Thomas Zink

Madison/Darlington – We lost a unique and very loved soul when Tom Zink died on Monday, January 11, 2021. Tom battled and overcame many health issues over the years. After a courageous rally to say goodbye to all of his family, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

Tom was born on November 24, 1938 to Joseph and Elizabeth Zink of Springfield, IL. As a young man he worked as a draughtsman for Weaver MFG. in Springfield. After moving to Decauter, IL., Tom found his niche in insurance claims before finally moving to Madison, WI. where he worked for CUNA Mutual over twenty years until his retirement in 1995. Tom married Melissa Duff on January 23, 1987 in a beautiful ceremony in the Madison Capitol rotunda. Together they enjoyed the woods and waters in Southern Wisconsin and the desert and culture of Albuquerque, NM. and Phoenix, AZ.

Among Tom’s many passions were first and foremost his wife Melissa and their wonderful family and friends. Tom also loved driving fast, hunting, golf, fishing trips (with no poles), playing cards, fixing things, watching football and travel. With his wife Melissa he enjoyed trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, Great Britain and a special trip to China.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Melissa Zink; his brother Steve Zink and his wife Helen; sister Caroline Schuler; brother Paul Zink and Sheila; his sons: Jeff Zink, his wife Lisa and their children – Samantha Brunco and her husband Nick and their son Benson, and Jessica Zink; Brian Zink, his partner Anne Schuster-Zink and their children – Maggie and Braden; Mike Zink, his wife Deb and their son Zachary; step-son Geoff Shelton, his wife Vangeline Gand; step-daughter Stacey Shelton-Zink, her partner Austin Cummings and their son Slater.

Tom was close to and much loved by his in-laws Micky and Bill Rahhal, Robyn and Tony Ladino, Dennis and Linda Duff as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister Nancy McCurley and his first wife Ellen Lepper Zink.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made directly to

Second Harvest ( https://www.secondharvestmadison.org/donation-pages/donate ) or

The Nature Conservancy ( support.nature.org/donate ).

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434