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Franklin Zilkey Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Zilkey
Sponsored by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, LTD..
Sue Bayer
February 19, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I so enjoyed Frank's company while living in the apartment above him in Fort Collins. We became good friends and would always check in with each other. He always had interesting stories to share of his life experiences. I was happy that he could join Leslie and her family in Illinois, but was sad to see him leave Colorado. With deepest sympathy...
Bob Bonomi
January 22, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. I was looking at the pictures from our trip through Colorado in 2009 and realized that the only pictures I had of Frank was of him bent over checking the food :-)
I enjoyed my conversation with Frank when I was up there last year. May he rest in peace, and may God comfort and strengthen you in your sorrows.
Julie Borland
January 21, 2019
I only met you and Herta for one weekend during Leslie's wedding. That weekend remains a special memory for me in that beautiful chapel in Colorado. I enjoyed meeting you and always looked forward to hearing updates from Leslie about what you had been doing. May you rest in peace.
Grace Price
January 20, 2019
Frank, my brother in law, was a man of great moral strength, integrity and kindness. His family meant everything to him.
He had wonderful dry sense of humor. His generosity was exceeded only by his willingness to help out wherever he saw a need.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
May he rest in peace.
Amazing double exposure from 2001, Rocky Mountain National Park
Leslie Kalvass
January 20, 2019
Alan Skowron
January 19, 2019
Frank Zilkey was a kind and compassionate man who will be remembered by many. I was fortunate enough in getting to know him and spending time with him through my long life friendship with his daughter, Leslie Kalvass. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I dedicate this original instrumental song, "Remembering You"....https://www.reverbnation.com/alanskowron/song/30385439-remembering-you
Jennifer Krause
January 18, 2019
When I first started caring for Frank as his HHA/CNA he wouldn't let me in the bathroom. So I was right outside the door so his wishes were granted. As time went on I was aloud into the bathroom to help him as needed. Towards the end he couldn't do the stairs anymore due to the of steadyness and strength so we did sponge baths. Wish we could have used the new shower upstairs but it was not completed in time. I will miss him dearly. He was one of my nicest patients I have had. Frank and his family were very sweet and friendly to/with me. May he rest in peace.
Monika Strzalka
January 18, 2019
Will be remembered forever
Monika Strzalka
January 18, 2019
This man was incredible person. Even that I didn't have chance to spend to much time with him...each time when I visit him he had new life stories and good advices for me. Which I will cherish to the rest of my life.!.Thank you very much Frank you will be missed here. But I know you really missed your wife...I hope you are happy now and no pain anymore.
Kate R
January 18, 2019
While he still lived out of state, I remember how excited Carter and Corinne would be for his impending visits. They were always filled with playing with the dogs outside and trips to the Botanic garden to see the trains. How lucky everyone was to have so much time with him once he moved to Illinois to be with you all. Thinking of all of you. -Kate
Klara Maringas
January 16, 2019
I have to share my amazing admiration,respect and love for a great man who blessed so many lives. Frank had many attributes and gifts which he shared with the world.
Frank was a brilliant and dedicated Civil Engineer. He was lovingly devoted to his family and German Shepherds. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed time with family and friends.
Frank had a authentic heart with a humble and caring spirit, helping others in need.
When adversities or trials came, he embraced each one with unbelievable courage and strength. He had a will of iron. When called to endur, endur he did. Sympathy and prayers to all of his family and friends.
Jennifer and Rex Frost
January 16, 2019
We are truly sorry for your loss. We lived next to Frank in Gurnee and were always impressed with Frank's determination and positive attitude in staying active despite his health problems. He would be outside walking the dogs or doing yard work regardless of weather. His attitude and perseverance were inspiring. Jennifer, Rex and George
Good Friends
Nowell Vincent
January 16, 2019
May you rest in heaven sweet Frank!
We shared stories over wine or coffee. You saw me through a trying time of my life. I will always miss our dog walks around the Seasons block while your German Shepherd looked at my little Axl pup like a snack!
We will miss you on earth but will see you again above.
Love, Seth & Nowell Vincent
Jennifer and Rex Frost
January 16, 2019
We are so very sorry for your loss. We lived next to Frank in Gurnee and were always impressed with Frank's determination and positive attitude in staying active despite his health problems. He would be outside walking the dogs or doing yard work regardless of weather. His attitude and perseverance were inspiring. Jennifer, Rex and George
Kay and Tom Hoeft
January 16, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the time we went to our cabin in North Platte. We had a great time riding on the boat and relaxing on our patio. Frank was so fortunate to have you and your family, especially the two grand children.
Mary Coduti
January 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed exchanging pleasantries with Frank this summer.
He loved and was well loved by his doting family and will be missed but remembered in our hearts.
Eadie Sweezy
January 16, 2019
I've had the pleasure of knowing Frank and Herta since Leslie and I were friends in high school and I always felt warmly welcomed in their family. As a couple, Herta and Frank were a beautiful example to me of having a loving married relationship and working together. They always put up with the shenanigans and noise that frequently came from us as teenagers. I fondly nicknamed them mom and pop Zilkey and they took on this pseudonym without so much as blinking an eye. Frank and Herta both made an everlasting imprint on my heart and spirit where I will carry the memories of their warmth and love. Their caring natures and family values live on in the legacy of their beautiful daughter, son in law, and grandchildren. Mom and Pop, may your bodies rest In peace and your spirits soar freely. Thank you for everything.
