Allan D. Zins

MONONA - Allan Zins, age 75, of Monona, passed away on July 28, 2024, at Madison’s Oak Park Place East senior living community. His wife, Mary, was at his side.

An adviser to a governor and a mayor, a director of the state Democratic Party, a founder of a public relations firm, a consultant who helped rescue American Players Theater from financial ruin and founder of a non-profit, Al was one of the baby boom generation’s most instrumental behind-the-scenes figures in Madison area events and institutions.

He grew up on a dairy farm near Spring Green. Although he said his boyhood taught him that he did not want to be a farmer, the farmer’s work ethic and love of the land stayed with him. He studied forestry at UW-Stevens Point, but his degree was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He was one of the few to be drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps.

After military service, he finished his degree by studying political science at UW-Madison. He got a start in politics by working for the election of David Obey, who went on to represent Wisconsin in Congress for 42 years. He next worked in the office of Gov. Patrick Lucey. In 1975, he was dispatched to help resolve a crisis that made national news after an armed group from the Menominee Tribe seized the former Alexian Brothers Novitiate in northeastern Wisconsin. After a month-long standoff, during which gunshots were exchanged, the owners agreed to sell the property to the tribe for $1 and 39 tribal members were arrested.

Also in 1975, he was elected director of the state Democratic Party, leading preparations for the 1976 elections. He then worked in private industry for Wisconsin Physicians Service before joining the staff of Madison Mayor Joel Skornicka in the early 1980s. He left government service to become a consultant. He advised American Players Theater of Spring Green on how the Shakespearean theater could dig out from under a mountain of debt, serving as general manager for a time. He touted a need for professional management and handed over the operations to the organization’s first full-time, experienced theater manager.

Al served as president of a highly successful public relations firm, Zins Boelter and Lincoln. He was a friend and confidant to Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl. He was proud to found Students and Leaders.net, a non-profit that helped high school students learn about career options through presentations from professionals.

His accomplishments aside, Al’s friends and family remember him best for his acts of camaraderie and kindness. Whenever friends were in need of a lift, Al was there to organize a lunch or a beer break to get together and talk. He often took the lead on connecting friends and making sure friendships endured. For more than 20 years he organized an annual trip for 10 to Wrigley Field for a Chicago Cubs game, complete with limo service, even though Al was not much of a baseball fan. He was, however, a devout Green Bay Packers fan and could be found in front of his TV for almost every Packers game.

He and Mary held summer parties regularly at their home, with Al’s famous smoked ribs and brats usually on the menu. For several winters the couple organized ice golf tournaments on frozen Lake Monona. These events were excuses to gather for food, beverages and laughs.

Al was devoted to Mary, his wife of 38 years. The two were a common sight on Lake Monona, with Al steering his boat and Mary water-skiing behind.

Al is survived by his wife, Mary; sisters, Marilyne McGuire, Carole McGuire and Debra Zins; brother-in-law, Tom Heineman; sister-in-law, Pat Heineman; five nephews, Kevin McGuire, Michael (fiancée, Terra Dyer) McGuire, Greg McGuire, Eric (Kathryn) Heineman and Jon Vernon; two nieces, Rhonda (Mark) Wendricks and Marian Vernon; five great-nephews, Mason McGuire, Darren Wendricks, Dylan Wendricks, Jack and Ben Heineman; and three great-nieces, Lucia McGuire, Danielle Wendricks and Sophia Dyer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Elizabeth; brother-in-law, Don McGuire; and sister-in-law, Peggy Hall-Heineman.

A celebration of life will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Since Al was a T-Shirt guy, please wear a colorful T-Shirt to honor him.

Donations in Al’s memory may be made to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420