Neil J. Zuehlke

Neil Joseph Zuehlke of Hartland, Wisconsin was called to eternal rest on Friday, September 6th at the age of 83 years with his loving family at his side. Neil was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary (Balas) Zuehlke. Neil is survived by his beloved wife Christine (née Pagliano), his three daughters Kirsten, Kandace (Kirk) Simonis, Karla (Rob) Navarro, and grandson Mitchum. Brother in-law to Mike and Corinne, uncle to Ben and Tricia. Further survived by great-nephews and niece, cousins, and cherished friends. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Neil was a proud graduate of North Division High School and Marquette University where he received an Associates Degree in Police Science. Neil dutifully served the citizens of Milwaukee as a member of the Milwaukee Police Department starting as a Patrol Officer at District 5 in 1963 and retiring with the rank of Detective in 2000. During his 37 years of honorable service with MPD, Neil was guided by compassion and dignity when investigating crimes and interacting with victims. In 1978 Neil was one of the original detectives of the newly-formed Homicide Detail which then became the Homicide Unit. In 1980 with Neil’s leadership, the Confidence Crimes/Senior Citizen Unit evolved, occasionally finding Neil interviewing for TV news segments and in the community warning senior citizens of scams and criminal activity. In his retirement, Neil relished the monthly breakfasts with his fellow retired “Coppers”. In 1963 Neil met Christine his beloved wife of 59 years at St. Rita’s church on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side where they married 2 years later. The neighborhood and the treasured lifelong friendships they formed there with “the Eastside Italian guys” have always been special for Neil “the honorary Italian” and Chris, the daughter of Italian immigrants. As the father of three daughters, it was often joked that this was the source of Neil’s beautiful head of silver gray hair, but to all who knew him, Neil’s “ three K’s” were his pride and joy. Neil had a love of history and sharing stories about the city he grew up in. He had an appreciation for Wisconsin arts as much as 18th and 19th century Americana. Neil’s patriotism ran deep. An avid runner and member of the MPD Running Club, Neil completed dozens of races over the years, but none as poignant and special as the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. in 1983. On any given day, Neil was rooting for his Wisconsin teams, especially the Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and Packers. With the season opener in Brazil on tv in his hospital room his last night, we all knew the exact words Neil was saying as the game ended with a Packers loss. We mourn the loss of days spent with Neil, but he leaves us with a legacy of kindness and love. Memorials in Neil’s honor may be made to the Milwaukee Police Association Fallen Heroes Fund. Neil’s family expresses gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Franklin Campus for their exceptional care and compassion during the final days of Neil’s life. A special heartfelt thank you to nurse Danielle, who selflessly stayed at Neil’s bedside with us until the still of the night. Please join us in celebrating Neil’s remarkable life on Friday September 20th at Three Holy Women Parish- St. Rita Church (1617 N. Cass Street Milwaukee, WI). Visitation from 3:00-5:00 pm followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 pm with the Very Reverend Timothy L. Kitzke presiding.

Neil J. Zuehlke

September 6, 2024