Sherwood Zink

Madison - Sherwood K. Zink, age 79, died Friday, September 23, in Madison, surrounded by family. He died after a courageous four-year fight with blood cancer. He was born on May 23, 1943, in Madison, the son of Marcel and Rachel (Richardson) Zink, and spent his childhood between Blaisdell Lake, WI, where his parents owned a resort, and Punta Gorda, FL. He graduated from UW Madison with a BS majoring in sociology and economics and then attended UW Madison law school, graduating in 1969.

Sherwood started his law career in Park Falls, WI, before moving to Madison to start a family and work as an attorney for the state for 28 years. He worked in numerous departments including the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Department of Workforce Development. He was proud of his career and his role as president of the Wisconsin State Attorneys Association for ten years, his involvement in the Wisconsin State Bar Association, and his role on the Wisconsin State Bar Board of Governors for about six years. Sherwood was instrumental in developing child support laws and a child support program that helped so many families across the state of Wisconsin, parts of the United States, and abroad.

Outside of his career, Sherwood enjoyed traveling around the US and throughout Europe. In addition, he enjoyed spending time with family at their house at Green Lake, WI, bird hunting with his two springer spaniels, and being outdoors in northern Wisconsin. He was a proud father and ‘Papa’ to his four grandchildren.

Sherwood was survived by his wife Mary, (Boese) Zink; daughter, Kendra (David) Tovey; son, Kenton (Libby) Zink; and grandchildren, Amelia Tovey (15), Bronwyn Tovey (11), Oliver Zink (11), and Esmé Zink (7). He and Mary celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in January. Sherwood was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ramona (Zink) Thorne.

There will be an intimate memorial service at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to the Green Lake Conservancy Association ( greenlakeconservancy.org/donate/ ).

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434