December 19, 1934 – January 28, 2026
Zlata Podlipnik, 91, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at her residence.
She was born on December 19, 1934, to the late Andrej Podlipnik and Franiska Turk in Guca, Serbia, where her father was stationed as the head of the regional gendarmerie for the King of Yugoslavia. Her parents, however, originated from Slovenia.
For much of her young life, Zlata endured the pain and agony of WWII, during which time she lost her father at the hands of the Nazis. After the war, she finished school in Maribor, Slovenia, married Victor Stranig, and gave birth to her beloved son, Janko. In 1957, she moved to the United States, where she worked as a bookkeeper at Kenosha National Bank and did housework on the side. She then met Dr. Leslie Fai, who became her partner for 48 years until his passing. They had one child together, Dr. Judith Fai-Podlipnik.
Zlata was a fantastic cook, consummate keeper of the home and family, whilst also owning/managing rental properties. She enjoyed gardening, traveling around the globe, socializing, and was an animal lover.
Zlata is survived by her son, Dr. John J. Stranig (Irena), her daughter Dr. Judith Fai-Podlipnik (Scott), her grandsons Andrej and Mark (Alana), a niece Kathy, a nephew David, and many cousins.
She is preceded in death by her sister Ann Ingram, companion Dr. Leslie Fai, and her mother.
A Memorial Service for Zlata will be held on Sunday, February 1st at 3:00 p.m. at the Bruch-Hansen Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Kindred Kitties, Kenosha Forgotten Friends, Wisconsin Humane Society, or to any animal rescue of your choice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Prakash Shah and Dr. Annette Hull, Hospice Alliance, Peace at Home Health Care, and their wonderful caregivers for the compassionate care given to Zlata.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Zlata Podlipnik, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
SERVICES
Visitation
Sunday, February 01, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Bruch-Hansen Funeral Home
6019 – 7th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53143
Memorial Service
Sunday, February 01, 2026
3:00 PM Bruch-Hansen Funeral Home
6019 – 7th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 43143
