Patrick S. Zilka, 76 year old resident of Randall, MN passed away Monday, January 27, 2025 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN with Father Joe Herzing officiating. Burial will take place in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Flensburg, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 4-7 P.M. and from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN. Caring for Patrick and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Swanville, MN.
Patrick was born on July 11, 1948, in Little Falls, MN, to the late Stanley and Dorothy (Fafara) Zilka. He grew up in rural Randall, MN, and graduated with the Class of 1966 from Swanville High School. On May 12, 1973, Patrick was united in marriage to Elaine Czech at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. Patrick owned and operated a bulldozing business for many years, proudly assisting area farmers. Later, he worked a variety of jobs throughout his career, retiring in 2018 as a road grader operator for Darling Township. Patrick had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. He loved watching and feeding birds in his yard and cherished trips to Duluth, MN, where he marveled at the ships coming through the port. He was an avid card player and took pride in maintaining his lawn and the grounds around his home. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing with his father, Stanley, creating cherished memories on the water. Known for his love of TV classics, Patrick never missed an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger or a good game show. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. Patrick will be remembered for his warm heart, his dedication to family and community, and his unwavering faith.
He is survived by wife, Elaine Zilka of Randall, MN; children, Jacquelyn (Gregg) Kirckof of Westport, MN, Nicole (Daryl) Garlock of Sartell, MN, Sharleen (Jon) Donabauer of Sartell, MN and Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Zilka of Little Falls, MN; sisters, Patricia (Dan) Hartwig of Swanville, MN and Rita Zilka of Little Falls, MN; sisters-in-law, Judith Booth and JoAnne Czech; brother-in-law, James Czech; and grandchildren, Shea (Caleb) Eicher, Hunter Zilka, Kaiden Garlock, Maddalen Donabauer, Abagail Donabauer, Ruby Donabauer.
Patrick was preceded in death by parents, Stanley and Dorothy Zilka; brother, Gilbert Zilka; infant sister, Jacquelyn Zilka; in-laws, Peter (Eleanor) Czech; and brothers-in-law, LeRoy Czech and Daniel Booth.
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