing golf and fishing together again!! Sending hugs and loving thoughts to you ALL!

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Susan Finerty

September 9, 2019 at 4:54 pm

Yes, Mrs. Fuss they are! And Larry’s beating him and the fish are biting!!!

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Don and Andrea Guidebeck

September 9, 2019 at 6:02 pm

A good friend and fisherman. He will be missed. A true gentleman.

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Lorie Blair

September 9, 2019 at 6:31 pm

Eugene was very special to mom and daddy. Always enjoyed his hugs, in conversation. He will be missed. Praying for the girls and their families for His comforting Hand to hold each.

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Jerry and Dinah Howrigon

September 9, 2019 at 7:28 pm

We are so sorry to hear of Eugenes passing. So many good times years ago.

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Bob and Nancy Izzo

September 9, 2019 at 7:29 pm

You were lucky to have such a wonderful man in your life for so long. Keep the memories alive! May God’s grace give you what you need to get you through this hard time.

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June

September 9, 2019 at 8:57 pm

Geno was a great friend of Fred and myself He will be missed

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Shirley Brainard

September 9, 2019 at 9:32 pm

Thoughts & prayers to the family. Gene was my supervisor at Parker In the late 60’s.

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Patricia Wilcox

September 9, 2019 at 10:34 pm

I am so very sorry for the loss of your Father, Susan and Pamela. It sounds like he was a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers for you and your families.

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Elizabeth Schmidt

September 10, 2019 at 2:27 am

My fathers favorite nephew.

A beloved cousin.

Gentle voice and big heart.

My husband worked with Gene over 39 years.

He was highly respected at sparked Hannifin.

Rest In Peace

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Kelly and Joe Bohl

September 10, 2019 at 9:18 am

Pam and Sue and family – so sorry to hear about your dad., I love his obituary. He sure had a fantastic life. So glad you both had such a wonderful dad. Many hugs being sent your way. xoxo

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Patricia King

September 10, 2019 at 1:20 pm

Sorry to hear about your loss. He will be missed by all at the Otsego Elks Lodge. He was fun and I remember he always wanted lots of gravy with his meal.

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Barb & El Engelter

September 10, 2019 at 3:06 pm

Who will I argue about dumps and photosynthesis with? Great work mate at Parker in the 70’s, played the horses with Gene at Glendale Downs and did the Lighthouse Pool Team. Always a great time with this man and will miss his wit.

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Terri Fairfield-Gott

September 10, 2019 at 4:18 pm

I truly loved this man. He and his family were my neighbors for years. Then when I went to work at Parker, after 17 years or so he became my Manager.

A lot of fond memories of Gene. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Pam and Susan please accept my sincere sympathy. RIP Eugene Zelmanski.

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Geo Johnson

September 10, 2019 at 4:54 pm

I worked with Gene at Parker Hydraulics. He was the supervisor over electronic controls when I started at Parker in 1967. A few years later he became my supervisor in inspection for a short time. He always admitted that he knew nothing about it. Gene was one of the few people in management that I respected. He was one of the good guys.

I just saw Gene at Subway a month ago. He looked good at that time. I was very surprised to read of his passing. He sure lived life to the fullest. I don’t know anyone who has done half the things that Gene had done. I am certain he will be missed by all. Condolences to the family.

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Susan Zelmanski Finerty

September 10, 2019 at 7:46 pm

These messages are so amazing. THANK YOU all for taking time to share your kind thoughts. We hope you can join us on the 20th!

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Bernie Strehlow

September 11, 2019 at 12:24 pm

Oddly enough, was just thinking of Gene last week, wondering what he was doing now.

Worked with him at Hyd. DIvision for many years.

One of the truly good people I have had the opportunity to work with.

Will be sincerely missed.

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Sharon fitzpatrick

September 11, 2019 at 5:02 pm

I’m so sorry Pam and family. Just found out. Prayers to you all.

Best boss ever at Parker.

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Mitzi Henke

September 14, 2019 at 10:43 am

Pam, Raj, and family, Susan, Patrick, and family, So sorry to read of your loss of your father and grandfather. Thinking of you.

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Susan and Pam

September 18, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thinking of you and sending lots and love and hugs your way! Your dad was an amazing man from all the stories I have heard and has 2 wonderful daughters I might add. I know you will celebrate his life just as he would. Love , Stacey C.

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Veronica Crowell

September 19, 2019 at 3:21 pm

Pam and Susan, sorry for your loss of your father. I knew your dad thru your mom when he was at WMU and after when you all lived in Alamo. Sounds sounds like he lived a full and very interesting life.

Warmly

Veronica Drobny Crowell

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Kelly Seelbinder

September 22, 2019 at 6:18 pm

Pamela and Susan and families,

We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and yours.

Warmest Regards, Kelly Seelbinder and everyone from

Expert Cleaning Services

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John Jones

September 25, 2019 at 8:15 am

Condolences to Gene’s family. I worked with Gene for many years at Parker. He was very enjoyable person to be around. He had a great attitude and a good sense of humor. Saw Gene a few times since his retirement and enjoyed getting caught up on his most recent exploits. He will be greatly missed.

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