JOHN ZEINERT

JOHN ZEINERT

February 16, 1928 - July 23, 2023

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Obituary

John A. Zeinert, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Cherry Meadows Hospice, Appleton. He was born February 16, 1928, in Neenah, son of the late Alfred and Sarah (Stacker) Zeinert.

John was a life-long resident of the Fox Valley. He graduated from UW-Oshkosh and received his Master's degree from UW-Madison. He served in the US Air Force near Augsburg, Germany, where he served as a cryptologist. On August 13, 1966, he married Karen O'Neil at Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah. Together they enjoyed life in rural Neenah.

John began his professional career by teaching in the Kewaunee School District for two years, followed by over 29 years in the Oshkosh School District, spending most of his time teaching history at Oshkosh North High School. In 1988 he was given the Wisconsin History Teacher of the Year award. He also believed in donating blood, and he reached the 13-gallon level.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Neenah-Menasha, the Fox Valley Camera Club, Retired Men's Club, and was a member of B.R.A.W. Bluebird Association of Wisconsin. John enjoyed photography, gardening, blue birding, baking bread, and traveling to Switzerland, Canada, and around the United States. He supported and enjoyed concerts of the Milwaukee Symphony and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestras.

Survivors include his sister: Carol Rosenberg, sister-in-law, Pat Zeinert, brother-in-law, Dennis (Sally) O'Neil; nephews and nieces: Peter (Lisa) Rosenberg, Lyn (Tim) McCarthy, Ann Rosenberg, Scott (Gabby) Zeinert, Brad (Jody) Zeinert, Christopher (Sarah) O'Niel, and Teri O'Niel.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Zeinert, brother, Paul Zeinert, and brother-in-law, Bob Rosenberg.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church of Neenah-Menasha, 108 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah, with Rev. Ben Morris officiating. The visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Memorials may be given to the First Methodist Church of Neenah-Menasha or the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin.

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LM
Lawrence Muehrer
Other •
I am very sorry to read about Mr Zeinert's passingbut glad to read that he lived along fruitful, educational life. I like the bluebird heading picture for his obituary. He was one of my favorite teachers at North. His example & teaching encouraged me to be a teacher, earn an MA, and be a blood donor. I never understood quite his John Birch Society membership, but I guess that was part of his being somewhat conservative. I felt he was a very good, intelligent, and humorous man. May he rest in peace!
SK
Sara Klawikowski
Other •
I will miss John’s quick wit and thoughtful nature. He had the heart of a teacher. I’m also grateful for the bluebird houses he installed for me and thrilled I successfully had a whole family fledge this year. He would have loved that. I think of John every time I look out my windows. 
BM
Bill Monroe
Other •
I didn’t know him as John, I knew him as Mr.Zeinert. I graduated from high school over 40 years ago but I still clearly remember Mr.Zeinert. He was the finest high school teacher I had at Oshkosh North. Shame on me for never sending him a note to thank him for his support when I was a student - he was an excellent teacher and a very good person!
FS
Former Student
Other •
Mr. Zeinert (JAZ to some students of my era) was one of the 5 or so outstanding and influential teachers at ONHS of that time. He wanted us to learn history, current events, and to be healthily skeptical of what we read - knowing that the 'victors' write the history. His lively intellect and sense of humor were always on display.
LM
Larry McCann
Other •
Mr. Z was one of my favorite teachers. I have a life long interest in current events and I credit him and those Friday current events quizzes. I also gave blood for the first time while in high school, thanks to Mr. Z's passion for it. However, I never was that interested in chinchillas, but what little I know about them I learned from him! We learned a lot more than history from you! Rest in peace Mr. Z.
MS
Merrie Schamberger
Other •
I met John at the Neenah farmers market and always looked forward to his beautiful flowers and photo cards. He was a very interesting man. We had a few things in common and would usually talk about nature and the beautiful places we have seen. He will be missed.

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