Bernard Roger Zilles

Bernard "Roger" Zilles, age 90, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born April 8, 1932 in Green Bay, son of the late Bernard A. and Lydia (Walters) Zilles and was a graduate of Premontre High School, Class of 1950.

Roger entered the US Navy in 1951. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1955. He was very proud to have a son and 2 grandsons that followed his footsteps and entered into military service. He married Donna Burckle, June 9, 1956 and they shared 59 years of marriage before Donna preceded him in death in 2016. Roger was employed by Brown County in a number of different departments before he began his career with the County as a printer. He also worked part time at various Red Owl locations in Green Bay.

Bernard loved to be outside enjoying nature and all of its beauty. You could often find him parked down at Communiversity Park enjoying his music and taking in the sights. He also liked spending time by the Bay at the Coast Guard Station, at parks or at Bay Beach. He was very much at peace by the water. He was an avid bowler both in his youth and as an adult, bowling on leagues by himself and with Donna, bowling multiple 300 games in his lifetime. Roger was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan-from sneaking under the fence at City Stadium in his youth to attending the Ice Bowl and enthusiastically taking in every game until he passed.

Bernard is survived by 4 children: Paul (Diane) Zilles, Dawn Zilles Prem, Mary Zilles and Matthew (Nelley) Zilles; 5 grandchildren: Chance (Priscilla), Jarod (Sierra), Sophie, Maddie and Isaac; 2 great-grandchildren, Zander and Zolan and a sister, Alice Larscheid. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; a son, Mark Zilles; a grandson, James Zilles and a sister, Sally (Tom) Gagnon.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 2 to 4 PM. A memorial service will follow at 4 PM with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Boys Town in Bernie's name are appreciated.

Bernard's family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Marla Vista, Meadowbrook and Moments Hospice for their care and compassion.