St. Clair County Obits

HELEN HIRNI ZINK

Mrs. Helen Hirni Zink, 83, died Thursday, November 4, at Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City. She was the daughter of E. F. and Mabel (Bradley) Hirni, and was born January 15, 1910 in Appleton City. She was baptized in the Presbyterian Church on April 1, 1923. In 1926 her family moved to Pittsburg, Ks. where she graduated from high school in 1927. She attended Kansas State Teacher's College in Pittsburg, Ks. and was awarded a BS degree in 1932. She taught school in McPherson, KS for five years. She was united in marriage to Troy D. Zink, Jan. 28,
1940, at her parents home in Pittsburg. To this union one son, Jack, was born. Mr. Zink did highway construction until Jack reached school age, then the family made Appleton City their permanent home. Mrs. Zink did substitute teaching over the years in Appleton City, Montrose, Ballard and Judson. Mr. Zink retired in 1970 and they spent three winters in Florida. Mr. Zink died of a heart attack on May 22, 1975. She transferred her church membership to the Appleton City Christian
Church and for many years was a Sunday school teacher and was active in all church activities. She always loved young people and showed great concern and compassion for all youth. She was a charter member of the Prairie Queen Garden Club, and was an active member of the A. C. Community Club for many years and served in whatever capacity needed. She was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Appleton City Fair Parade in 1992. Mrs. Zink spent one winter as an assistant kindergarten teacher in the local school. She started work at the A. C. Journal in
August 1878 as a part time employee and also worked at Wallace Casual Corner. She worked at the A. C. Journal until August 1984. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Mrs. Mable Woody. She is survived by her son Jack and his wife Jan and two grandsons, Andy and Adam, who were her pride and constant joy, all of Appleton City, and one sister, Nadine Park , of Tulsa, Ok. Mrs. Zink enjoyed and appreciated a long-standing relationship with Troy (Skip)
Burton and family of Butler, formerly of Appleton City. She hoped to be
remembered for her love of life, friends, love of nature and always looking on the bright side of every situation. In spite of many adversities she always strived to go "forward" with her life. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 7, 1993 at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, with Rev. D. Kent Deubner officiating. Burial was in Appleton City Cemetery. The family suggests any memorials go to First Christian Church or Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital.