Colleen L. Zettler
Colleen L. Zettler, age 94, passed away peacefully to meet her beloved husband Bill, on August 11, 2021, at St Francis where she was under Hospice care. She was born December 26, 1926, in Marshfield, WI the daughter of Melvin and Dala Baer. She graduated from Marshfield High School in 1944. On Feb 15, 1946, she married William D. Zettler in Marshfield after he returned from the war in Europe.
We would like to thank the Health Care Angels at St. Francis Terrace and Agnesian Health Care where she had been a resident for the last five years. They cared for her as one of their own. She was known there as one of the “Sassy” ones. Mom was a fighter to the end but succumbed after a fall with multiple fractures.
Colleen was a devout Catholic, and strived to live her life as a Christian. After her retirement she volunteered as an Agnesian Hospice volunteer.
From the pain of childbirth through the worst pain of losing her infant son Stephen and oldest son Billy, she was our Mom and grandmother, giving us unconditional love, but not excusing bad behavior!
Colleen started her work career as a secretary in Madison and then office worker at Lange and Scharman in Marshfield. After her children were older in Fond du lac, she started in the store at Taycheedah Correctional Institution. She advanced to Personnel Director at the Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution, serving as temporary warden at times. She also travelled to the Black River falls Correctional institution to train people there.
Colleen was an avid reader and was always finishing a novel. She was also an accomplished sewer, completing custom curtains for several homes, and wedding gowns for others, as well as clothing for her own family. The family had two horses and pony for many years and travelling to horse shows and events at Horseshoe Springs stables was a great experience. Colleen loved life, and a good party in particular, and didn’t mind being a cutup to add to the fun. She was in several bridge clubs, Homemakers, and her group of lady friends. She loved dining out with family and friends preferring Salty’s, Green Acres and earlier Pier 15. Her favorite drink was a vodka martini in a tub with a twist, and she would enjoy one before there would be any talk of being seated for dinner.
She is survived by three children, Kathleen Zettler, Madison, John (Dea) Zettler, Fond du lac, Gerry Zettler, Winona Minn.; daughter-in-law, Renee, Fond du lac; five grandchildren, Kevin, Oakland, CA, Katie and Bryan, Chicago, IL , and Chelsea and Nicole, Minneapolis, MN. Kinney and Selset Nieces and Nephews Seattle, WA.
She was preceded in death her beloved husband Bill, her parents, an infant son, Stephen Zettler, and her oldest son Billy Zettler. Many friends have passed, but many remain at St. Francis Terrace.
We Love you Mom !
A memorial mass for Colleen will be held at the St. Francis Home Chapel at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com