Milwaukee native Robert Zien died of heart failure and emphysema on June 17. He was 90.
He was a graduate of Washington High School, Milwaukee, and Carnegie Institute of Technology (now called Carnegie Mellon University), Pittsburgh.
With his brothers, he built a small plumbing company, Zien Plumbing and Heating Company, into one of the leading mechanical contracting businesses in Wisconsin. It was instrumental in constructing a number of major buildings in the Milwaukee area, including the Mitchell Park Domes and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
He was a member of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers.
According to his family, he enjoyed bridge, golf, travel and computers. “Bob Zien was a terrific father and doting grandfather, and he will be missed terribly,” they said.
Preceded in death by brother Burton Zien, he is survived by his wife, Blanche (nee Becker) of Glendale; daughter Fran (Tom) Pakenham of Tucson, Ariz.; sons Herb (Liz Levins) Zien of Bayside, Howard (Marjorie) Zien of New York City, and Don (Jane) Zien of Fox Point; and nine grandchildren. He is further survived by brothers Edward (Charlotte) Zien and Alan (Ditty) Zien and sisters Betty (Phil) Croen and Janet (Ernie) Wintroub.
A funeral service was held at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun on June 21, with Rabbi Marc Berkson officiating. Burial was in Second Home Cemetery.
Memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
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