Charles J. Zillig
April 29, 1930 - October 22, 2017

Charles J. "Chuck" Zillig, age 87, of Dubuque, was reunited with his eternal love Nancy, on Sunday, October 22, 2017, at his home. To honor Chuck's life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at St. Patrick's Church, 1425 Iowa Street, with Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating. To celebrate Chuck's life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 27, 2017, at St. Patrick's Church, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.Chuck was born on April 29, 1930, in East Dubuque, IL, son of Joseph and Alvera (Fluhr) Zillig. Chuck was born and raised in the tri-state area and would acquire his primary education from St. Mary's and Loras Academy. While in school, Chuck thankfully crossed paths with his soul-mate, Nancy McInerney, and the predestined couple was united in marriage on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1950, at St. Patrick's Church. Chuck and Nancy were truly blessed to be given 66 wonderful years together, and 8 deeply adored children, before Nancy was sadly called home ahead of him on January 31, 2017. Chuck's primary focus, along his earthly journey, was definitely centered around his family. He took his responsibility as a loving husband and father with a seriousness and dedication which was never in question. He would invest over 42 years of his working career with The Dubuque Pack/FDL before finally retiring at the age of 62. He not only took great pride in his God given abilities, but also discovered great joy in faithfully providing a secure and comfortable life for his loved ones at home. He also took every opportunity which presented itself to nurture his family along the way. Always leading by example, Chuck would instill within his family the values of faith, family and fun. First and foremost was the importance of understanding the most basic concept that this life is merely a temporary state of being, and that one day we are going to meet a loving God and Savior, who we will surely worship, honor and serve while we're here. Chuck has been a longtime member of St. Patrick's Church and his roles as usher and with parish council were consistently met with the graciousness of a truly faithful servant. Chuck was also always up for spending a little quality time together with family and friends. Heading out for a relaxing morning of hunting in the woods, grabbing the tackle box and plenty of live bait for the afternoon, or even warming up to throw the bowling ball, basketball or baseball around were all moments which easily brought a smile to Chuck's face. He was continually creating moments which often developed into a memory filled adventure and we'll never forget his uncanny ability to share his humor, knowledge and wisdom he'd gained through the years. Chuck also religiously found "a little" free-time to spend among his countless friends at Lacoma while always welcoming the challenge of chasing his 3rd hole-in-one. He and Nancy also thoroughly treasured their relationships and laughs with their fellow Card Club companions for over 60 years. We find ourselves in a place today which barely seems possible, let alone manageable to our still aching hearts from the loss of our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend only 9 months ago. We accept that Chuck spent each day since, suffering from a broken heart and we are definitely thankful that he will once again be reunited with his eternal love; but for those of us left behind, time, memories, faith and family appear to be the only options which will hopefully pull us through each passing day. We love you Chuck and Nancy; thanks for all the love and lessons you leave behind and may your travels together on the streets of gold in your new Volkswagen Beetle be not only maintenance free, but also abundantly full of hand holding time once again. Those left to cherish Chuck's memory include
his 8 children,
Kathi (Dan) Kelly, Asbury,
Kris (John) Richey, Asbury,
Vicki (Charlie) Glab, Dubuque,
Mary (Ted) Runde, Cuba City, WI,
Patti (Jim) Luksetich, Dubuque,
Julie (Ray) Small, Iowa City, IA,
Dave (Sandie) Zillig, Dubuque
and Rick (Linda) Zillig, Asbury;his 28 grandchildren,
Jason (Kim) Kelly, Nicole (Kristian) Rondeau, Jenny (Brian) Herting, Sarah (Justin) Sinning, Ryan (Betsy) Richey, Tricia (Alex) Baum, Addie (Kevin) O'Connor, Nick Glab, Sam Glab, Gus Glab, Zoa Glab, Holly (Jeff) Johns, Camy (Dan) Berntgen, Kyle (Jackie England) Runde, Katie (Ben) Varley, Adam Luksetich, Michael (Kathy) Luksetich, Jenna Luksetich, Missy (Shawn) Stewart, Mary (Chris) Grant, Emily (Scott) Kaalberg, Vicki (Jason) Berg, Libby Small, Charlotte (Patrick) Carr, Hailey Zillig, Drew Zillig, Ben Zillig and Becca Zillig;his 36 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way;his brother,
Donald (Kay) Zillig, East Dubuque, IL;2 sisters-in-law,
Barbara Zillig, Rohrersville, MD
and Jean Noonan, Dubuque;his brother-in-law,
Robert MacFarlane, Champaign, IL;his numerous nieces and nephews; and his four-legged faithful companion,
Charlie.Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Nancy; and his 4 siblings, June (Leighton) Noonan, Richard Zillig, Joyce MacFarlane and John "Jack" Zillig.A Charles J. "Chuck" Zillig memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

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