Jerry Zilka

Jerry Miles Zilka, 90 ROCKFORD - Jerry Miles Zilka, 90, died Friday, May 20, 2011. Born to Anton and Anna (Michl) Zilka on Jan. 2, 1921, in Cicero. Married Lillian Smid on Sept. 22, 1947, in Chicago. Jerry attended Massachusetts In-stitute of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in mechan-ical engineering and business engineering administration. Jerry also served in the U.S. Army for four years. He was an employee of Dixon Automatic Tool for 38 years and enjoyed woodworking, pistol target shooting, bird watching and spending time with family. Survived by sons, Roger and Kenneth Zilka of Rockford; daughter, Donna (Don) Francis of Roscoe; grandchildren, Samantha (Rob) Peter, Toni Wright, Todd and Nick Zilka, Donald (Jeanna) Francis and Andy Francis; great-grandchildren, Callie Peter, Justin, Faith, Lindsay, Cassidy Wright and Lillian Francis. Predeceased by wife, Lillian Zilka. A special thank-you to East Bank Center and Transitions Hospice. Service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Road, with visitation from 1 p.m. to service time. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Express condolences and share memories at honquest fh.com.