Rodney E. Zinser, 90, of Burnet, Texas, born in Hooppole, Illinois, passed away on January 25, 2024 in Round Rock, Texas. Rodney, a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, served 3 tours in Vietnam. He was a dedicated soldier who bravely served his country. Rodney received the National Defense Service Medal, 2 Bronze Stars to Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and several other commendations.
Rodney received his education from Annawan High School and Wesleyan College as a Music Major. Rodney had a passion for singing and performing with choral groups that toured the world. He found joy in sharing his musical talents and brought happiness to those around him.
He is survived by his children - Neal, Charles (Addie), Rachel Cooper, and Kecia Lomas (David), Wendy Downs Peterson (Randy), Barb Downs Pedersen (Tom-deceased), 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by one brother Roger (Beth) and sister, Phyllis Rosenblum. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur E. and Mildred Zinser, brothers Everett, Robert, Lester, Leslie, sisters Hazel Dobbs, Carolyn Nelson, Leska Clusen and his loving wife, Mary Ann Downs Zinser.
In addition to his military service, Rodney had a successful career with the U.S. Army and Ecolab in St. Paul. He dedicated his time and talents to both organizations.
Rodney was an active member of the Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra and attended King of Kings Lutheran Church, where he also sang with the chorus. He enjoyed researching his family history and ancestry, always eager to uncover new information and new family members.
Services for Rodney will be held at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Post Mountain Cemetery in Burnet.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the Woodbury Chorus & Orchestra or to Honor Flight Austin.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time. Also, to the staff at Ascension Seton Williamson County Hospital, Cornerstone Specialty Hospital, and Resolute Rehab Hospital all from Round Rock.
Please join us in honoring the life of Rodney E. Zinser as we celebrate his accomplishments, cherish his memories, and bid him farewell.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Zinser, Felipe Zinser, David Lomas, Michael Lord, Jr., Eli Zinser and Brian Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Longoria, Marty Cooper, Dustin Cooper, Jim Scherer and Johnathen “Boo” Maxwell.
