Roger Zillman

Roger Walter Zillman, 88, of Wausau passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born November 9, 1928 in Wausau to the late Walter and Audrey (Michaels) Zillman. At a young age, Roger began a painting and decorating apprenticeship and continued that career well past his retirement from the American Can/James River Corporation, where he worked in shipping and eventually as the company painter. Roger met his future wife, Kathleen O'Driscoll, on a blind date and they were married on June 21, 1952, at St. James Catholic Church, Eau Claire. Roger and Kathleen then lived, worked, and raised their three children in Wausau.

Holding two jobs for most of his working life, Roger claimed "work is my hobby," but he found time to plant, harvest, and share a bountiful garden, and to do numerous home improvement projects. He also enjoyed fishing, cooking and baking, music (especially polkas), and gatherings with his family. He loved and was especially proud of his grandchildren and their families, and had a special bond with his son-in-law. He will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, generosity, humility, his talent in his craft, and his endless supply of jokes and anecdotes.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen, daughter Barbara (Rod) Digman of Rib Mountain, two grandchildren, Luke (Cheryl Thomas) Digman of Rochester, MN, Amanda (Ben) Shuda and great grandsons Nolan and Bryce Shuda, Rib Mountain; sisters-in-law Virginia Zillman, Wausau, Vinessa Marlys Zillman, Wausau, Margaret (Chuck) Thorsen, Oconomowoc, Judy (Dave) Risch, Otsego, MN; brothers-in-law Jim (Ruth) O'Driscoll, Otsego, MN, Bob (Libby) O'Driscoll, Bozeman, MT, and Patrick (Sheri) O'Driscoll, Hartland; plus many nieces, nephews and their families. Roger was preceded in death by his sons, Thomas and David, two brothers, Jim and Wayne, an infant sister, and sister-in-law Delores (O'Driscoll) Martinek and her husband, Robert Martinek.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Avenue, Wausau. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Wausau. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m., until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.