John W. "Bud" Zink (88) of Louisville

John W. Zink “Bud” passed on to eternity on March 18th, 2023 at his home in Louisville, Illinois, surrounded by love from his family.

John was born on August 11, 1934 to John Calvin and Helen (Mitchell) Zink in Louisville, IL. In 1936 John and his family were involved in a tragic auto accident that claimed the lives of his mother and two sisters. John was raised by his dad, doting grandparents, aunts and uncles. He especially loved spending time with his Aunt Faye and Grandma Mitchell.

On September 22, 1967, he married Caroline Stanfield, and together they raised three children, John Riley Zink, Joni Elizabeth Zink-Hueckstaedt, and Joshua Paul Zink, sharing 55 wedding anniversaries.

John is survived by his wife Caroline; sons Johnny (Shelly) Zink, Josh (Jennifer) Zink; seven grandchildren – Jantzen (Hank) Borries, John Logan (Kaitlin) Zink, Jonah Zink, Noah Hueckstaedt, Landen Hueckstaedt, Mila Zink, and Joshua Ledger Zink; four great-grandchildren: John Lucas Zink, Josephine Zink, Jordan Zink, Rosalie Borries & Caroline Michele Borries (on the way); sisters – Gloria Wattles, Louisa (John) Komocar; brothers-in-law – David Schwenk, Rodger (Beverly) Stanfield, Jack (Freda) Stanfield, Richard (Karen) Stanfield; sister-in-law – Doris Stanfield, extended family, friends and his dedicated employees who were like family to him.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Joni Elizabeth Zink-Hueckstaedt; parents John Calvin and Helen Zink; siblings Shirley Zink, Estella Zink, Donnie Zink, Lois Zink, Richard Zink, and Phyllis Zink-Schwenk; 2 brothers-in-law: David Stanfield, and Kenny Wattles.

John graduated from North Clay High School, Louisville in 1952 and from Eastern Illinois University in 1956. Lieutenant John Zink served as a finance office and paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army.

His self-motivating, determined, entrepreneurial attitude aided him in owning and operating several businesses, including real estate and housing rentals, a building supply store, sheltered care homes, and tax preparation services. John was also his company’s most dedicated employee; he was the first one in at work and the last to leave. John served as a member of the board of directors for Louisville Clay Farmers Mutual Insurance company for 25 years and he was honored to be Chairman of the Board of Clay County State Bank for 21 years of his 41 years of serving on the board. John had the utmost respect of those who served alongside of him.

In addition to work, John’s other hobbies included traveling, reading and a love of aviation. An avid pilot, he enjoyed flying in his Cessna 182 for several years. He loved flying his airplane and gave many people in Louisville their first plane ride. He also flew hundreds of kids in the Young Eagles Flight Program at the Flora, Olney and Effingham Airports over many years. He was an accomplished storyteller and enjoyed reminiscing about the past to a willing ear.

A devoted fan of North Clay Sports, John was a steady fixture at both practice sessions and games, with words of encouragement for North Clay Cardinal players.

One of many highlights in recent years was going to Washington DC in 2021 on the Veterans Honor Flight with his lifelong friends, Charlie Miller and Russ Atchison.

The visitation will be at McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville, Illinois on March 22nd, 2023 from 5-8 pm. The celebration of life service for John will be held on March 23rd, 2023, 12:00 pm at the Louisville First Baptist Church, followed by burial at Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Illinois. (One hour visitation prior to the funeral) Military rights will be accorded. Memorial donations can be made out to Louisville First Baptist Church. The Zink family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of John, please visit by clicking here.