"Words are not adequate to describe my friend and classmate. His black and white horse Lady was lucky to receive his affection. Perhaps some did not know he enjoyed riding. I feel really sad about your family?s loss."
In loving memory of
Craig Zilly
September 24, 1946 - January 1, 2022
Craig Zilly
Canton-Craig Zilly, 75, of Canton, passed away, Saturday, January 1, 2022, at his home in Canton.
He was born on September 24, 1946, in Aurora Illinois, to Orville and Dorothy (Schoeberlein) Zilly. They preceded him in death along with one step son Daniel Cook.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Zavodsky) Zilly, whom he married on January 1, 1998.
Also surviving are four children, Stephanie (Mark) Parcheta of Aurora, Colorado, Brian (Lisa) Cook of McHenry, Illinois, Tina (Jeremy) Zilly Carby of Bloomington, Illinois, and Stacy (Chris) McCleave of Aurora, Colorado, eight grandchildren, Jackson, Annabelle, Ava, Emily, Sophie, Norah, Carolyn, and Scott and one great grandson, Griffyn.
Craig served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Guam as a radio broadcaster and hosted the Daybreak Show.
He first worked at WBYS Radio as a broadcaster, he later sold insurance for the Equitable Group, Pekin Insurance and for Sanders Hasty, he also purchased Sanders Hasty in Canton. He retired on June 1, 2015.
Craig was a member of Wesley united Methodist Church in Canton. He was a past president of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and was also active in the Canton Kiwanis Club. He was a member of Wee - Ma - Tuk Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf.
Craig was also active in many local theater performances, and he also was emcee of numerous events around the Canton area.
Craig enjoyed travelling with his wife and loved listening to new radio stations and radio from the past. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and most of all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and especially his dog Franny.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Church one hour prior to the services.
Military honor's will be rendered following the services at the church.
Memorials may be made to Spoon River College Foundation in honor of Craig Zilly.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"My sympathies to the family. Craig was a nice guy, always helping with insurance. May God give you the comfort you need."
"Rest in peace cousin, nothing but good memories. Mary and Tina we are very sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers."
"So sorry for the loss to the Zilly family. He was a great guy. Rod and Mary Ahitow"
"Craig was a wonderful person. Always so kind, friendly, humble and sincere. He treated everyone he met like they were important and never looked down on anyone. What a wonderful legacy to leave. I will always remember his smile and zeal for life. Jon Snider"
"Our heartfelt condolences, Doug & Julie Seeley"
"Our hearts are heavy and hurting, learning of Craig?s passing. He was a great, Christian, family man and friend. Canton will miss him deeply. RIP. Max/Cheryl "
"Very sorry to hear about Craig's passing. RIP Craig."
"Mary and Tina I am so sad to hear that Craig passes. I loved his wit and sense of humor. Te time we spent working together on the pageant was some of the best times for me. Prayers to you both. Carolyn Apt"
"I always enjoyed our conversations and his phone calls out of the blue. I've known Craig since I was a teenager. This was difficult news to hear. Rest in peace. Condolences to Mary, Tina, and the rest of the family."
"I am so very sorry to learn of Craig?s passing. He was a good and loyal supporter of Pekin Insurance but more importantly a good friend. God?s grace be with Mary and family and may Craig Rest In Peace."
"So many memories. I will miss his laugh and his kindness. I feel lucky that he and his family were among my friends. My sincere condolences to Tina and the rest of his family. Pam Willison"
"My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, God binds up the broken hearted and saves those crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18"
"Craig was a great man. I spent ten years going to Wesley United Methodist Church with him and his family. We had many fun times in productions at the Playhouse. My condolences especially to Tina as well as the rest of his family."
"Craig will truly be missed in Canton as he was a asset to the city and many people."
"Craig was our insurance agent many years ago. Very nice guy My deepest sympathy to his entire family Marilyn Anderson"
"My memories of Craig have to do with the love and devotion he showed Tina. She was my high school best friend. I remember thinking how lucky she was that she had the best dad in the world. He welcomed anyone into his home and loved and supported us like we were his own. He helped to shape my life in ways that he will never know. Tina, Mary and family I am so sorry. I am sending much love and prayers to all of you. "
"Craig was my first insurance agent and i was his vet for a few years. He was a great guy always friendly and full of joy. Thinking of his entire family. "
"Mary and Family, please know that your are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We always enjoyed Craig as we served on various committees at church over the years. In particular, Scot enjoyed visiting with Craig as we traveled together to the Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in Peoria. Craig had a charm and wit and was a lot of fun on those trips! He also was obviously a fellow dog lover who spoke very affectionately about hid dog, Franny. He will definitely be missed!"
"Tina, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time.
Mark & Brenda (Mendenhall) Postin
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