Obituary
Rita Marie Zielinski, transitioned to her final resting place in heaven on June 16, 2024. All of her children (and beloved daughters-in-law) were able to visit with her shortly before her passing. She was 87. Rita was a Florida resident since 2008.
Rita was born on March 4, 1937 in Calumet City, Illinois. She was a cheerleader in high school, having graduated from Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, Illinois. She married her life and business partner, Eugene Zielinski, of Calumet City, Illinois, on January 5, 1957. They celebrated 67 years of marriage earlier this year. She was bookkeeper/clerk for the Insurance Company of North America (INA) for several years after the marriage. Eventually, she and her husband formed Custom Enterprises, Inc. which was a staple in the Calumet City, Lansing, Illinois and Highland, Indiana communities for several decades. She worked alongside her husband, Eugene, at the Lansing, Illinois location that provided gasoline and full-service automobile repairs for over thirty years. The business expanded into towing services as well as achieved award-winning Dollar Rent-A-Car franchise status.
She raised five children, Michael (Mary Beth) Zielinski (Dec’d 2019), David Zielinski, John (Laura) Zielinski, Joseph (Tracy) Zielinski, and Jeanie Sue (George) Hutchinson. She was most proud of all of her grandchildren, Angela Zielinski, Andrew (Amanda) Zielinski, David Zielinski, Jeffrey Zielinski, Steven (Sarah) Zielinski, Paul Zielinski, Caitlyn Zielinski, Kevin Zielinski, Ryan Zielinski (Dec’d 2005), Lillie Hutchinson and Lexi Hutchinson.
In addition to the above, Rita’s memory will be kept alive by her beloved siblings, Dorothy Vasilko, Thomas (Millicent) Pawlowski, her in-laws, including Lawrence (Carol) Zielinski, Jacqueline (Robert) Wittle, Sharon McClellan, Joseph (Doris) Zielinski, Lorraine Pawlowski, and numerous nephews, nieces, as well as grand-nephews and grand-nieces (including those of her deceased brothers, Raymond Pawlowski and Jack Pawlowski).
The family wishes to thank Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care in The Villages for its compassionate care. Family & friends will be notified of a celebration of Rita’s life to be scheduled this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to Cornerstone Hospice. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
I will always be grateful to Rita and Gene. Personally, their impact on my life will never be forgotten.
Rita was a gem that can never be replaced.
My deepest sympathies to the Zielinski and Pawlowski families . ❤️❤️