LeRoy H. Zill, age 95, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Sunday evening, July 9, 2023 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay with his family by his side.
LeRoy was born on December 13, 1927 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Howard and Agnes Reindl (who were best of friends) Zill. LeRoy was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc. He continued his education at the Manitowoc Technical School where he studied in the electrical field. LeRoy served his country with the United States Army being stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After his honorable discharge he returned to Manitowoc and became employed with Mirro Aluminum, followed by employment at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and then LeRoy returned to Manitowoc and became employed for over 30 years with Imperial Eastman from where he retired. On December 23, 1950 He married LaVerne Johnson in Two Rivers. They had a fun life together enjoying music and dancing and raising their family. LaVerne preceded him in death on August 3, 1999. LeRoy as a member of Peace United Church of Christ and served on the Manitowoc City Electrical Board for many years. LeRoy assisted a number of students as a mentor during their electrical apprenticeship to help them obtain their electrical license. He was an avid sports fan and was an official for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association refereeing local high school basketball games with his great friend Joe Chavez. LeRoy was a member of the Elks Club and after retirement he golfed daily with his best friend of 75 years, Ash Mahnke. He loved the game of golf and golfed in local leagues and many local golf tournaments. LeRoy was a wise and caring father who you could talk to about anything. He was a kind and considerate person. LeRoy was very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He encouraged everyone around him to excel in whatever they chose to do because he did the same for himself.
He is survived by two daughters, Joy (Terry) Orth and Jeanne (Larry) Panosh both of Manitowoc, seven grandchildren, Christopher (Jessica) Orth, Tiffani (Grant) Wabnitz, Robert Zill Jr., Jennifer (Adam) Dirkmann, Natasha Zill and her fiancé, Alex Emme, Brett Panosh, and Amanda Panosh; five great grandchildren, Harper, Sadie, Nash, Jude, and Layla; a special girlfriend of 22 years, Janet Fetzer, Manitowoc, who he had a fun relationship with along with her family; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death at the age of seven years by his father, Howard Zill, his mother, Agnes Zill Mraz and her husband Michael Mraz, who adopted LeRoy as an adult. Also preceding him in death was his wife, LaVerne, and son Robert L. Zill Sr.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Peace United Church of Christ, 3613 Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Matthew Sauer. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Drews Bleser Post #88. Following the services at the cemetery a dinner will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and then on Wednesday at Peace United Church of Christ from 2 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated to a memorial fund being established in LeRoy’s name. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneral home.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.