Edward Robert Zelnik

Edward “Pappy” Zelnik, born in 1958 to Edward and Alma Kleppinger Zelnik, was many things in this life. He was a graduate of New York Military Academy. He was a Marine, serving his country and The Corps for eight years. He served first in Artillery, and then in IT, where he developed the technical and leadership skills that would ensure his later successes.

As a civilian professional, he worked for Associated Wholesale Grocers in Kansas City, Sprint, MBNA, Bank of America, Fiserv and TD. His final position at the time of his passing was at USBank as Development Group Manager and Vice President in Enterprise ATM Services (EAS).

He was a “gentleman farmer”, filling his barn with horses, cows, goats, chickens, and llamas, and filling his home with cats and dogs. Somehow, every stray dog or cat in the county found its way to their farm where they took them all in, and kept the veterinarian’s office in business. In addition to his love for animals (except snakes) he had a passion for his many fruit trees.

He was an untiring coach, first for his daughter’s entire soccer “career”, from toddler through college, and more recently for his grandsons’ soccer teams. He also spent many hours at horse competitions as a groom, expert boot shiner and helper to all of the riders in our extended horse family.

And, perhaps his favorite role, was that of Pappy to his grandsons, Breanden and Declan. He would do anything for the boys. When they first moved in with their MeeMaw and Pappy, the boys would always be 2 steps behind him, “Helping Pappy”. He was available and present for all of their milestones.

Ed is survived by his wife, best friend and life partner, Janet; daughter Nicole Eagle (Isaac Teran); grandchildren Declan Lee Zelnik Eagle, Breanden Lee Zelnik Eagle and Annabelle Teran; his father, Edward E Zelnik; sisters Judy Schoenfeld (Wayne) and Brenda Amarello (Mike); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Alma Kleppinger Zelnik.

A celebration of Ed's life will be held at Lucas Funeral Chapel, 700 W. Wall Street, Grapevine, TX on Thursday, May 31,2018 from 3-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Defenders of Freedom at https://tinyurl.com/defendersoffeedomzelnik or to the Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas at https://tinyurl.com/scottishritehsp-zelnick . The family has also requested for everyone to consider registering to become a donor to save a life. You can register at bethematch.org or dkms.org