Obit: Zuleger, Edith H. (1921 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Carlson, Eckwright, Hamann, Heupel, Mellino, Morse, Neumann, Zuleger

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 3/29/2018

Zuleger, Edith H. (6 AUG 1921 - 27 MAR 2018)

Edith H. Zuleger, 96, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Syverson Lutheran Home in Eau Claire. She lived her final days as she had lived her entire life, with courage, dignity, strength and an enduring faith and trust in God.

Edith was born on Aug. 6, 1921 in the town of Chelsea to William and Mary (Hamann) Neumann. She grew up on her family’s farm in Taylor County and as a young woman she ventured to Milwaukee where she worked at International Harvester as part of the war effort. After the war, Edith remained in Milwaukee for post-war work at a small business. She frequently took the bus back to the family farm on weekends and on one special weekend she sat with a young man from the Medford area, Victor Zuleger. They dated for a time and subsequently were married on Nov. 2, 1946. They moved to Eau Claire in 1947 and were married for 56 years at the time of Victor’s death in 2003.

Edith believed in the value of work and in her early married years she worked as an Avon sales representative. In later years she found her calling in retail sales at the downtown women’s apparel shop, Edwin’s. Later she worked at Maurice’s, both downtown and at the mall. She retired in 1989, but she continued to work as a volunteer with the Chippewa Valley Museum where she enjoyed giving tours of the one room schoolhouse. Alongside her husband, Edith also delivered Meals on Wheels in the Eau Claire area for many years. Edith was a highly creative woman who sewed for herself and her daughters, knitted, made hats and always could be counted on to be stylishly dressed for every occasion. Her home reflected her strong interest in decorating, as well.

Family and friends were most important to Edith and she made many enduring friendships through her active participation with Epiphany Lutheran and Our Redeemer Lutheran churches. Edith sang in the choirs, was actively engaged with the Ladies Aid society, worked many years on the Altar Guild and participated with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Edith was thankful for every opportunity for spiritual growth through regular church attendance and participation in Bible study groups throughout her adult life.

Edith is survived by her loving family, daughters, Renée Mellino and Gail Eckwright; son-in-law, Dean Morse; five grandchildren who cherished her, David, Matthew, Sidonie, Frank and Mariah; great-grandchild, Oscar; and many nieces and nephews. With all of us, she shared her enjoyment of life, her wit and humor, her loyalty to family and friends, her strength and pluck in taking on challenging tasks, and most of all, her ability to love, forever and ever. We will miss you, dearest mom, grandma, aunt and friend.

Edith was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor; her precious daughter, Victoria; her parents; six sisters; and three brothers.

The family wishes to extend deepest gratitude to the staff at Syverson for their compassionate and loving care of Edith during her fourteen months as a resident. We are especially grateful to the first-floor nurses and CNAs who worked tirelessly at helping Edith with her physical limitations and enabling her to enjoy her time as a member of the Syverson community. We are also very grateful for the attentive care provided by Mayo Hospice nurses, doctor, social worker and chaplain, who showed great compassion toward Edith and her family during the past months. We are thankful to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church pastors and lay staff for their supportive ministry over the years and to Appeal to Heaven private nursing service for heartfelt care these past months.

As per Edith’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St., Eau Claire, with Reverend Timothy Heupel and Reverend Jeff Carlson officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until the time of the service at the church. Interment will take place at a later date.

Lenmark-Gosmrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting her family. Memorials may be given in Edith’s name to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church wall project or to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, visit www.lenmarkfh.com.