Oswald 'Ole' Zinke

Oswald Adolph "Ole" Zinke, 92, passed away Feb. 22, 2007, from a sudden medical condition at his home in Whitefish.

Ole was born May 18, 1915, to Fred and Christina Zinke in McClusky, N.D., one of 10 children.

Many of Ole's early years were spent working for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Glendive, where he met and married Earleen Grace Johnson. They were married for 70 years.

They later moved the family to California and then moved to Kalispell, where Ole started work as an apprentice plumber. He later moved to Whitefish and started Ole's Plumbing and Heating on Central Avenue.

Ole was a strong, honest and hard-working man. He was involved in the Whitefish Winter Carnival, loved the family cabin on Whitefish Lake, enjoyed working on his small farm south of Whitefish, and enjoyed his membership in the Moose Lodge.

He was also a longtime member of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

"Ole will 'walk tall' with our Lord in heaven."

Ole was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters; his son, Ray Dale Zinke; and his grandson, Hunter Hale.

He is survived by his wife, Earleen, of Whitefish; his daughters, Greta Hale of Whitefish, and Shirley Silliker and husband, Jack, of Whitefish; his son, David Zinke, and wife, Laurie, of Missoula; his daughter-in-law, Patricia Zinke; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; his nephew, Gerald Stagner, of Bigfork; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

Cremation has taken place. Graveside services will take place on Ole's birthday, May 18. A celebration of life will follow.

Austin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.