George Zika

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George L. Zika, 85, of Freeburg, IL, born May 27, 1936, in Belleville, IL, died Monday, September 20, 2021, at his residence.

Mr. Zika retired as a Captain with the Belleville Fire Department after 26 years of service, and worked as a State Fire Marshal Inspector for 15 years. He was a member of the Belleville Exchange Club and the Elks Lodge #481.  George was a member of the Army National Guard, Company K, 133rd Division from 1954 to 1962, and served with the U. S. Army Reserves Unit in St. Louis, MO, from 1962 to 1964. George was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, and belonged to the men’s club at the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Catherine, nee Gebke, Zika.

Surviving are his loving wife, Mary Louise, nee Wainwright, Zika;
a son, Daniel (Sharon) Zika;
three daughters, Mary Joan Gober (Eric Kohrmann), Lynn (Daniel) Weidenbenner, and Kathleen Zika-Welty(Gary);
eight grandchildren, Hayley Zika, Lexi, Liza, and Cole Gober, Whitney and Olivia Weidenbenner, and Dustin and Dalton Woodcock;
a brother, Kenneth (Geraldine) Zika;
two sisters, Joyce (John) Krueger, and Marilyn (Ronald) Yeager;
many nieces and nephews;
and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was loved by MANY.

Memorials may be made to Siteman Cancer Research Center, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, September 27, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL.

 Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, September 27, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, with Fr. Von Deeke, Msgr. Jim Buerster, and Deacon Corby Valentine concelebrating.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

19 Comments on George Zika

Ken Harris said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2022 at 2:09 PM

One of my buds! Rest In Peace, George………

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
ronald amos said : Guest Report Sep 27, 2021 at 12:46 PM

sorry i could not make it and very sorry for your loss

  • freeburg
  • Illinois
Dennis & Valerie Oaks said : Guest Report Sep 27, 2021 at 12:03 PM

We r so sad to say we can not make it today for George & Mary - please let Mary know she is in our thoughts and prayers - luv Dennis & Valerie Oaks from Northwest Fire Dept . George & Mary are such special people - we loved them both so dearly ❤

  • Belleville
  • MO
Karen Jackson Fieker said : Guest Report Sep 24, 2021 at 7:35 AM

George and my dad, Ormond Jackson, were on the fire department together for many years. They were good friends. I remember a time when Daddy was putting on a new roof on their house and George was the first one there to help. When ever I saw him I always got a bear hug from him. We will be missed. Now George and my dad are swapping fire fighting stories up in heaven.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Elaine Campbell Joost said : Guest Report Sep 23, 2021 at 8:12 AM

So sorry to hear about your dad. I have such good memories of him and your whole family - neighborhoods friends and St. Mary's friends. Sending love and prayers to all of you.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Jane said : Guest Report Sep 23, 2021 at 6:46 AM

George always was and still is an angel. He always brought love, joy and laughter into any room. I remember when he lived with us for a while in Florida. He was young and boisterous and would occasionally cuss. Us kids would run to grab a bar of soap to wash out his mouth as grandma used to advise. Then we would all roll all over the floor loudly laughing and squealing while George would tickle us in self defense. Even though I haven't seen him in a very long time, he is still close to my heart, bringing a smile. I am sure he will always stay even closer to yours. Love you all!

  • Floyd
  • VA
Marla Vollmer said : Guest Report Sep 23, 2021 at 6:33 AM

So very sorry for your loss. Keeping George and your family in our prayers. Bill and Marla Vollmer

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Ronda (Yeager) Churchill said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 10:04 PM

To my sweetest Uncle George, who was a surrogate grandfather to me growing up, may you be celebrating without pain or suffering in heaven with our family that has has passed. I know they were waiting for you with huge smiles and open arms; and to my dear Aunt Mary, who is a surrogate grandmother to me, I wish you so much love and comfort during this extremely difficult time. I cherish all of our memories together, and know that you have a special Angel watching over you until you can reunite once again. I am sending so much love from out west. Xoxo -Ronda & Jim

  • Las Vegas
  • Nevada
Bob and Joyce Springer said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 9:11 PM

Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Zika family. George will be greatly missed.

  • Waterloo
  • Illinois
Patricia Totty said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 5:42 PM

I am so sorry for your loss sending hugs and prayers to the family 🌻🙏

  • Belleville
  • IL
Megan Beiser said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 2:11 PM

My condolences to all the family and friends of George. I have heard wonderful things about him from Hayley and I know he was very loved. Sending my prayers your way.

  • Mascoutah
  • Illinois
Charlie Chace said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 11:41 AM

Man heart aches along with Mary and the children, I will miss my dear friend. I will cherish our memories and bring you up to date when we reunite in heaven

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Molly Schmidt said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 11:41 AM

I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of George. I was lucky enough to have George as a part of my life at the YMCA. I will cherish my memories with him. Sending all my love to Mary and family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Donna Rust Amburn said : Guest Report Sep 22, 2021 at 11:02 AM

Dear Mary and family, I have so very many wonderful childhood memories spending time with your family. George was always joking around with Joan and I. You have a wonderful family and are loved by so many. I am very sorry that George had to leave this earth but I’m sure with all my heart he is watching down on all of you. If it’s possible I bet him and my dad are enjoying a beer up there together. I have the cross George made for me hanging above my chair, it’s just beautiful . I pray with all my heart you can find some comfort knowing that he is free of pain. Love you all Donna Amburn.

  • Golconda
  • IL
Marilyn Neu said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2021 at 10:44 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Zika Family George was such a great guy. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Karen (Gasawski) Coleman said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2021 at 7:03 PM

I am so sorry for your loss! I always thought the world of George and you too Mary. Gary (Gaz) thought a lot of George too - they will be able to share some laughs and stories up in Heaven. Take care and God bless. Love and prayers.

  • Belleville
  • ILLINOIS
Dean R. Juenger said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2021 at 4:51 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zika family. So glad I was able to speak with George at Eric’s recently. RIP Captain Zika.

  • Masoutah
  • Illinois
Steve&Mary trautt said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2021 at 4:36 PM

George was a kind and special man,my wife and I got to know them both at the Belleville East ymca.Our heartfelt sympathy to Mary and family.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Jerry and Millie said : Guest Report Sep 21, 2021 at 3:15 PM

Our hearts are broken. We love the Zikas. Prayers are with you all. George was loved by all. Prayers and hugs. He will be missed.

  • Millstadt
  • Il

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