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Roger Zilke Obituary
Roger H. Zilke, 78, of Baroda passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Fla.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 3903 Lake St., Bridgman with Father Arthur Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Hinman Cemetery with Military Rites provided by Baroda American Legion Post 345. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, May 19, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.
Memorial contributions may be made to Baroda American Legion Post 345 or the Berrien County Youth Fair. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Roger was born on Jan. 26, 1947, in Benton Harbor. He was raised in Baroda by his parents, Rudolph and Helen (Burke) Zilke. He was a 1965 graduate of Lakeshore High School. After high school, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served our country until 1968 when he came home to help run the family business for his ailing father. In 1975, Roger took over Zilke Brothers Nursery from his parents. A lifelong nurseryman, he sold fruit trees, small fruits, ornamental plants and shade trees that you will find continuing to grow all over Berrien County and beyond!
In 1996, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne. They were happily married for 18 years before her passing in 2014. They loved hosting family get-togethers, doting on grandchildren, traveling and tending to their garden. In 2004, Roger was elected to be the Berrien County drain commissioner, where he was awarded multiple accolades for his work. He served Berrien County for 12 years until full retirement. Gardening was his specialty. Many were fortunate to enjoy his famous sweet corn or were given a special bouquet of his flowers. Roger was heavily involved in 4-H and the Berrien County Youth Fair. He was a proud member of the Baroda American Legion Post 345.
Roger is survived by his children: Lori (Terry) Graves of Buchanan, Susan (Mick) Oldenburg of Sawyer, Karen (Matthew) Ford of Baroda, Ingrid (Mark) Behnke of Saugatuck, Mich., and Kenneth (Angelique) Petersen of Holland; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Allison (Ciccantelli) Graves, Katherine, Lyndsay, Margaret (Wainscott), Abigail, and Isabella Oldenburg, Lauren, Claire and Gabriel Ford, Raeghen, Bethany and Caroline Behnke, and Tre' and Chase Petersen; and great-grandchild, Roman Wainscott.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Rudolph and Helen; wife, Mary Anne; and sister, Karen Gast.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Zilke
4 Entries
Karla spencer
July 14, 2025
I was fortunate to have been Roger's neighbor having owed the little house on Russell Rd. Always cheerful when we met. RIP my friend.
John Dtesh
May 20, 2025
Roger was my friend! He was a man of true integrity & happily helped many people many times! Thinking of him & his great smile brings a smile to my face. He now sleeps with the Angels as God welcomes him to eternal peace. Rest in peace my friend with your dear Mary Anne.
Alan Boyer
May 19, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working for him as the Berrien County Drain Commissioner and became a friend, especially after Mary Anne's passing. Whenever I was around the County, it was always a treat to find Roger home as I was coming down Cleveland Road. I will miss the quick visits to say Hi, pickup sweet corn or stop in at the Legion hall or the Tap to hear stories. He had great stories and seemed to know everybody.
I planned to attend to express this in person, but, life gets in the way. Roger was gracious, friendly and comfortable. I am sure he will be missed by his family and friends, and again, I am so sorry for your loss at his passing.
Alan Boyer
Dianne Smith Brenning
May 18, 2025
Roger was a great friend, He was my Maid of Honor when Gene and I were married in 1989. He helped me so much when Craig had his accident and lost his life. I can remember him when we were kids and his mother brought him to church in his little bib shorts. So many great memories. Dianne Smith Brenning
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Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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