Dateline: Claflin, Kansas
Donald Vincent Zink, 81, passed away February 10, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born December 17, 1939, in Hutchinson, to Anton J. and Evelyn J. (Vincent) Zink. Donald married Beverly Joan Lichter July 23, 1960, in Olmitz. She died March 20, 2016.
A long-time resident of Claflin and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Donald was an electronic technician for various industries, retiring from U.S.D. 354. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, where he was involved in religious education and served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector. “The Voice of the Wildcats”, as Donald was known, enjoyed gardening, baking pies, cheesecake and bread. Civically, he had previously served as municipal judge for Claflin. Above all, his devotion was to his family, especially enjoying time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Zink and wife Melanie of Ellinwood, and Mark A. Zink of Salina; three daughters, Susan R. Zink of Lindsborg, Janet M. Klug and husband Kent of Overland Park, and Joni M. Haines and husband Don of Great Bend; six brothers, Thomas Zink of Bayfield, Col., James Zink of Hoisington, Michael Zink of Great Bend, Christopher Zink of Hutchinson and Anthony "Bill" Zink of Ellinwood; five sisters, Janice Struble of Wichita, Anita Meade of Hoisington, Carole Gray of Overland Park, Deborah Zink of Seward and Marie Mayers of Albert; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother William Zink; and two sisters, Judith Brown and Clare Zink.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, February 15, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, with Father Terrence Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Bushton. Visitation will be 3:00 to 8:00 pm, Sunday, February 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 pm. Memorials may be given to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.