Donald C. Zillig

Donald C. Zillig obituary, East Dubuque, IL

Donald C. Zillig

Donald Zillig Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 27, 2025.
Donald "Don" C. Zillig, age 84, of East Dubuque, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a brief illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday April 5, 2005, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 170 Montgomery Ave., East Dubuque. IL, with Fr. Edilberto Jarapa officiating. Visitation will precede the mass at the church from 9:00 -11:15 a.m. Interment will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery at a later date.

Don was born on October 3, 1940, son of Joseph and Alvera (Fluhr) Zillig. He attended grade school at St. Mary's Catholic School in Dubuque. He was a proud graduate of the 1958 Class of Loras Academy.

He married Karen (Kay) Oliver on December 31, 1960, at St. Mary's Church, East Dubuque.

Don was a salesman for the Dubuque Packing Company, FDL Marketing, and Hormel Foods before retiring in 2007. His career took him to the Des Moines area from 1985-2007 where he and Kay made many good friends. Upon retirement, they returned to East Dubuque and resided at their retirement home at Frentress Lake on the Mississippi River.

He was a senior member of the Jo Daviess County Board representing Dunleith Township Precinct No. 2 for 15 years. He thoroughly enjoyed the friendships and accomplishments made while he was on the board.

Don had a great sense of humor and created a home full of love and laughter. Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on the river, fishing, pheasant hunting, and golfing with his family members and friends at Lacoma Golf Club. He also enjoyed the weekly Wednesday gatherings of his high school buddies at Jumpers Sports Bar & Grill to eat and play Euchre.

Surviving Don are his wife of 64 years, Karen (Kay) Zillig; a son, Dan Zillig and his children Luke and Rachel Zillig, of Woodbury, MN; a daughter, Deb (Jerry) Bruns of Waukee, IA and their children Zach (Dani) Bruns of Ankeny, IA; Chelsey Bruns of West St. Paul, MN; and Ike (Emily) Bruns of Des Moines, IA; great-granddaughters, Perri Bruns and Margot Bruns; sister-in-law Jean Noonan of Dubuque; and sister in-law Carol (Wesley) Boal of Dubuque, IA; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his 5 older siblings, June (Leighton) Noonan, Richard "Rich" (Jean) Zillig, Charles "Chuck" (Nancy) Zillig, Joyce (Bob) MacFarlane, and John "Jack" (Barb) Zillig. And his in-laws Donald & Cecilia Oliver, Donald "Ollie" (Gerry) Oliver and Anne Meeks.

The family extends a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Diane, Morgan, Melanie & Stephanie, for all the help, support and guidance they offered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Dubuque and the East Dubuque District Library.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home & Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Donald Zillig's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 31, 2025

Brian Gomoll posted to the memorial.

March 28, 2025

Mary Steffen posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2025

Kathy Verbugt Osipowicz posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Brian Gomoll

March 31, 2025

The East Dubuque District Library Board of Trustees, Staff, and Foundation give our most heartfelt condolences to Kay and Don's entire family.

Mary Steffen

March 28, 2025

What a great guy, he always had a big smile. Made everyone feel special to him!

Kathy Verbugt Osipowicz

March 27, 2025

When I was a young girl, Don & Kay were dating. We were at a family picnic in Dubuque. Don was so nice to us younger kids. He gave us a ride in his car. Don't recall where we went, but felt so happy that he and Kay included us

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory

2659 John F Kennedy Road, Dubuque, IA 52002

Make a Donation
in Donald Zillig's name

How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Zillig's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Donald Zillig's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 31, 2025

Brian Gomoll posted to the memorial.

March 28, 2025

Mary Steffen posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2025

Kathy Verbugt Osipowicz posted to the memorial.