Ernest Lloyd Zielinski

Ernest Zielinski, 89, was born November 15, 1927 in Salem and passed away October 29, 2017 in Keizer. Ernie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lola (Traviss of Mt. Angel), daughter Jackie of Redmond, WA (husband Larry O'Malley and daughters Stephanie and Nicole), son Doug of Salem (wife Jamie (Pritchard) and sons Josh and Scott) and daughter Nancy of Salem (daughters Kirstin and Lindsi). Ernie and Lola were expecting their seventh great grandchild in February 2018. They enjoyed living in Keizer's Emerald Point retirement community since February, 2015. They are thankful for the many dear friends they have made there.

Ernie is the son of Charles and Dorothy Zielinski. At the age of 15, he became the third generation to farm the original NE Salem family homestead with his three sisters and mother after Charles passed away from injuries suffered in a farm accident. Ernie's efforts were recognized by Salem's Chamber of Commerce in 1960 when he was chosen Outstanding Young Farmer. Doug and his sons continue farming the homestead.

Ernie was active in the Elks Club since his May 9, 1963 initiation into the Salem Lodge. He was installed as Salem's Exalted Ruler in 1970. Following many significant contributions, Ernie was elected President of the Oregon State Elks Association in 1977 and was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. He particularly enjoyed serving more than 20 years as Director of the Elks Children's Eye Clinic at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland. Ernie was a lifelong member of the Saint Vincent de Paul parish and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ernie and Lola enjoyed traveling with friends and spending time at their home in the California desert. Ernie was a good friend to all he met, and he loved being with his friends and family. He taught all of us the lessons of life with his silly songs, the pop of his cheek, and the saying “keep your nose clean”. Ernie set the bar for our family as a husband, father and grandfather, and we will miss him deeply.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Ernie at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 Columbia St. NE, Salem, OR on Thursday, November 2 at 3:00pm followed by a reception at the McNary Restaurant in Keizer. A private family internment will be held at City View Cemetery Mausoleum on Friday, November 3 at 10:00 am.

The family is grateful for the wonderful people from Hospice who helped us along the way. Donations may be made to Willamette Valley Hospice at 1015 3rd Street NW, Salem OR 97304.