Lawrence "Larry" Zitkus

Lawrence "Larry" Zitkus obituary, Sterling, IL

Lawrence "Larry" Zitkus

Lawrence Zitkus Obituary

Published by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Rock Falls on Jan. 28, 2022.
Lawrence "Larry" J. Zitkus, age 89, died Friday, January 28, 2022 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. Larry was born on January 17, 1933 in Sterling, the son of John and Helen (Armoska) Zitkus. He married Patricia Hamblock on July 25, 1959 in Sterling, who passed away on March 29, 1988. Larry spent 45 years in the education field retiring as a School Superintendent. He graduated from Newman High School and from St. Ambrose University, later honored in both their Athletic Halls of Fame. Family was extremely important to Larry. He enjoyed vacationing, family gatherings and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling and actively served as Deacon at both Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Catholic Church. Survivors include two daughters, Margo Goff of Sterling and Anne (Randy) Benson of Kirkland; three sons, Douglas Zitkus of Lanark, Stephen Zitkus of Chattanooga, Tenn. and Lawrence (Amy) Zitkus of Stillman Valley; sixteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Irene and Frances; one brother, Jim Zitkus. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, January 31, 2022 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling with a Rosary recited at 4:30. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church with The Very Reverend James Keenan officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.

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January 23, 2023

william stotzer posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2022

Terry & Karen O'Malley posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2022

Marilyn Mcbride posted to the memorial.

william stotzer

January 23, 2023

Larry & I were a year apart in high school @ C.H.S. He was Sr. class President while I was the Jr. class president. He was the Capt. of the basketball team while I was the "6th" man. In both situations I looked to him as a leader & mentor. We were reunited years later when we both moved back to Sterling. Our new houses were built in the 90s and only 2 blocks away. Our friendship was renewed and grew even more after that. Larry was the kind of friend you were fortunate to have in your lifetime. RIP Larry. Bill Stotzer CHS '52

Terry & Karen O'Malley

March 14, 2022

To Larry's family: Thoughts and prayers are with you! We went to St Mary church and knew Larry thru my sister Marcia. He was a good man.

Marilyn Mcbride

February 3, 2022

I worked with Larry at St Mary Parish for several years, and it was one of the nicest experiences I´ve ever had.
Larry came into the business office one day and offered his serv
which I gratefully accepted. He was always kind and helpful, and I think he was the wittiest person I´ve ever known. He will be greatly missed by everyone who´s life he touched. Good bye and God bless, Larry. Marilyn

Jeannie Ramos

February 1, 2022

Larry was the kindest man I have ever met. A true gentleman and so intelligent! I had the pleasure of working with him when he stepped in to finish a school year out several years ago at St. Mary's School in Sterling where I am the office manager and bookkeeper. For coming in to fill in, he made us all feel secure and we knew he knew what he was doing in his kind way but also go the job done. He often stopped by the school after that every couple months and brought in coffees and to check in to make sure everything was going well. He was a true man of faith and he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace dear Larry

Rodney Meier

January 31, 2022

I grew up in Pearl City and went thru all my schooling there. Mr Zitkus was my teacher in grade school and also my coach in athletics in high school.
I shall always him for his "flat top haircut". I also had one in school.
He was a great teacher to all and he made sure we all learned our "U.S. Constitution" in 8th grade . He was a fine history teacher.
He was an excellent coach in football and he kept us in shape and made us into a solid football team.
He seemed to me to be a very strong individual in his teaching ways and with athletics. He was also a very compassionate man in his teaching to us youngsters and I feel he truly wanted us to be better individuals both in school and in our later lives.
Rest in peace Mr Zitkus a fine teacher to all.
Respectfully
Rodney Meier now living in Gilbert,AZ.

Tami Fane

January 31, 2022

I came to know Larry when he served on the Board of Directors at Gianna's House Pregnancy Resource Center. I loved his sense of humor and the way we teased each other. He was a good man and I'm a better person having known him. Peace my friend.

