Long-time La Crosse Mayor Pat Zielke dies

Former Trane Co. employee led city for 22 years

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon for former La Crosse Mayor Patrick Zielke, who died Wed. at age 85. 

Zielke had been in poor health for some time, and his wife Bea passed away last year.  

Zielke led the city for 22 years – seven terms in all, beginning in 1975. 

Current Mayor Tim Kabat wrote on Facebook, captioned with the picture above, “Remembering this day back in June 2014 when La Crosse’s mayors got together to unveil a new display in City Hall. It was great to share that morning with Mayor Pat, talking about his years of service and some good stories too. Being mayor is not the easiest job on a daily basis, but Mayor Pat made it look easy for 22 years with good humor, humility, and a never ending focus on the citizens of La Crosse. Our heartfelt condolences to the Zielke family and all who knew Pat and Bea. La Crosse has lost a great man.”

Many changes in downtown La Crosse and outlying areas occurred during Zielke’s time as mayor. 

The Valley View Mall, the La Crosse Center, and the Radisson were built in that time. 

Zielke also started La Crosse’s sister city program, and the establishment of the Hmong population in La Crosse happened early in his tenure.