Thomas J. Zielinski Obituary
Thomas James Zielinski, 85, of Pinconning, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026.
He was born on January 7, 1941, in Bay City, Michigan, to Edward and Florence Zielinski. Tom graduated from St. James High School and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he studied agriculture.
Tom was a hardworking and driven man—an entrepreneur at heart. He was the owner of TZ Sales for many years in which his stepson, Daniel helped run, a dedicated farmer, and a businessman who took pride in everything he built and maintained.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a sharpshooter, earning recognition as a Distinguished Honor Graduate along with a Superior Marksmanship Award.
Tom is survived by his stepson Daniel (Kristen) Biskupski; and his stepdaughter, Lisa (Robert) Biskupski-Pangborn and son, Eric Zielinski. He was a proud grandfather to Jessica (Mark) Girgis, Payten (John) Laverty, and Paige (Kevin) Lobodzinski, and was also blessed with many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Florence Zielinski; his brother, Harry Zielinski; his sister, Jane Proulx; and his beloved son, Thomas Zielinski (Tommy), a loss from which he never fully recovered.
Tom embraced life fully and found joy in simple pleasures. For the past 25 years, he enjoyed winter in Florida as a snowbird. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing with friends, and was an avid polka dancer—often the center of attention on the dance floor, with no shortage of partners eager to join him. Known for his resourcefulness, Tom had a knack for fixing just about anything, earning him the reputation of being a "MacGyver" in his own right.
He cherished his weekly Sunday conversations with his son-in-law, Robert, especially when it came to placing friendly bets on NASCAR races. A natural storyteller, Tom had a gift for captivating those around him—whether his tales were rooted in truth or sprinkled with a bit of imagination.
Tom will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his humor, his ingenuity, and the love he had for his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, laughter, and unforgettable stories.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
