Shirley Sonnenberg Zielske

Shirley Sonnenberg Zielske, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother of nine, musician, and woman of deep faith, passed away on December 9, 2025, at age 95. Born and raised by her grandmother, Grandma Fetzer, in a German‑speaking home, Shirley grew into a strong, disciplined, and creative woman.

Music was central to Shirley’s life. She taught piano lessons for many years and sang in church choirs with her husband, Ed—both gifted vocalists who often served as soloists. In later years she directed and accompanied choirs, sharing her talent generously with her church, which was the heart of the Zielske family’s life.

As the wife of a Lutheran school principal, Shirley supported Ed’s demanding work while lovingly raising their three boys. She was an excellent cook and baker, a skilled seamstress, and an artistic painter—always creating beauty and comfort for her family.  

Shirley is remembered for her devotion, creativity, and steady love. She is reunited with her husband Ed and her eldest son Nathan and leaves behind a family deeply grateful for her life and legacy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 20th at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley's memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church - Music Ministry 

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