SSG (Ret) Thomas Mark Zielinski

Thomas Mark Zielinski was born April 23, 1970 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and departed this life on Thursday, May 2, 2024 in the Phelps Health Hospital of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 54 years. Thomas, son of the late Hans Klaus Zielinski and Ethel Marie (Mundigler) Zielinski, grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Case High School. In 1988, Thomas entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until he retired in 2017 after five tours overseas and many other duty stations. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Iraq Campaign Medal w/Three Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, South West Asia Service Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M Device, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge – Mechanic. On February14, 1990, Thomas was united in marriage to Tracey Marie Marion at Ft. Benning, Georgia. They shared over 34 years of marriage together and three children: Gayle, Andrew, and Cynthia. After retiring from the military, Thomas worked at different places throughout the rest of his working years. He worked as a car mechanic, culinary school at WTC, Walmart Tire ‘n Lube in St. Robert, went to school for CDL license and drove semi-trucks, and Roberts & Judson’s Hardware Store in Salem. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors. You could find him either fishing, target shooting, riding his motorcycle and working on old cars. Thomas was an avid sports fan and liked to play baseball, bowling, and shooting pool. He was a member of the American Legion and to his friends and family, he was known as a great cook. Thomas loved his family deeply and treasured the times that they could spend together, especially with the grandchildren. Thomas will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Tracey Zielinski of Salem, MO; three children: Gayle Zielinski (Barry Acklin) of Waynesville, MO, Cynthia Tobin (Jeremy) of San Antonio, TX, and Andrew Zielinski (Wendy) of Carlinville, IL; nine grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters: Angela Copus (Ty) of Belle Fourche, SD and Melissa Apodaca (Jose) of Prescott Valley, AZ; father-in-law: Michael Marion of Waynesville, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Even though he is gone from our sight, Thomas’ commitment to his country and family will live on in our hearts forever. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2024 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of SSG (Ret) Zielinski and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SSG (Ret) Thomas Mark Zielinski

April 23, 1970 - May 2, 2024