Kenneth Allen Zielinski, 66, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away on November 10, 2025, at Ascend in Aurora.

Ken was born on September 7, 1959, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Donald and Rosemary (Hilliard) Zielinski. After proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Ken spent many years as a truck driver before following his true passion working with animals. Alongside his beloved wife Ginger, he owned and operated Zielinski Chocolate Labs and           K & GZ Heelers, where together they raised and trained dogs to serve as therapy and service companions.

Ken and Ginger were married on March 5, 1983, and shared nearly four decades of love and devotion before her passing on October 15, 2021. On October 29, 2022, Ken found love again when he married Peggy Carpenter at "Someplace Nice" in Monett, Missouri.

Ken was a man who lived fully and loved deeply. He enjoyed the open road on his Harley-Davidson, the quiet strength of his horses, and the loyal companionship of the dogs he trained. Above all, his granddaughter, Sydney, was the light of his life and brought him endless joy.

He will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and animals alike.

Survivors include his loving wife, Peggy Zielinski; one son, Cody Zielinski and his wife Jessica, and their children of Republic; one granddaughter, Sydney Zielinski and her mother, Jennifer Douglas, of Springfield; one brother, Karl Zielinski and his wife Rachell of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; four sisters, Christine Fountaine of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Donna Thomas and her husband Paul, of Merril, Wisconsin, Cindy Wade and her husband Shane, of Jefferson, Wisconsin, and Melinda Jung, of Hustisford, Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews; and one sister in law, Perrin Zielinski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by one son, Robert Zielinski, and one brother Daniel Zielinski, and one brother-in-law Todd Fountaine.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, at White Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor John Hile officiating. A visitation will be held two hours prior to service.

Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, with military honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project and entrusted to White Funeral Home and Crematory.

Service arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri.