Zeno E. Yelk, age 92, was called to heaven on Monday, March 30, 2020 at Randolph Health Services. Zeno was born March 10, 1928 the sixth child of Frank and Agnes (Goetzinger) Yelk in Marshall, WI. He was united in marriage to Georgene Rennock April 07, 1951. He is a member of Holy Family Catholic church. He worked at Monarch Range in Beaver Dam for several years and then at Wisconsin Brick & Block of Madison until his retirement. After working a fulltime job, he would return home to work his 40 acre farm. From the late 1970’s to the early 1990’s he would help his wife Georgene in her business running the Z & G Calf-a-teria. After retirement he continued farming and took on the additional task of helping plant, grow and sell garden produce at the local farmers markets with his wife. He respected the soil in the fields and gardens. He wanted the land to be preserved for future generations. He loved the sunshine and had an uncanny ability to see the beauty around him. Zeno enjoyed traveling with his wife. The first trip was to New York in 1964 to see the World’s fair. That was followed by trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Ireland as well as numerous trips across the U.S. for gambling, site seeing and other entertainment. He knew the value of exercise and rode his exercise bike every morning and walked every day up until almost the end. Zeno was a strong, smart, honest, hardworking, good man. His first priority was providing and caring for his family. He was a hero to his children. He taught them to wink, to make a blade of grass whistle and to make jump ropes out of twine. He was always there to help neighbors as well as strangers. He loved animals and they seemed to know it. He will be remembered for the twinkle in his sparkling blue eyes that drew people in, his entertaining stories of days gone by and his spontaneous laugh. Zeno is survived by six children; Karen (Dave) Christianson, Margie (Charlie) Kline, Janet Yelk-Kenitz, Doris (Bill) Yelk-Wilberg, Donny Yelk and Ken Yelk. He is further survived by eleven grandchildren Paul (Laura), Frank and Gary; Nathan, K.C. and Donnie; Emily and Colin, Willie; Ed (Amber) and Karlene; eight great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Barb Parpart, other relatives and friends. He was preceeded in death by his wife of 64 years, parents and in laws; brothers Leonard, Robert, Harvey and Vernon; and sisters Ruth Suchomel, Dorothy Snow, and Lorraine Yelk; son-in-law Michael Kenitz. The family would like to thank all the medical professionals that helped in Zeno’s care in his final days. A private Christian graveside service will be held at the Lowell Cemetery April 8th for immediate family only. Fr. Michael J. Erwin will officiate.
