Mary Zeilenga

Mary Zeilenga age 73, of Sioux Center, Iowa died, Friday, January 12, 2024, at her Sioux Center residence. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at New Life Church in Sioux Center with Rev. Dr. Travis Else officiating.  Interment will follow the service in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Zeilinga family prefers memorials to be directed to the Kinsey Elementary School reading program. 

Mary Lynn Zeilenga was born May 20, 1950, to Marion and Gerdena (Koerselman) Wissink in Hull, Iowa.  She grew up in Sioux Center, Iowa and graduated from Sioux Center High School and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. 

On December 22, 1973, Mary was married to Art Zeilenga at the First Reformed Church in Sioux Center.  The couple made their home in Sioux Center.  She was a member of Good Shepherd Church in Sioux Center. 

Mary taught at the Sioux Center Community Schools for many years, always having a loving dedication to helping her students with their reading and learning skills. Teaching was a passion for her, and she loved helping students reach their potential. 

In her free time, Mary enjoyed traveling with Art, sightseeing, and camping in various areas.  She was a proud mother and grandmother and cherished the time spent with her family.  She also had many close friendships that seemed like family. 

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Art Zeilenga of Sioux Center; two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Tiffany Zeilenga of Sheldon, Iowa and Eric and Hannah Zeilenga of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren: Micah, Elizabeth and Rebekah Zeilenga; three siblings: Darwin and Carol Wissink of Niwot, CO, Darrell and Patty Wissink of Lincoln, NE and Rhonda and Ron Wheeler of Godley, TX as well as her nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded by her parents, Marion and Gerdena Wissink.