Paul William Zelnick

Paul William Zelnick

Sep 9th, 1948 - Dec 5th, 2025

Biography: Paul William Zelnick, MD, 77, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on 5 December 2025.  He was born in 1948 in Balboa, Panama, to parents Ernest and Ruth Zelnick, and raised in the Canal Zone alongside his sister and brother.  

Paul was a graduate of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and Tulane Medical School in Louisiana.  He met his wife, Jan Lynn Bielefeld, as a medical resident in Houston before they wed in 1977.  He took great joy in his 35-year medical practice in Little Rock, where he cared deeply for his patients and their wellbeing.

When not attending to his practice, Paul enjoyed swimming, fishing, golfing, playing the piano, and yelling constructive criticism from soccer field sidelines. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend, and his kindness remains a model for his family.  

Paul is survived by his loving wife, his sister, Carol Richmond, his sister-in-law, Nancy Zelnick, his son and daughter-in-law Marc and Amanda Zelnick, his daughter and son-in-law David and Julie Lasseter, and two beautiful grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his parents and his brother John.

In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family would ask any generosity to be donated to Arkansas Hospice (https://www.arkansashospice.org/foundation/donate).  A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Condolences(14)
Andrew and Alexandra Gladin
#14
Dec 17th, 2025 12:36 am
Dr.Paul Zelnick was our physician fo, r more than 20 years.Wonderful physician,,
kind,humble .If you had a problem, he would make the effort to see you the same day.
When our family experienced a tragedy he send a note saying If you need something,just ask"May his memory be eyernal.Praying for his entire family.
Dr. Carol Meadors
#13
Dec 14th, 2025 4:00 pm
Count me as among the host of people whose lives have been prolonged and health enhanced by Dr Zelnick. His diagnostic powers and clinical instincts were outstanding and his empathy, kindness and patience made him the most trustworthy of physicians. Thank you, Paul.
Dr. Jay Holland
#12
Dec 11th, 2025 2:03 am
Paul was such a great doctor and admired by us all. A good man. And good colleague and a good friend.
I was lucky to know him and work with him.
I hope your memories are full and joyful about his good times.
Jay D Holland, MD
lit a candle
#11
Dec 11th, 2025 12:07 am
Paul and I practiced medicine parallel to each other in Doctors and St.Vincent Hospitals. I developed great respect and admiration for him both as a physician, colleague and person. I felt quite honored when he asked me to share call with him, for this represents great mutual respect and trust. I was greatly saddened by his sudden illness and his departure from practice. I am further saddened by his passing.
I hope that his family has accumulated tales and legends to remember his best times and his great presence in our lives.
Sheryl Little
#10
Dec 10th, 2025 6:34 pm
Dr. Zelnick was an amazing person and doctor, and was sorry to hear that he passed. He was our primary care physician for a number of years. Please accept our condolences. Sheryl and Bob Little
Judi King
#9
Dec 9th, 2025 11:54 pm
Jan, Mark & Julie-I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I’m glad I got to know you all at Westover, and I was grateful for his medical care. Keeping you all in my prayers.
David Hall
#8
Dec 9th, 2025 11:30 pm
Jan, Victoria and I are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He and I came into practice about the same time and I so enjoyed working with him early in our careers. He was a wonderful physician and even better person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Jones Boe
#7
Dec 9th, 2025 7:30 pm
Dr Zelnick was an important person in my family's story. He took care of my grandparents, parents and husband. A kinder man gentle man you will never meet. I am so sorry for his loss. He will always be in many of our hearts. May his memory be a blessing and you be carried through this time by the love of friends.
Patricia and Francisco Batres
#6
Dec 9th, 2025 6:20 pm
Our hearts go out to your family. Praying for Paul and all of you. May God provide you all comfort during this difficult time..
Charlotte Daniel
#5
Dec 9th, 2025 4:57 pm
Dr Zelnick was such a kind person. He was my Dr for several years. Prayers for the family.
Michael Sullivan
#4
Dec 9th, 2025 3:51 pm
Doctor Zelnick was my primary care doctor for close to 20 years. He wass the best doctor I ever had. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He always spent the time to listen to whatever I had to say. Never speeding off to the next patient, as some doctors do. He also explained in detail my medical treatment. But mostly, he was a kind, humble, and very decent man. I missed his care when he retired. Best wishes to his family.
Dr. Tom Kovaleski
#3
Dec 9th, 2025 1:34 pm
Paul was a great guy and wonderful physician. I had the privilege of practicing with him several years ago and they were memorable. He will be missed. Prayers to Jan and the family.
Jim Rasco
#2
Dec 9th, 2025 4:17 am
Jan, I am so sorry to read of Paul's death. I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mary Paal
#1
Dec 9th, 2025 12:37 am
A wonderful soul gone to another dimension. His lessons remain....a kind spirit....

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