Michael L. Zeilinger, age 62 of Plum City, died Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire with his family by his side after complications of his recent diagnosis of Leukemia.

Mike was born on October 15, 1957 in Menomonie. He was the son of LaVerne and Marjorie (Brehm) Zeilinger. Mike grew up in the Exile area of rural Elmwood and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1975. After high school, Mike farmed with dad for several years. Mike also worked for the Plum City Feed Mill, Anderson Auto and retired after 29 years from Red Wing Shoe & SB Foot Tannery in Red Wing, MN. In retirement, Mike worked for Zeilinger Trucking, owned by his son Jon. Mike married Joyce Anderson on August 8, 1981 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City. After marriage, they lived in the Plum City area where Mike remained the rest of his life.

Mike enjoyed fishing, camping, riding UTVs, wood working and working on small engines. He was a member of the Plum City/Town of Union Fire Department for 20 years. Mike loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and going to their events.

Mike is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joyce, two sons; Jon (Kayla) of Plum City, Matt (girlfriend, Kris Jensen) of Eau Claire, four grandchildren; Dylan, Adison, Brooklyn and Morgan, mother; Marjorie Zeilinger of Menomonie, one sister; Karleen Zeilinger of Eau Claire, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father; LaVerne Zeilinger.

Celebration of Life will be held 4:00PM-8:00PM Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Burial will be at a later date in the Town of Union Cemetery in Plum City.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Judi Krause Bauer December 16, 2019, at 5:59pm

   Thinking of you all sending our sympathy. We were neighbors growing up and I would run into Mike occasionally here or there over the years

2. Mark and Diane Mattingly December 14, 2019, at 5:33pm

   So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

3. Diane Mattingly December 14, 2019, at 5:18pm

   So sorry for your loss Jon, Kayla and family. Thinking of you through this difficult time.

4. Kay Longsdorf December 12, 2019, at 5:06pm

   Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Love Kay

5. Lou Gregor December 12, 2019, at 10:30am

   Joyce I am very sorry to here of mikes passing. I prey that God will give you and your family comfort during this difficult time. Mike will be missed by many.

6. Lori Larson December 11, 2019, at 4:08pm

   Dear Joyce, I had not heard of Mike's leukemia diagnosis ... and then found out today of his passing. I am so very sorry to hear this, and I will definitely keep you and your kids/grandkids in my prayers. May you feel God's arms around you. XO, Lori

7. Lynn Gunderson December 11, 2019, at 2:12pm

   Randy and I were so sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. (OCC website.) Thoughts and prayers to Jon and Kayla and entire family.❤️

8. MaryM December 11, 2019, at 12:37pm

   Joyce and family, sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

9. Kathy LaFavor December 10, 2019, at 8:12pm

   My Deepest Sympathy to Joyce and family.

10. Maura Boesch December 10, 2019, at 6:00pm

    I am so very sorry to hear this. Mike was a wonderful man to work with during my time at RWSC. What a loss. You have my deepest sympathy and my heart ❤️ is with you. Maura

11. Linda Marko December 10, 2019, at 5:49pm

    PRAYERS & THOUGHTS Dear Joyce and family. When at OCC we loved seeing your little family all around, at the park, activities, at the beach and when we mentioned we had never been on Lake Wissota they offered to take us for a tour on their pontoon! So SORRY to hear of leukaemia diagnosis as well...Praying you find PEACE and strength for the family as you have so many memories to cherish!???? GOD ????????????BLESS ???? Friends from (OCC) O'Neill Creek Campgrounds, Larry & Linda Marko????????⛺????????????????????

12. Wanda Traynor December 10, 2019, at 5:31pm

    Joyce and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Joyce. You are special in my heart as growing up and playing with my kids.

13. Jeremy McDonnell December 10, 2019, at 4:35pm

    Joyce & Family,
    I was truly at a loss of words hearing about Mike's untimely passing. It was a privilege to get to work with Mike the past years at the Tannery where he really did lead by example and in turn the guys really wanted to work for a guy like him!!!
    He will always be missed. R.I.P. Mike!!!

