Harold "Butch" Zelten

Harold “Butch’’ Zelten, 93 years young, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024. He was born June 18, 1931, in De Pere, the son of Everson and Emma (Vander Heiden) Zelten. Butch served his country during the Korean Conflict, from 1952 to 1953 as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He married June Bacon and she preceded him in death on March 11, 1977. He married Verna Selner Peters on June 20, 1980, at St. Mary Catholic Community, De Pere. Butch was an auto technician at Broadway Garage for 44 years. Butch took care of the lawns at Associated Bank and St. Mary’s Catholic Community.

Butch coordinated the Military Honor Guard for VFW Post 2113 of De Pere. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Community and of Abbot Pennings Council 3955 of the Knights of Columbus. In 2003, Butch was presented the De Pere VFW Post 2113 Member of the Year Award, and in 2005 the Silver Knight Award. Before and after retirement he was also a De Pere volunteer fireman, a Boy Scout leader, and with the Knights of Columbus volunteered at the Christmas tree lot and at the Pink Flamingo. Butch was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and served as a handyman for The Bridge Between Retreat Center. In 2014, he went on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Survivors include his daughters, Sr. Laura Zelten, OSF; Amy Zelten, Jo Ellen (Dan) Zmek, Meg (Craig) Kolb; grandchildren, Jeff Taylor, Lydia Zmek, Joe (Taylor) Zmek, Alexandria “Allie” (Marc) Sacia, Kyle Kolb; great-grandchildren, Kobus Taylor, Juliana and Theo Zmek, Emma and Chloe Ann Sacia, sisters, Janet (Larry) Van Grunsven, Joyce (Bill) Lindsley; sisters-in-law, Shirley and Rosalie Zelten; Verna’s family, Irene Ledvina, Arlene Kozlovsky, La Verne Selner; special niece, Darlene Amenson; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Verna, first wife, June; sister, Delores Baeten, brothers, Jerome and Ron; brothers-in-law, Ralph Baeten, Jerry Ledvina and Leonard Selner.

We are grateful for the care given to Butch by Woodside Lutheran Senior Care and Unity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds for Sisters of St. Francis and St. Mary Catholic Community has been established.

Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Rev. Mike Ingold and Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.