Racine – Michael Charles Zelenski, age 68, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 27, 2014 surrounded by loving family.  He succumbed to plasma cell leukemia, an aggressive development of the multiple myeloma he battled in recent years.

Michael was born in Burlington on November 27, 1945 to the late John Michael and Loretta (nee: Bieneman) Zelenski. A 1963 graduate of St. Mary's Catholic High School, he went on to attend Dominican College. Academically gifted, Mike received a full scholarship under the National Defense Educational Act for graduate school at Notre Dame University, but interrupted his studies in February 1969 to fill in as a replacement English teacher at St. Catherine's High School. This fateful choice began a lifelong career as a well-respected educator that continued at SCHS until 2012 when his health began to decline.

On a very snowy December 28, 1968 he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Phyllis Evelyn (nee: Feider) Zelenski at St. Wendel Catholic Church in Cleveland, WI. His adult life was marked by various pursuits that combined eccentric sensibilities, vivid communication skills, and uncommon common sense. He was active in Racine Theater Guild, the Lakeside Players at Rhode Opera House, and the WGTD Radio Theater. With a deep Christian faith, Mike was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. As a caring father and outdoor enthusiast, Mike served as a Cub Master and Boy Scout leader, and enjoyed fishing, boating, and kayaking, especially on the Chippewa Flowage where he built a cabin. Nature was always close, with a home collection of snakes, lizards, bees, and other unusual pets that often became props in his educational shows.  In later years he developed an avid interest and impressive knowledge of sports, especially the Packers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Surviving are his loving wife of 45 years, Phyllis; their children, John Michael (Cheryl Harasymchuk) Zelenski, William Christopher (April) Zelenski and Paul Robert (Amy Smith) Zelenski; brothers, Robert (MaryAnn) Zelenski, Joseph (Phyllis) Zelenski and Richard (Audriene) Zelenski; mother-in-law, Lucille Feider; brothers-in-law, William Weis, Dr. Robert (Margaret) Feider, Dr. Dennis (Barbara) Feider and Dr. Bruce (Roxanne) Feider; sisters-in-law, Carol (Richard) Gross and Mary Beth Feider; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives, thousands of former students and friends – too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Weis; sister-in-law, Virginia Zelenski; father-in-law, Dr. Arnold Feider; brother-in-law, Arnold Feider; and nephew, Joe Feider.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 11:30 am with Rev. Bill Dietzler, Rev. Terry Huebner and Rev. Mark Jones officiating. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church Friday from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Memorials may be directed to your choice of charities or organizations that represent Mike's life and loves. Recently he was fond of the International Crane Foundation and Heifer International.

A special note of thanks to the many, many physicians, medical providers, and caregivers for everything they have done for Mike in the past few years. Also, much love to all of our family members and friends for the many acts of kindness, prayers and support during Mike's time of need. May God bless all of you!