Racine – Michael Charles Zelenski, age 68, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 27, 2014 surrounded by loving family. He succumbed to plasma cell leukemia, an aggressive development of the multiple myeloma he battled in recent years.
Michael was born in Burlington on November 27, 1945 to the late John Michael and Loretta (nee: Bieneman) Zelenski. A 1963 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic High School, he went on to attend Dominican College. Academically gifted, Mike received a full scholarship under the National Defense Educational Act for graduate school at Notre Dame University, but interrupted his studies in February 1969 to fill in as a replacement English teacher at St. Catherine’s High School. This fateful choice began a lifelong career as a well-respected educator that continued at SCHS until 2012 when his health began to decline.
On a very snowy December 28, 1968 he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Phyllis Evelyn (nee: Feider) Zelenski at St. Wendel Catholic Church in Cleveland, WI. His adult life was marked by various pursuits that combined eccentric sensibilities, vivid communication skills, and uncommon common sense. He was active in Racine Theater Guild, the Lakeside Players at Rhode Opera House, and the WGTD Radio Theater. With a deep Christian faith, Mike was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. As a caring father and outdoor enthusiast, Mike served as a Cub Master and Boy Scout leader, and enjoyed fishing, boating, and kayaking, especially on the Chippewa Flowage where he built a cabin. Nature was always close, with a home collection of snakes, lizards, bees, and other unusual pets that often became props in his educational shows. In later years he developed an avid interest and impressive knowledge of sports, especially the Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.
Surviving are his loving wife of 45 years, Phyllis; their children, John Michael (Cheryl Harasymchuk) Zelenski, William Christopher (April) Zelenski and Paul Robert (Amy Smith) Zelenski; brothers, Robert (MaryAnn) Zelenski, Joseph (Phyllis) Zelenski and Richard (Audriene) Zelenski; mother-in-law, Lucille Feider; brothers-in-law, William Weis, Dr. Robert (Margaret) Feider, Dr. Dennis (Barbara) Feider and Dr. Bruce (Roxanne) Feider; sisters-in-law, Carol (Richard) Gross and Mary Beth Feider; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives, thousands of former students and friends – too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Weis; sister-in-law, Virginia Zelenski; father-in-law, Dr. Arnold Feider; brother-in-law, Arnold Feider; and nephew, Joe Feider.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 11:30 am with Rev. Bill Dietzler, Rev. Terry Huebner and Rev. Mark Jones officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church Friday from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Memorials may be directed to your choice of charities or organizations that represent Mike’s life and loves. Recently he was fond of the International Crane Foundation and Heifer International.
A special note of thanks to the many, many physicians, medical providers, and caregivers for everything they have done for Mike in the past few years. Also, much love to all of our family members and friends for the many acts of kindness, prayers and support during Mike’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Sally derga says
So sorry for your loss Mr.Z was a great English teacher at SCHS and will deeply be missed. Graduate 2005 Sally
Julie Redmon says
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Mr. Zelenski was one of my favorite teachers at SCHS. His passion for teaching and high expectations for is students made me always want to work harder. He will forever be remember as one of the “best”.
Yvette Loiselle says
God bless you and your family. I only knew Z for a few years as a colleague at St. Cats but I will never forget him. He has been a model in my mind of what a good teacher should be. Challenging yet caring. Funny and smart. Kind. Critical. Honest. Uplifting. All around a great man. He influenced so many people over the years. I wish the best for your family as you suffer your loss. Sincerely Yvette Loiselle
Yvette Loiselle says
God bless you and your family. I only knew Z for a few years as a colleague at St. Cats but I will never forget him. He has been a model in my mind of what a good teacher should be. Challenging yet caring. Funny and smart. Kind. Critical. Honest. Uplifting. All around a great man. He influenced so many people over the years. I wish the best for your family as you suffer your loss. Sincerely Yvette Loiselle
Heather Henkel says
My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to John and his family. I always think of Mr. Z when I’m at the Ren Faire and how his excitement for things historical was infectious. I’m thankful for knowing him and a better person for it.
Maureen Troy says
“That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” Like so many – he changed my world. My deepest sympathies to the entire Zelenski family.
Rachel says
Mr. Z was one of the most influential teachers I ever had. I think of both him and his classes often with nothing but fond memories. He was an incredible man!
Rick Messina says
You will be missed my old friend. Our condolences and prayers are with your family.
Eva Hurley says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. My thoughts and prayers go out to Phyllis and the rest of the family. I knew Mike in college as a man people looked up to and respected.
David M. says
Rest In Peace, Mr. Z …My heartfelt gratitude to your family for sharing you with me & my fellow SCHS students (Class of ’85, as well as those before & since). My condolences & thoughts are with you and all Mr. Z’s loved ones — which I’m certain is a long, long list.
Mr. Mike Zelenski was one of the top minds & educators I had the privilege to meet. This man of great gifts helped to bolster the importance of true vocational PASSION in one’s life. Mr. Z exemplified this ideal. If only ALL of us could work in a calling as important to our souls as Mike did. I loved this man, as a teacher and as an amazing human being. I will hold that love and appreciation in my heart forever.
All hail the bard standing on his desk again, bringing the roles of Shakespeare to life for us! (-: This time he’s standing on the shoulders of giants, immortally and deservedly so. Thank you for all you did for everyone, and for what you gave of yourself to me.
