Jerry Zelenka

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Mary (Pincik) Zelenka on January 27, 1936.He grew up in Owosso, Mi and attended the University of Michigan, where he achieved his Bachelors, Masters and PhD in Electrical Engineering.

It was at the University of Michigan where he met the love of his life, Barbara Hentschel. They shared 56 years of marriage. He and his family moved to Arizona in 1976, first living in Tucson and later Litchfield Park.

He and Barbara also had a home in Durango, CO., where they spent summer and fall every year.

Jerry and Barbara were world travellers, going to Europe, South America, Israel, Egypt, Australia, Africa and Asia. They wanted to experience each country as a native did, embracing the beauty and humanity of those they crossed paths with. Jerry loved to go camping and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed all of the arts-symphony, opera and ballet.

He was a philanthropist and helped so many individuals throughout his lifetime. He loved his family and his life revolved around them. He always put them first.

He was a leader in his field of EE. He worked for the University of Michigan, ERIM, SAIC and Lockheed Martin. He played a major role in the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis, numerous Apollo missions and worked with the Pentagon and U.S. Department of Defense.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his son Brian and his daughter Cheryl.

He is survived by his daughter Karen (Zelenka) Kinne, her partner Jo Dee Weaver, grandchildren Spencer (Brianna Williamson) Kinne, Gavin Kinne, Darien Kinne, Granger Kinne, Stephen Zelenka and great-grandchildren William and Florence Kinne.

A private mass will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear, AZ. with interment to follow on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in Tucson, AZ.

A Celebration of Life will take place in the coming months. Family and friends will be notified of the details.