Dr. Walter L. Zielonko 83, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, born February 10, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, died Sunday December 10, 2006 at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Illinois.

Dr. Zielonko served in the U.S. Army as a Captain in a MASH Unit in Seoul, Korea and Tokyo, Japan, where he was stationed. Upon his discharge from the Army, Dr. and Mrs. Zielonko were living in Maywood, Illinois. They came to visit a doctor friend in Marine, Illinois and were strongly encouraged to start a practice in Troy, Illinois. Taking the advice of this good friend, they moved to Troy, Illinois in 1951 and started a practice and a family. They were blessed with five sons. Dr. Zielonko was among the founders of Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Illinois in 1985. Dr. Zielonko retired in 2002 with 51 years of service in medicine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Veronica (nee:Halicki) Zielonko.

Surviving are his wife, Florence (nee: Shotts) Zielonko of Glen Carbon, Illinois whom he married May 11, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, his sons, William (Alice) Zielonko of Sunset Hills, Missouri, Thomas (Debbie) Zielonko of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Martin (Teresa) Zielonko of Festus, Missouri, Frederick (Lori) Zielonko of Chesterfield, Missouri, and Stephen (Terri) Zielonko of Glen Carbon,Illinois, and 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Zachary, Stephanie, Harper, Dylan, Quinn, Connor, Alexander, Matthew, John and Jeremy Zielonko.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or in the form of Masses.

VISITATION: No visitation is planned.

FUNERAL: Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Dr. Zielonko's honor on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Troy, Illinois with Father Joseph Kerber officiating. There will be a private interment.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.laughlinfh.com