Timothy “Tim” Lee Zelenka, 67, of Wilson, Kansas, passed away on June 14, 2026, in Ellsworth, Kansas.

Tim was born on May 26, 1959, in Canon City, Colorado, to Roy and Betty (Roush) Zelenka. He graduated from Wilson High School with the Class of 1978 and later attended vocational school in Beloit, Kansas, where he studied diesel mechanics.

On October 25, 1986, Tim married Kathleen Marie Lantz in Bunker Hill, Kansas. Their union was blessed with one son, James.

Throughout his life, Tim held a variety of jobs, including surveying, working for R.C. Williams, Toss Back, the family carpeting business, Doonan Truck Equipment, Grain Belt Supply, and Exline, Inc. of Salina, Kansas, where he retired after more than 20 years of employment. Tim was a skilled mechanic who could fix just about anything. Through his work with Exline, he traveled extensively, with Shemya, Alaska, being one of his most memorable job sites. Known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help others, Tim was a stranger to none and would bend over backwards for anyone in need. Many people in the area knew him well, often asking, “Oh, you're a Zelenka—any relation to Tim?” His son frequently relied on his knowledge and problem-solving abilities, knowing Tim could always figure out a solution. Tim lived life on “Tim time,” moving at his own pace and in his own way.

Tim especially cherished the time he spent hunting and fishing with his son and creating memories with his two grandchildren, who idolized him. Those memories will be treasured for years to come.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Zelenka of Wilson; son, James (Dreamer) Zelenka of Wilson; his grandchildren, Ellyott and Eastyn Zelenka; his siblings, Jerry (Charlene) Zelenka of Wilson, Jane Blevins of Ellsworth, Tammy (Larry) Foster of Wilson, Lori (Kenny) Mead of Wilson, Calvin (Mary) Zelenka of Wilson, Clayton (Carmon) Zelenka of Ellsworth, Angela (Brian) Piersee of Kansas, and Andrea (Eric) Burt of Ellsworth; his sister-in-law, Sherith Zelenka of Ellsworth; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Roy Zelenka; wife, Kathleen Zelenka; brother, Loren Zelenka; brother-in-law, Jerry Blevins; and his niece, Haley Weinhold.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the funeral home in Wilson. A luncheon will follow the service at the American Legion Hall in Wilson. Interment with a graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas. Visitation will be Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post 262 and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.