Jim and Becky Wolf
January 15, 2019
We met Frank and Herta in Loveland Colorado in the mid 90s. We so enjoyed Frank's enthusiam for life, especially hiking, love of outdoors, and the many conversations we shared over dinners. Frank was very intelligent, kept abreast of what was happening in the world, and had a keen sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Sunila Reddy
January 15, 2019
I hold wonderful memories of both Frank and Herta Zilkey having known them for over 20 years. Frank was a quiet soul who was incredibly committed to his family and his love for his daughter never wavered. They welcomed me into their family and treated me like their daughter. Their love was always deeply felt. Your smiles and loving words will always be missed but you have left an indelible mark on my heart. May you Rest In Peace and I feel honored to have known you!
Anne Eisinger
January 15, 2019
Frank Zilkey was a man of courage, honor, and strength. I'll never forget the first time I met him. Herta and Frank were visiting their daughter Leslie in Indiana, where Leslie and I had recently become friends. We all went for a walk together, and Frank's easy smile and happy blue eyes made me feel welcomed into the family as if I'd known them forever. It was a beautiful day. Frank had a good earthly life and was clearly loved by all who knew him. Leslie, my heartfelt sympathy goes to you, my dear friend. I hope your dad and my dad are making friends in the next world. I just bet they are.
Aimee Malec
January 15, 2019
The first word that comes to mind when I think of Frank is spunk! Our last visit to Chicago gave us the opportunity to get to know Frank a little better. We saw first hand his loving wisdom to his grandchildren, his dry since of humor directed at my brother, and his feisty love towards Leslie as she helped ensure proper care for him daily. The love and care of the two dogs by him especially warmed my heart and his will two walk them each morning, despite his slowing body, speaks to his spunk! Our love and Prayers to Leslie, Cory, Carter, & Corinne
Jim Haneberg
January 15, 2019
He was a lovable curmudgeon.
Michelle Thompson
January 15, 2019
It was such a pleasure to get to know Frank through his living with his loving daughter in the last 18 months of his life. He was sharp witted and funny, and an interesting conversationalist! He will surely be missed but happy he won't suffer any longer.
Frank and Herta came to celebrate my retirement 2003.
Kay and Tom Hoeft
January 15, 2019
E Skowron
January 15, 2019
Frank Zilkey was a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew him. He had unwavering commitment to family, friends and career. With a gentle and friendly spirit, he welcomed friends as family. I am very thankful to have known Frank.
My condolences, thoughts and prayers to Leslie and the family.
January 15, 2019
John Garnand sends his prayers and condolences to the family and a special remembrance pat to Frank's wonderful four-legged friend. I always share an acknowledgement for Herta, every time I drive by St. Malo. He was a kind and good hearted man.
Sam Kalvass
January 15, 2019
Kim and I met Frank at the wedding of our son Cory and his daughter Leslie. Frank was as nervous as I was and his dry sense of humor was very comforting for to me. Over the years I came to appreciate the great job he did with raising his daughter Leslie. His last few years of failing health made it apparent that he was one tough guy. He was able to soldier on even when you knew he was very ill and he still managed to have that spark of humor. I can only hope that I would have the same fortitude as him under similar circumstances. It was a pleasure and honor to have known Frank.
Annette Levin
January 15, 2019
May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.
Love Annette and Jacob.
Barb Wilkins
January 15, 2019
Without Frank, I don't see how the world is a better place. We spent many mornings having coffee and sweets. He listened, loved, and had time to share moments with diplomacy and being a perfect gentleman. I will miss him and loved him.
Maureen Lutz
January 15, 2019
My prayers are with Leslie and the whole family. I'm so glad I became good friends with Leslie and was able to meet her parents. I'll never forget when I almost fell off our porch trying to take a picture of Frank, Leslie and my husband. I got the best smile out of him as he laughed at my clumsiness. He was a kind man with a deep faith and I'm glad I have that picture to remember him by.
Fr. Jim
January 14, 2019
My deepest condolences to the whole family. Frank was a good man with a keen intellect. And he had the amazing combination of both strength and tenderness of heart, especially toward his only child, much like the adoptive father of our Lord, St. Joseph. May the Holy Family intercede for him now and show him the tenderness and mercy that he showed to others in life. May he rest in peace.
Lisa Vickery
January 14, 2019
I had the honor of knowing Frank for 30 years. He was a smart, caring, loving and giving person. He had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He worked hard to provide for his family as his family meant everything to him. He made me feel like a part of the family as well. I'll never forget the boat rides and dinners at Old Chicago. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends, he will truly be missed.
Maria Vinas
January 14, 2019
My deepest condolences to your family . You're dad was a great man. I really enjoyed our talks. May he rest in internal peace
Your Forever Light
Leslie Kalvass
January 14, 2019
Your blue eyes reflected a forever sky,
With an honest soul who could never lie,
Your toughness was underscored by love,
Your calm wisdom inspired by the dove.
You never asked and always gave,
You didn't squander and always saved,
You rarely complained and often smiled,
You couldn't help but make moments worthwhile.
So many lives you touched including mine,
Our relationship was an intervention divine,
I'll look for you past the darkness of night,
Towards the realm of your forever light.
Love Always,
Your daughter Leslie
January 14, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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Memorial Events
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Jan
19
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, LTD.120 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
Jan
19
Funeral services provided by:
Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, LTD.120 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
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