14. Jackie Sailer December 10, 2019, at 1:53pm

    My deepest sympathy to all of you!

15. Wanda Traynor December 10, 2019, at 12:41pm

    Joyce and boys. So sorry to hear of Mike untimely death. You are special in my heart as old neighbors when you were growing up. Will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time

16. Sandy Andress December 10, 2019, at 9:03am

    Joyce I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you often. I Prayers and hugs to you and your family

17. Steph Riegelman December 10, 2019, at 7:47am

    I was so happy to see Mike at last week's retirement luncheon and even got a hug from him. In his quiet way, this gentle giant touched a lot of lives and we are better people for having known him . . . thinking of Joyce and the family during this difficult time.

18. Peggy McRoberts December 9, 2019, at 10:30pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Joyce . Mike was such a nice guy , he’ll be missed by many .

19. LaRae December 9, 2019, at 8:45pm

    I am so sorry for your loss Joyce. You're in my prayers.

20. Corey Binkowski December 9, 2019, at 8:12pm

    So terribly sorry for your loss

21. Noel December 9, 2019, at 8:12pm

    Joyce- very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I pray for strength and comfort during this time for you and your family.

22. Theresa Schafer(Manor) December 9, 2019, at 7:36pm

    So sorry for everyone's loss. Sending prayers and Love to everyone.

23. Steve & Deb Ottman December 9, 2019, at 7:10pm

    Still in shock after hearing this. Hard to believe seeing it in print as well. Out thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

24. Peg Linder December 9, 2019, at 6:58pm

    Joyce I'm so very sorry to hear about Mike. Praying for you and your family. ????

25. Joanne Hovey December 9, 2019, at 6:52pm

    Thinking of you. There are no words to help right now. Keep the good times close to your heart.

26. Sharon Kearns December 9, 2019, at 6:46pm

    So sorry Joyce, Jon and Matt. Mike was a great guy remembered when he did cub scouts when josh was in it. When Matt was in boy scouts too. Take care sending lots of prayers.

27. Karla Clare & family December 9, 2019, at 6:40pm

    Do very sorry for you loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

28. Joe snd Jan Drier December 9, 2019, at 6:27pm

    Oh Joyce, so saddened by this. Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to you and your family!! Marge, I have so many fond memories of growing up with you all as our neighbors! Getting all the kids in the neighborhood together to play ball or whatever. So fun. Hugs to all!!

29. Jerry Zimmer December 9, 2019, at 6:21pm

    My deepest condolences! Mike was a close true friend to me for many years and I am sorry for your loss! Mike will be truly missed.

30. JoAnn McDonnell Flatjord December 9, 2019, at 6:14pm

    I am so sorry for you loss my thoughts and prayers go to you and your family

31. John Stewart December 9, 2019, at 6:04pm

    Mike was a great man and a great friend, he will be missed by many
    RIP my friend

32. Dennis Rindels December 9, 2019, at 5:49pm

     

33. Dorene Marroquin December 9, 2019, at 5:49pm

    Mike will be missed. He was always so friendly . I am glad that I got to know him. Joyce,hugs and prayers for you and your family. I think of you often. So very sorry!

34. Christa Langhans December 9, 2019, at 5:30pm

    I worked with Mike at SB Foiot, he was a great man and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to you all!

35. Susie Ryan December 9, 2019, at 5:09pm

    Prayers to you, Joyce, and your family

36. Shannon Kuyath December 9, 2019, at 5:06pm

     

37. Patti and Adam Olson December 9, 2019, at 5:04pm

    Joyce,Jon,Matt,and families...you have our deepest condolences and sympathy in the loss of Mike ...he was always willing to help me with things around my house when we were neighbors...we shared the dryrun for 17 years...Our children grew up together. Hugs to all of you.RIP Neighbor...Patti Olson

38. Donna hoyt December 9, 2019, at 5:02pm

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family .

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