Obit: Zillmer, DuWayne Alfred (1936 - 2017)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Zillmer, Lovstad, Radtke, Hushek, Johnston, Paun, Watson, Turner,

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2017

Zillmer, DuWayne Alfred (13 March 1936 – 11 October 2017)

DuWayne Zillmer, age 81, of Marshfield, WI, formerly of Pulaski, WI entered his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 surrounded by the love of his family.

DuWayne Alfred Zillmer was born on March 13, 1936 at his grandparents’ home in Neillsville, WI. He attended Greenwood schools and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1954. After high school he entered the US Army, serving in the Signal Corp. in White Sands, New Mexico. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and moved to Milwaukee, WI. It was there, DuWayne met Leah Radtke and they were united in marriage on October 5, 1968 in Pulaski, WI. Leah preceded DuWayne in death on May 26, 2010.

DuWayne worked for Nash Rambler, Mrs. Howes, and Barrel of Fun as a route driver in the Milwaukee area for many years. After retiring DuWayne and Leah returned to Pulaski, WI.

DuWayne enjoyed golfing and fishing, particularly trout fishing at the farm and an annual fishing trip to the Chippewa Flowage with Leah. DuWayne also cherished deer camp with the boys at the farm and their annual cheese run. In addition, cribbage was one of DuWayne’s favorite card games. He enjoyed being with his family and loved receiving the care packages his family they would send that always included baked goods specifically molasses cookies which he enjoyed with a tall glass of milk. Visits by family pets were always welcomed.

DuWayne was passionate about helping children in need and was a supporter of St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

In addition to his wife, DuWayne was also preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Marie Zillmer, father and mother-in-law, Loretta and Lester Radtke. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Barb) Zillmer of Milwaukee, WI, a sister, Karen (Ken) Lovstad of Chili, WI, a brother-in-law, Bud Radtke of Greenfield, WI, a sister-in-law, Lynn Radtke of Washington State, nieces, Laurie (Steve) Hushek, Stephanie (Russ) Johnston, Sherry Zillmer, Krisan (Scot) Paun and Kari (Toby) Watson, nephew, Kenny Lovstad, great nieces, Danielle (Aaron) Turner, Katie Paun and Sophie Watson, great nephews, Aaron (Amanda) Paun, Jordan Watson, Ben, Joey and Alex Hushek and great-great-nephew and niece, Kashten and Reilyn Paun.

The family would like to thank the staff at Three Oaks for the care and compassion shown to DuWayne during his time with them and Pastor Dan Schoessow for his visits, prayers, and support.
DuWayne was a very loving and caring man who will be greatly missed by his family.

A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Gruhlke Cemetery in Fairchild, WI. Pastor Daniel Schoessow will officiate. The Neillsville Veteran’s Council will perform military honors.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting DuWayne’s family with Funeral arrangements.