I have very fond memories of my great-uncle, Sylvester Zelinski. He and my grandmother both lived to be centenarians! I always looked forward to his letters and his packages around Christmas time. I also enjoyed seeing him when he would come back to Chicago for a visit. He was always active.
I remember visiting him and my great-aunt Helen in 1995. She was sick and not doing very well. She was in the hospital on the day that I called. He had said that it was only a matter of time. I decided to take the trip to California to see her. I was glad for my visit.
Days after I was back home, I called to check in again. “How are you, Uncle Syl?”
“Oh, I’m alright. I’m a little tired. I walked to the hospital to see Helen and I locked myself out of the house, so I had to flip the fence.”
WHAT? He was 82 at the time and that fence was wooden and not easily flipped by any means. That was Uncle Syl. He had a recumbent bike and would try to ride it 30-45 minutes a day. Amazing!
His granddaughter did a wonderful job on his obituary, so I will just let it speak for itself.
May you rest in peace, Uncle Syl!
Our Lineage 
Oh wow!!! I am just seeing this beautiful tribute NOW!!! I remember your visit back in ’95 and meeting you!!! 🙂 Thanks so much for writing this — and I love seeing all the old photographs of grandpa and the family!! xo, -Christine Kell (the granddaughter) 😉