Dewey R. Zentner, age 81, died peacefully at St Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. With his multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, his nine lives have now resulted in his eternal homegoing. Dewey was born the son of Ralph and Emma (Hulke) Zentner on July 20, 1942, in Merrill, WI. Dewey grew up in Merrill attending Lincoln grade school and Merrill High School.
He met the love of his life, June Tesky, the daughter of Richard and Mildred (Bartsch) Tesky while attending Jr. high and the two dated while in high school. June tells the story of knowing she would marry Dewey from the age of seventeen, they were married on June 30, 1962, at St. John Lutheran Church. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2023.
Dewey enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1966 and served in the CAC Unit for 13 months during the Vietnam War.
Following his deployment with the Marines, Dewey and June settled in Wausau and they spent 55 years there before moving to Appleton in 2022 to be near their daughter and her family. Dew was employed at The House of Merrill, Green Bay Packaging, Marmet Corp and Modu-line Windows prior to retiring in 2002.
Dewey and June had one daughter, Darci (Craig) Gerrits and were blessed with three granddaughters Jaida (Alex Ploor), Delainey and Maitea. Dew was the most loving and thoughtful man who was totally devoted to his family. He was known for his quick wit, and his ability to joke and tease at any moment.
Dewey enjoyed hunting, trap shooting with Dave Zibton, going to Eric “Ace” (I’ll take the toe but not the leg!) Oestreich’s hunting cabin in New Wood and spending time at Jill & Craig’s cabin in Tomahawk as well as going to the casino with cousin Al “Doodie” & Joy Hulke for a run at the leprechaun game.
He is survived by his wife June, daughter Darci (Craig) Gerrits; granddaughters Jaida (Alex Ploor), Delainey and Maitea; sister-in-law Joan Schmidt; nephew & nieces: Tom (Lynn), Jeff (Deb), and Mike (Linda) Zentner, Jim (Kathy) Schmidt, Jamey (Butch) Maki, and Jill (Craig) Haupt. Preceding him in passing are his parents, June’s parents, brother Don who was killed in Korea, brother Dale (Audrey) and brother-in-law Jim.
The family would like to extend its appreciation to the staff at Ascension St. Elizabeth, especially Dr. Misty Johnson and Erin Davidson, PA of Heart and Vascular for the many caring gestures and excellent care provided to Dew during his various stays this summer and also to Pastor Dan Johnston from Bethany Lutheran Church, Appleton.
A funeral service for Dewey will take place on Wednesday October 4, 2023, at 12:00pm at Bethany Lutheran Church, 530 West Parkway Blvd, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the service begins. Dewey will be laid to rest at Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery, King.
In Dewey’s words: It’s Fine, I’m Fine, Everything is Fine…