Jeff, Renee and Grace Nelson says
Mrs. Z and family,
We are so terribly sorry to hear that Mr. Z passed away. Please know that you are in our prayers each day, In our hearts and in our thoughts. We will always be here for you if you ever need anything. Grace particularly sends her love and condolences. We will offer up rosary for him and your family. We are very blessed to have Mrs. Z for Graces teacher and to get to know such a caring person we consider our friend. We can only imagine how special your husband was and how lucky all the children he taught over the many years were as well! May God shine His light upon Mr. Z and wrap His arms around all who are mourning him. God Bless you all. Our deepest sympathies
Joe Mrazek Jr. says
And give the letters which thou find’st about me
To Edmund Earl of Gloucester, seek him out
Upon the British party: O, untimely death!
– Oswald (in King Lear)
Stuart Fetherston says
Although I only knew Z for a short period, and one semester of classes, he had a tremendous impact on me. It is because of him that I am where I am today in my academic pursuits and writing abilities. Z had a way of teaching that encouraged not the grades but the journey and experience of learning and the joys the pursuit of knowledge holds. The manner in which he was able to connect with students and instill the value of learning was something beautiful. Z was easily the most intelligent man I have ever met and I am, as I’m sure many others are, so grateful that he dedicated his life to teaching. I want to be clear on how much of an impact Z has had on not only myself but also anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I hope that knowing what an epic legacy he is leaving behind will provide slight solace.
Linda Sherman Anderson says
A great teacher! RIP
Jean Tashoff Jarosz says
I still have fond memories of Mr. Z who taught the Shakespeare comedies my junior year. It’s a loss of a great educator. My sympathies to the family.
Jean Tashoff Jarosz, SCHS class of ’72
Danny D'Acquisto says
I’m so sorry to hear of Z’s passing. I always enjoyed having him as a teacher. Family and friends, you have my prayers. Be blessed as you celebrate his life together.
Dana Devlin says
My heart goes out to your family. He was a great teacher, one I’ll never forget. Can’t say that about a lot of teachers. Sorry for your loss.
Debbie says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Z’s family. Z was one those teachers who caught your attention and never let it go, whether you initially liked the subject matter or not. No one wanted to disappoint the man, so we all worked harder and extended ourselves further than we thought we could. God bless him for not giving up on any of us students and showing by example how to live life to its fullest. He will be greatly missed!
Margie Hefner Welniak says
Heaven has gained yet another one of my hero’s. You taught us well Mr. Z, and no-one could jump atop a desk like you. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” Rest in Peace and may the angels guide you to our Father’s arms.
Jill Niesen says
Dear Zelenski Family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Mr. Z was a great person and affected many lives. He gave me the love of reading and for Shakespeare. Forty years of teaching is quite an accomplishment. Just think of the many lives he touched. We are all over the world and we will never forget him.
Jill J. Niesen, Ph.D.
Mary Beth Levandoski says
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.- Native American Proverb
Most sincere condolences to the Zelenski family and all those who loved him.
Genie Lavin Bosch says
Mike was always interesting! He was a classmate of mine at St. Mary’s High School and Dominican College.
My daughters were lucky to benefit from his teaching skill at St. Catherine’s High School. He was a superb teacher. Thank you,Mike.
Rest in peace.
Dawn says
Saddened by the new of Mr. Z’s passing. He was such an enjoyable teacher that made English and shakes
Ken Kehl says
good thoughts! good man!
Chuck and Eileen Broihier says
You will be greatly missed, Mike! We enjoyed knowing you at Dominican College and having you for a teacher for our children at ST Cats. You greatly influenced many people in your life. May God keep your family in his hands during this time.
Monty Ernst says
There is no replacing an educator and human being such as Mr. Zelenski. He instilled a love of literature in me, a love that led me ultimately to get a Ph.D. Thank you, my dear mentor, for the light you shined into my life.
Pat Rodick ('69) Pionke says
Dear Phyllis,
I was in your class at Dominican College. I remember you and Mike walking hand-in-hand on campus and thinking what a nice couple you made. Though we never really got to know one-another, I wish to extend my sincere condolences on Mike’s passing. May you have many wonderful memories to bring you comfort. Pat Rodick Pionke
Barb Kovats Tuttle, DC classmate says
Phyllis – Mike was such a unique individual, even back in our Dominican College days. I know saying that you and your family will miss him is an understatement. I’m so very glad that I got to see you and Mike at the DC ’67 reunion back in 2006. You and your family have my prayers.
Mary (Udulutch) Honeck says
I met my husband in Mr. Z’s class back in 1976. We have always felt lucky to have had him as a teacher. He will be sorely missed. His was the best class I have ever had.
Diana Lesnjak says
My heart is with Phyllis today- I knew her and Mike well at Dominican College and our lives have had some great parallels. Mike will be missed by this community- he was indeed one of a kind.
Mary Andersen says
Dear Phyllis,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I remember both of you well. Having recently lost my husband, John Nissen, age 69, to cancer, I know the path you have walked. This has been the most difficult experience I have had to absorb. I will send a card. The Lord will be your strength in this time.
Your classmate, Mary Andersen
Aaron Weeks says
My deepest sympathies go out to the Zelenski Family. He was a great man who made many other people’s life better.
Craig Wehler says
Had the opportunity to meet Mr. Z while visiting Paul in Racine. Mr. Z did an impromptu reptile show for us that my friends and I still talk about today. My thoughts and prayers are with Paul and his family. God Bless.