Hershel D. Zielke, 59, died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Protection Valley Manor in Protection. He was born on October 20, 1950 in Dodge City the son of Harry E. and Marguerite (McGee) Zielke, Sr.

Hershel graduated from Dodge City High School, Dodge City Community College and Emporia State University. He worked for the City of Dodge City at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Hershel then worked as a dispatcher for Ford County Fire / EMS until his retirement. He was a member of several sports and hunting organizations and the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City.

Survivors include his mother, Marguerite Zielke of Protection: three brothers, Harry E Zielke, Jr. and wife Amy of Larned, Raymond E. Zielke and wife Sue of Larned, Kenneth W. Zielke of Dodge City; one sister, Myrna S. Koehn and husband Mike of Protection; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Zielke Sr.; and two brothers, Stanley and Evan Zielke.

Funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Dodge City on Monday, April 26, 2010 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Dick Robbins presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Sunday, April 25, 2010 from noon to 6:00 PM. Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church of Dodge City or the American Cancer Society in care of Swaim Funeral Home - 1901 Sixth Avenue - Dodge City, KS 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.