William Zinnen

William R. "Bill" Zinnen, age 84, of Dixon, Illinois died surrounded by family at his home on Sunday March 7, 2010. He was born October 7, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Raymond and Helen (Schulte) Zinnen, and grew up in Racine WI. He graduated in 1942 from Washington Park High School in Racine and in 1950 received from Marquette University in Milwaukee a Bachelor of Philosophy. In 1955 he earned his Master of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin. In 1950 he started his teaching career at Medford (WI) High School. In 1952 he moved to Dixon where he taught history and was a guidance counselor at Dixon High School, retiring in 1983. While at DHS he was head varsity baseball coach and led the team to the conference championship in 1977. He also served for many years as statistician for the football team. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon and had been a charter member of the church choir. He served as a lector and as an extraordinary Eucharistic minister; he volunteered with the Loves and Fishes program and served on the church's Education Commission. A co-founder of the Dixon Teachers Credit Union, he served as treasurer for 45 years and was a board member for 50 years. He was a member of the National Education Association, the Illinois Education Association, the Dixon Education Association, a member of and past president of the Lee County Education Association, and the Thursday morning retired teachers' group. He was a member of Dixon Knights of Columbus Council 690, and served as past president of the Dixon Kiwanis. Bill served one term on the Dixon Board of Education. He was a veteran of the United States Army during WW II, and served in the Philippines. He belonged to the Dixon American Legion Post 12. Bill was a great fan of feeding and watching birds and squirrels. He married Junemarie Deutsch November 20, 1954 in Dixon. She survives. He is also survived by his children Mark (Jean) Zinnen of Morrison, Thomas (Kristen Velyvis) Zinnen of Madison, WI, J. David (Tami) Zinnen of Woodstock, Elizabeth (Scott) Albert of Wheaton, Dan (Cheryl) Zinnen of Wheaton, Nancy (Phil) Mercer of Dixon, Raymond (Angela Johnson) Zinnen of Springfield, 14 grand children, sisters Dorothy (Del) Brandt of Racine, WI, Claire Banaszak of Racine, WI, Janet Martell of Hidden Ranch, CO, Margaret (David) Balane of Wheaton. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law. Funeral services will be held on Thursday March 11, 2010 beginning with a 10:00 AM prayer service in the Jones Funeral Home followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. James Keenan officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Combined Veterans Group will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a scripture service at 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to St. Mary’s School, Loaves and Fishes, Catholic Relief Services, and Veteran’s Memorial Park.

William Zinnen

October 7, 1925 - March 7, 2010