William “Bill” Zezulka

William “Bill” Edward Zezulka, age 77 of Clarks Grove, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at his home with his wife by his side.

William “Bill” Zezulka

A visitation will be held from 4-6:00PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:00PM. A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at church. The service will be livestreamed.

Bill was born on May 10, 1947 to Raymond and Lorrayne (Wild) Zezulka on the family farm in New Albin, Iowa. On July 17, 1976 he married the love of his life, Esther Mary (Klimek) in Waukesha, Wisconsin. After 48 years of marriage, they renewed their vows at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church on June 22, 2024 after he became Catholic.

Bill graduated from Kee High School in Lansing, Iowa in 1966. After high school he worked in various meat packing plants before becoming a USDA government meat inspector. He worked in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana before settling in Minnesota. He worked at Wilson/Farmstead and Schweigert Foods before earning his Food Safety certificate from Texas A&M and retiring from Hormel in 2005. He received many awards and certificates of recognition during his years of work. After a short retirement, he worked at A.L. Bus Company until his passing.

Bill was very active in the community. He was a volunteer fire fighter on the Clarks Grove Fire Department for many years, was an active member on the Clarks Grove City Council, was a member of St. Theodore’s Catholic Church, was a member of the local snowmobile club and was always willing to help out his community. He also had many hobbies including camping, boating, fishing, traveling, attending NASCAR races, hunting, guns, driving through the State Park, roadtrips with his punkie, home projects, morning coffee at Gopher Stop and ALL things snowmobile. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife, Esther; their children, Paul (Dena) Zezulka, of Bangor, WI, Jennifer (Vinnie) Nordmeyer, of Brandon, SD, Lisa (Adam) Conn, of Albert Lea, MN, and Leah (Andy) Johnson, of Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren: Erin (Matt) Luethe, of West Salem, WI, Justin (Sarah) Zezulka, of Holmen, WI, Cade Klimek, of Brandon, SD, Connor Klimek, of Brandon, SD, Hannah Conn, of Rochester, MN, Tanner Conn, of Albert Lea, MN, Carter Conn, of Albert Lea, MN, Nolan Johnson, of Prior Lake, MN, Norah Johnson, of Prior Lake, MN and Waylon Johnson, of Prior Lake, MN; great-grandchildren: Wesley and Carson Luethe and Leo Zezulka, an aunt, sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Lance Klimek, parents, Raymond and Lorrayne Zezulka; brothers, Roger and Robert Zezulka; in-laws, Stella and Edward Klimek, and many other close family and friends.

Bill will be missed by all who knew him. His storytelling, life advice, and caring and helping heart will always be remembered.