Byron Charles Zuehlk

Jeremiah 17: 7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. Byron Charles Zuehlk went home September 2, 2026, at the age of 79. His passing is a tremendous loss to everyone who knew him. Byron was an exceptional man who accomplished extraordinary things. The qualities that truly defined him couldn’t be placed on a mantle, catalogued, or added up for material worth. Marine, Engineer, Christian, Vietnam Vet, Wolverine, Pilot, Carpenter, Mechanic, Church President, Paraplegic. He was much more than those labels. He was the very best type of man. Uncomplaining, Hardworking, Honest, Capable, Calm, Unselfish, Humble, Dependable, Reasonable, Intelligent, Patient, Kind, Cheerful, Generous. Byron lived the Christlike life many aspire to. He knew the value of those around him and placed his treasure there. Byron was born on May 14, 1947, to Ellsworth (Pete) and Ruth Zuehlk of Washington, Michigan. He worked as an Electrical Engineer at Chrysler Corporation designing microprocessor engine control units, electronic carburetors and wiring harnesses (to name a few) for 35 years before retiring. After retirement, he continued to serve as Church President of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Washington. Byron earned his elementary education at St Clement of Rome Catholic School in Romeo and went on to graduate from Romeo High School. Soon after, Byron joined the Marine Corps, training at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee, and at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton, California, before heading to Vietnam in 1967 as a Crew Chief on a CH-53A Sea Stallion helicopter. Byron was wounded in combat while flying supply missions along the DMZ in 1968 and returned home in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury. The nurses who cared for Byron through his recovery took note of his cheerful attitude and willingness to get well and move on. The friendships Byron formed in the Marine Corps lasted a lifetime, with several family vacations including a stop to visit a fellow Vietnam Vet. Byron returned home from the war to the love of his life, Donna Joanne Siefferlien, and the two were married on October 25, 1969. Byron and Donna began their relationship by exchanging letters and falling in love over mail. Donna’s training as a registered nurse and her faithful care of Byron helped keep him healthy over the many years of their happy marriage together. God blessed them with two adopted children, Elizabeth and Andrew, in 1977 and 1978. Byron attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and secured a BS in Electrical Engineering, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. While there, study groups formed organically around him due to his firm grasp of advanced math and his willingness to help his fellow classmates. Byron’s continuing education included an MBA from Oakland University. At an early age, Byron was fascinated with airplanes and flight, and his determination to become a pilot never wavered after he was injured. As an adult, Byron applied to flight school at Berz-Macomb Airport and was accepted. Being wheelchair-bound, he engineered a hand control for the foot-pedal rudders of small personal aircraft to safely navigate airport taxiways without the use of his legs and feet. He submitted his design to the FAA for review, was approved, and went on his way. His first solo flight was covered by Channel 4 News, and he received his private pilot’s license soon after. He went on to purchase a Piper Cherokee airplane and enjoyed many years of weekend flights around the state of Michigan. Bryon is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Kohsel, his son Andrew (Katie) Zuehlk, his grandchildren Jakob Kohsel, Mason Kohsel, Esther (Manu) King, Ben Zuehlk, Sara Zuehlk, and Mary Zuehlk, his brother Bob Zuehlk, his sister Judy Zuehlk, his brother Dennis (Nancy) Zuehlk, and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Donna Zuehlk and his sister Susan Zuehlk. Byron’s hard work and determination were an inspiration to many. He was a man that did not make much of himself, though there was much to be made of him. He lived his life low and last, humble and hidden. It is a joy to picture him standing before the Lord. We find peace knowing that he is finally at rest and free from pain. The strength of his faith and the warmth of his love are blessings that will last for generations. Visitation Tuesday, September 8th 2026, from 3-8 pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Inc., (Shelby) 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Funeral Service Wednesday, September 9th 2026, at 11 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 8600 27 Mile Rd, Washington, MI 48094. Military Honors and interment will take place at St. John Cemetery. If joining in procession to the cemetery, please consider carpooling due to limited space at the cemetery. Donations preferred to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or to Lutherans for Life. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Byron Charles Zuehlk

May 14, 1947 - September 2, 2026