Steven Yde and Family

January 31, 2022

When I think of Deacon Larry, I think of a man who lived an entire life before we met him over 15 years ago. Despite the suffering in his life and the lasting physical effects, he never allowed the pain and suffering from his past to become anything but an offering to the Lord and serving Him. No greater compliment can be given. A great example for us all.

Deacon Mike Boyce

January 31, 2022

Larry was a very special deacon and helped me greatly in my formation years. I learned a lot from Larry and pray that be welcomed with the open arms of Our Lord. Rest in peace, special servant.

Mike Armoska

January 29, 2022

A lot of great memories growing up. Love the Zitkus's. Larry was always great to our family and he touched a lot of people. Rest In Peace Larry. Love you.

Jill Shaulis

January 29, 2022

It was so wonderful having Larry and his family as neighbors so many years ago. Great memories from then and at school. Rest in peace 'Mr. Zitkus'. Jill (Meyer) Shaulis

Karen Aurand

January 29, 2022

So very sorry for your loss.

Deacon Robert Collins

January 29, 2022

Our condolences on your loss. May God bring you peace during this time of sorrow.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei,
requiescant in pace.
~Amen~

Karibeth Stott

January 29, 2022

Doug and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a wonderful guy. Prayers to you.

Annette & Marge Dreska McGowan

January 30, 2022

My mom was good friends and wanted me to forward her condolences. We stopped by to see him a month or two ago ago (but he wasn't home) and my mom Marge Dreska left a message on his phone. But hadnt heard anything back from him. She was in RCIA with Larry for many years at St Catherine's in Genoa. They were great friends -he even attempted to teach her to golf. He fished balls out of the water and the bushes for her (she had borrowed a set of clubs and balls from a girlfriend). They shared a lot of laughs. He had a great laugh! We were actually talking about him the other day and she was saying she going to call him soon. (Was he sick for awhile or was this sudden?). He was our counselor before we got married and was the deacon at our wedding. He was a great guy and we have some wonderful memories. Young Larry was in my CCD class at St Cats so we have known your family for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace, Larry! Thank you for being such a good friend to my mom!

Jim Raders

January 30, 2022

What a great mentor to me as a teacher and coach at Pearl City. He had confidence in me as he hired me as an agriculture teacher in the district. My wife Colleen and I express our sympathy to the family. May he be blessed in the lords presence.

Lynn Isely

January 30, 2022

My condolences to all your family. It was a pleasure working for him at Hiawatha.

Mary Vohwinkle

January 30, 2022

Mr. Zitkus (it took me years to call him Larry and he coaxed me and teased me unmercifully when I couldn't or didn't) was my first Superintendent in my teaching career at Pearl City High School. Between him and Ron Johnson, my first high school principal, I could not have asked for two finer individuals to help mold me into the teacher I became. Larry demanded my best every day I walked through the doors of Pearl City High School. He gave me inspiration, excellent advice, and humor.

He was a stringent taskmaster, an impressive mentor, and a true friend who only wanted the best for me. He loved his family, he honored his position and leadership role at Pearl City Schools and in the community, and he was always willing to listen. I am blessed to have known him.

Anne Striplin (Carey)

January 30, 2022

I grew up with Larry's kids and my mother (Pat Carey)was a close friend of Larry and his wife. A wonderful man and family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Donna Warner

January 30, 2022

So sad to hear this news. I have fond memories of Mr Zitkus❤ My condolences to Doug and all the family. I pray you all have wonderful memories to help you through your grieving.

Gary Schoester

January 30, 2022

Fortunately to have Larry as a teacher, coach and principal at pearl city, many great memories. One of those individuals I had great respect for and always called him coach. Remember the day he walked in to my barber shop and ask for that guy in the 3rd chair I looked up and said hi coach even tho. I hadn't seen him for probably 30 years.

Raymond and Tracy Zitkus

January 30, 2022

God Bless you Uncle Larry, you were a wonderful man. You will be missed deeply.

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Not sure what to say?

January 23, 2023

william stotzer posted to the memorial.

March 14, 2022

Terry & Karen O'Malley posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2022

Marilyn Mcbride posted to the memorial.