David Zolczynski, age 55, of Mauston, WI passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held on on June 6, 2026 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at David's home (W7713 County Hwy O, Mauston, WI).

David was born September 2, 1970 in Baraboo, Wisconsin the son of John and Betty (Hadley) Zolczynski. He grew up working hard on the family dairy farm until he graduated from Mauston High School in 1988. Immediately after graduation, David entered the US Marine Corps, serving from May 1988 to May 1992. He primarily performed aircraft maintenance on various marine fighter jets. His final year in the Marines was spent on continuous Seaborne deployment. First, he deployed to the Persian Gulf and Iraq in support of "Operation Desert Storm". From there, he and his unit deployed to flood-ravaged Bangladesh to assist in US relief efforts. Finally, he sailed to Subic Bay, Philippines to assist with security and evacuation efforts after the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo. During his military service, he received numerous military decoration medals including Southwestern Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, David started his career in demolition as a union laborer at Cleveland Wrecking Company in California. He later moved on to Silverado Contractors where he became an Operating Engineer, operating different types of heavy equipment. He subsequently advanced to Superintendent, supervising numerous demolition projects across central and northern California, and later combined project management with supervision. He assisted with the Bay Bridge reconstruction, in San Francisco, among many other projects. David retired from Silverado Contractors in September 2024 after 20 years of service.

Although David never had his own children, he deeply touched the lives of his nieces, nephews, and his step-children, Sheldon, Jacob, Devin, and Kaylee, Brittney, and Courtney, with his generosity, fun sense of humor, and guidance. He made special efforts to visit nieces and nephews, and step-children, even flying and driving long distances to do so. His niece Chloe and her girls appreciated him frequently visiting them in Wyoming on his long cross-country drives. His nephew Mathew appreciated David's selfless donation of his time and energy in helping Mathew build a pole shed. His step-son Jacob remembers that, "He was always there for us kids and didn't have to be," and adds, "I'll always cherish our relationship and the memories." His step-son Devin describes him as "a great man." He and Devin had a 7-year Snap Chat streak, sharing photos of his dogs and humor daily.

David, you left too soon. Your daily Snap Chats which we knew we could count on each morning will be missed. We will remember your love of great ethnic food, long cross-country drives, and above all, your dogs, Peanut and Jack. They are in good hands and will be a cherished reminder of you. We hold dear our childhood together with you on the farm and all the rich family memories of which you are an integral part. You live on in our hearts, always.

David is survived by his brothers, John, Nick, Tim, Bob; sisters, Mary (Victor) Sein, Janet Ells and Teresa. He is preceded by his parents and sister, Ann Stine.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Paws for Purple Heart.

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