William Henry Zuehlke was born February 16, 1874. He enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard in 1893 and served in Georgia with the Wisconsin Second Volunteer Regiment during the Spanish American War in 1898. He stayed in the Guard and played a key role in mobilization during World War I. He retired from the Guard in 1919 with the rank of colonel.
Zuehlke's civilian work began in the Appleton United States Post Office (USPS) as a clerk in 1895. He became assistant postmaster in 1898. In 1917 he resigned to become president of Fox River Paper Company but returned as postmaster in 1922. He held that post until 1926 when he resigned to work full-time for Aid Association for Lutherans.
One of the nine original incorporators of AAL in 1902, Zuehlke was the society's first treasurer and served in that position until retiring in 1952. He was a life member of the board of directors.
Zuehlke was also active in other business and civic activities in Appleton and served as chair of the Outagamie County Republican Party for many years. He died in February 1969.
