Joseph L. Zilch

Joseph Lee Zilch, 75 of Tazewell County, IL passed away at 2:39 AM on Saturday, February 7, 2015. Joe was born on March 18, 1939 in Peoria, IL to Charles B. and Elsie M. (Watts) Zilch. He married Bonnie Lynn Guidotti on October 23, 1965. She passed away on October 4, 1994. Also preceding in death are his parents. Surviving is: one son, Jerrod Zilch of Pekin, IL; one daughter, MaryJo (Gustav) Roman of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren; two brothers, James (Sharon) Zilch and Carl (Rosemary) Zilch both of Washington, IL. Joe was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1961-1963, awarded recognition for excellence in marksmanship shooting. He retired from Keystone Steel & Wire Co. after 21 years in shipping. He owned and operated Illinois Valley Concrete. Joe was also a millwright and carpenter, working for Angelo Antonini for several years and went on to build speck houses with his wife in the 70's. Joe lived in Green Valley for most of his childhood and later graduated from Pekin Community High School. He was a member of the Pekin Boat Club in his early adult years and enjoyed hunting, gardening and working his land in Groveland, IL. He was loved by many and was always lending a helping hand. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 16, 2015 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pekin with Father Scott Pottoff as Celebrant and Deacon Gregory Luigi Serangeli serving as Homilist. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM-11:00 AM on Monday at the church. Burial with military honors will be at War Veterans Cemetery in Pekin. Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting Joe's family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to an educational fund for his grandchildren or for Catholic Masses in his name. To express condolences online go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com. Cemetery War Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 1810 N. 8th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Memorial Mass Monday, February 16, 2015 11:00 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Monday, February 16, 2015 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554