Victor O. Zuleger, age 89, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2003, at his home in Eau Claire, surrounded by his family.\r\nHe was born on September 10, 1913, in the Town of Browning (Medford), Wisconsin, to Anna (Frey) and Frank Zuleger. He grew up on his family's farm in Taylor County and as a young man he ventured to Chicago, seeking work. There, in 1936, he began his lifelong career with the U.S. Postal Service. Following his military service from 1941 to 1945, during World War II, Victor resumed that work. On November 2, 1946, he married Edith H. Neumann, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1947, the couple moved to Eau Claire, where they have made their home ever since. From their first year in Eau Claire, the couple maintained a strong bond with and numerous friendships through Epiphany Lutheran Church, a community from which Victor drew great strength to his very last day. Victor's life in Eau Claire was centered on family and church. He loved to garden, travel, and work. After his retirement from the Postal Service in 1973, Victor and Edith continued those loves. Victor maintained a garden every year until last spring, and the couple traveled from coast to coast and to Europe. Volunteer work rounded out Victor's many wonderful years of retirement. He continued working with Meals on Wheels until 2001 and served on numerous boards and committees in his church for the past 50 years, including Elder, Evangelism Board, Hmong Ministry, Mission and Ministry Board and the Outreach Ministry. Victor was also a member of VFW Post #305.\r\nHe is survived by his loving family: his devoted wife, Edith; three daughters, Renee Mellino, Victoria Straughn and Gail Eckwright; three sons by marriage who loved him as a father, Terry Eckwright, Dean Morse and Reinhard Stephan; five grandchildren who adored him, David Victor, Matthew, Sidonie, Frank and Mariah; a sister, Irma Sukup; and many nieces and nephews. With all of us, he shared his wisdom, his love of learning, his wit, his sense of duty to others, and his steadfast love---he was husband, father and friend, teaching us patience and love until the end.\r\nVictor was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.\r\nFuneral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at Epiphany Lutheran Church with Pastor Frederick C. Sauder officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call an hour prior to services Wednesday at the Church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home is serving the family.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Epiphany Lutheran Church.

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