Myrtle Zelke

Myrtle H. Zelke, 94, formerly of Highland Park, Illinois, died June 21, 2007 at Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls, where she had been a resident for the past year. She was born May 2, 1913 in the town of Muskego, the daughter of the late Charles and Helena (Vesbach) Harris. On August 10, 1946, she married Raymond Zelke in Big Bend, Wis. He preceded her in death on October 6, 1990. Myrtle was a 1931 graduate of West Allis High School. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree in 1935 from Whitewater State Teachers College and a Master of Arts, Business Education in 1964 from Northwestern University. Myrtle taught Business Education at Niles Township High Schools for 52 years, retiring in 1978, and continued to teach at private and public junior colleges in the suburban Chicago area until 1986. Myrtle retired from her job as a medical transcriptionist for the Cardiology Department of Highland Park Hospital at the age of 90. She was a longtime member of the former Redeemer Lutheran Church in Highland Park, Ill. She was also a life member of the National Education Association and past president and board member of Delta Pi Epsilon and CABEA. She was a classical pianist and organist and enjoyed traveling. Survivors include two daughters, Helen (John) Griffith of Sarasota, Florida, Marilyn (Thomas) Windau of Sheboygan Falls; five granddaughters, Rebecca (Erik) Rohde-Eckblad, Meredith (Matthew) Deegan, Myrra, Tamara, and Aleyna Windau. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Raymond Zelke; son-in-law, William Rohde; two sisters, Evelyn (John) Menick, Elsie (John) Laue; and brother, Arthur Harris. Visitation for Myrtle will be held on Monday, June 25, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Thomas Gudmundson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Waukesha. Online condolences may be sent to wenig@wenigfuneralhome.com. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Zelke family.