Kenneth Brian Zelinka

Kenneth Brian Zelinka passed away January 23, 2021, age 58, leaving behind a loving wife wife, Noeme and a 17 year-old daughter, Danielle, a large and loving family and many friends. He died of complications from Covid-19.

Ken had a difficult childhood. He was learning disabled and attended a special, private elementary school designed to correct his learning disabilities. He attended the Lawrence School, and special education classes at the Sutter Junior High School. He was mainstreamed into the regular student population at Reseda High School. He did well and was elected by his peers to a position as a senior class officer.

Ken enlisted in the Air Force and became a part of a NATO security force in Belgian. He was honorably discharged and obtained the rank of sergeant. After his military service, he enrolled in the Santa Rosa Junior College. He transferred to Sonoma State University earning a bachelors degree in humanities.

He moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in California State University earning his K-12 teaching credential.

In October 2000, he married his beautiful wife, Noeme and they decided to take a teaching position at the Inuit school in Point Hope, Alaska. After a year, he returned to California and attended California State University earning his Special Education credential.

In 2005, they settled in Barstow and Ken accepted a position as a special education teacher at a charter school in Victorville. He loved the desert. He was a ham radio guy and enjoyed talking with people from remote places. He was a talented photographer and took many beautiful photos, especially of desert scenes. He was a wonderful husband and father.

Here is a kid who had to attend special education classes, and through hard work, became himself, a special education teacher.

God be with you Ken.

A graveside service for Kenneth will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, California 93203.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Zelinka family.