Gordon Zillman

Gordon was born May 18, 1921 in the Town of Maine to the late Theodore and Clara (Radke) Zillman. Sadly, Gordon was born following his father’s death in December of 1920. Clara remarried sometime later to Frank Huebner and he was a wonderful step-father to Gordon. He graduated from Wausau High School where he met and began courting Corinne Koch. Gordon faithfully served his country in the Army, being inducted January 1943 and discharged February 1946, attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. Following WWII, Gordon returned home and married Corinne at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Wausau on December 14, 1946. The couple was blessed with the births of three children; Tom, Mary and Kathryn.


For more than 50 years Gordon worked as a self-employed carpenter and contractor in the Wausau area, building numerous homes and always having a generous heart to help those in need. Gordon was an arm-chair theologian who loved spending time studying Scriptures and fellowshipping with his Savior. He was well aware he was a sinner upon whom God lavished His grace. Gordon will be remembered as a quiet man with great integrity and an inquisitive nature. Gordon T. Zillman, 89, Wausau, died Monday, May 31, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at his home.


Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Corinne; children, Reverend Thomas (Sherryl) Zillman of Janesville, Mary Zillman and Kathryn Zillman both of Wausau; grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan and Lauren; half-sister, Charlotte (John) Koerten of Tennessee; cousins, Ruth Ann Hafeman, Roger Zillman and Jim Zillman all of Wausau; and many more extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his step-brother, Harley; and step-sister, Valeria.


Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, June 4, 2010 at Christian Assembly Church, 400 Grand Ave., Wausau. Dennis Romine, Pastor, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau and resuming at 10:00 AM on Friday at the church. The committal will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10 will be rendering honors at the cemetery. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.


John 5:24


“I [Jesus] assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death to life.”