Bob Zielinski Obituary from Toledo, OH news paper

[Brian J. Gawlak]

Robert "Bob" Zielinski, age 63, of West Toledo, passed away early Monday
morning, August 23, 2004, in the Arbors at Sylvania Subacute and
Rehabilitation Ctr. He was born December 9, 1940, in Toledo to William and
Kathleen (Zielinski) Zielinski and was a 1958 graduate of Central Catholic
High School. Bob worked almost 30 years for the Chase Bag Co. as an
Industrial Sewing Machine Mechanic retiring in September of 1989. A very
active member of the ACTWU (Amalgamated Clothing Textile Workers Union), Bob
served as president and vice president. As an employee of the Chase Bag Co.,
he was a contract negotiator fighting hard for his fellow workers' benefits,
establishing the first pension plan. He also served as the Regional Joint
Board president of ACTWU under the late Kenny DeLong. A renowned and
accomplished accordion player, Bob had celebrated 40 years in the polka
business in March of 2000. He and his band had played for many events,
clubs, and festivals from New York to Florida and Massachusetts to Illinois
and many states in between. He played the first Polka Mass at St. Hyacinth
Catholic Church and recorded a Polka Mass for Shut-Ins and made live TV
appearances. His Polka Band was named the King's Men Orchestra, which began
as a 4 piece band in February of 1960, as a result of a friend requiring a
polka band for his wedding. From that time on, Bob's career as a Polka Band
leader was launched. He and his band played initially at the Polish "Village
Tavern" (Rossford) every Friday and Saturday, followed by bookings at the
Rustic Lodge 18 years (Erie, MI) on Sunday afternoons, and "Grays Nite Club"
10 years (Toledo) on Saturday nights. His band had also recorded on several
labels and received 5 Grammy nominations. In 1965 Bob and his band were
inducted into the Toledo Musician Hall of Fame. In 1990 his band expanded
into a 10 full piece orchestra for that full "Big Band" sound and in 1995
was entered into the International Music Association Hall of Fame. Later a
radio Polka Show was started by his wife, Joyce with Bob as the DJ. In 1995
his son, Chris took over the band, but sadly in 2002, the King's Men
Orchestra was disbanded due, mostly to Bob's failing health. He was a
parishioner for over 20 years at his beloved St. Joseph Catholic Church
(Locust St.), where he served as parish council president and sacristan. As
a Catholic, one of Bob's most treasured experiences was meeting Pope John
Paul II. He will be fondly remembered not only as a staunch negotiator,
talented accordion player and band leader, but also as a devoted and loving
husband, father and grandfather who thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Joyce A. (Kremnec) whom he
married October 2, 1965; daughter, Laura L. (Troy) Estes of Toledo; son,
Christopher (Sally) Zielinski of Toledo; best buddy and grandson, Stephen
Estes, and beautiful princess and granddaughter, Abigail Zielinski, who will
both truly miss him. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death
by his brothers, David and Donald Zielinski.
Family and friends may visit Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and Thursday from 2-8
p.m. in the Sujkowski Funeral Home, Northpointe, 114-128 E. Alexis Rd. where
on Thursday a rosary will be led at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will begin
Friday at 9:15 a.m. in the mortuary and continue with the Mass of Christian
Burial in St. Joseph Church, 628 Locust St. at Erie, at 10:00 a.m. Interment
will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to
St. Joseph Catholic Church, P.O. Box 790, Toledo, OH 43697-0790. Please view
and sign the guest registry at www.sujkowski.com