Stephen Zielke

Stephen “Steve” P. Zielke, 83, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. Visitation for Steve will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Platteville Free Methodist Church, 350 E. Furnace St, Platteville. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the church, with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Rev. Jeff Suits will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Steve was born on October 9, 1942, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Carl and Anita (Taylor) Zielke. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1960 and subsequently earned a Business Administration Degree from UW-Platteville in 1966. He was also united in marriage to Judy (Weber) Zielke-Wilson in that same year – subsequently they had two children: Steve and Maria. In 1967, Steve returned to Platteville enroute to a 40 year career at UW-Platteville, serving in a variety of administrative roles including housing, business affairs and administrative services. In 1968, Steve earned a Master’s Degree in journalism from the UW-Madison.

Steve grew up loving sports, having participated in youth baseball, basketball, curling and golf. He developed a lifelong passion for the game of golf. Steve’s golf accomplishments included four holes-in-one, four ”The Other Open” medalist honors, and shooting his age numerous times. He also held the position of Men’s Head Golf Coach for much of his UW-Platteville career.

Steve will also be remembered for serving as a primary liaison between UW-Platteville and the Chicago Bears for 18 years of summer training camp from 1984 -2001. He was also dubbed “Father of the Cheese League” which hosted up to 6 NFL teams in Wisconsin during the 1990s. Steve was also an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan.

On July 22, 2000, he married Ginger (McFall) Davis at the Evangelical Free Church in Platteville.

Steve will be most remembered for his extraordinary ability to build relationships - this is where he truly excelled. He treated everyone consistently with warmth, respect and a little humility. However, spending time with his family meant the world to him and these relationships were truly his greatest joy.

Steve is survived by his wife, Ginger and their growing family. Their children include Steve (Bridgitt) Zielke, Maria Martinez, Dawn Lange, Chelsea Shea and Megan (Conrad) Frey. Grandchildren include Cecelia, Cooper, Sarah, Adrien, Elliot, Lexie, Charlie, Macie, Allie, Olivia and Walker. Brothers and sisters-in-law include Carol Zielke, Gary (Victoria) McFall, Kathy (Joe) Kopp, Mark (Monse) McFall, Patricia Zimmerman, Glen (Betty) McFall and Beverly (Perry) Hubert. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and other extended family that were also very important to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Carl Zielke, his son-in-law David Martinez, and his brother-in-law Mark Zimmerman.