Roger Herman Zilke
January 26th, 1947 - May 9th, 2025
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Roger's Obituary
Roger H. Zilke, 78, of Baroda, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, FL. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, May 20, at 11 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 3903 Lake Street, Bridgman with Father Arthur Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Hinman Cemetery with Military Rites provided by Baroda American Legion Post 345. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, May 19, from 5PM until 7PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Baroda American Legion Post 345 or the Berrien County Youth Fair. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Roger was born on January 26, 1947, in Benton Harbor. He was raised in Baroda by his parents, Rudolph & Helen (Burke) Zilke. He was a 1965 graduate of Lakeshore High School. After High School, Roger enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served our country until 1968 when he came home to help run the family business for his ailing father. In 1975, Roger took over Zilke Brothers Nursery from his parents. A lifelong nurseryman, he sold fruit trees, small fruits, ornamental plants and shade trees that you will find continuing to grow all over Berrien County and beyond! In 1996, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne. They were happily married for 18 years before her passing in 2014. They loved hosting family get-togethers, doting on grandchildren, traveling and tending to their garden. In 2004, Roger was elected to be the Berrien County Drain Commissioner where he was awarded multiple accolades for his work. He served Berrien County for 12 years until full retirement. Gardening was his specialty. Many were fortunate to enjoy his famous sweet corn or were given a special bouquet of his flowers. Roger was heavily involved in 4H and the Berrien County Youth Fair. He was a proud member of the Baroda American Legion Post 345.
Roger is survived by his children, Lori (Terry) Graves of Buchanan, Susan (Mick) Oldenburg of Sawyer, Karen (Matthew) Ford of Baroda, Ingrid (Mark) Behnke of Saugatuck, and Kenneth (Angelique) Petersen of Holland; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Allison (Ciccantelli) Graves, Katherine, Lyndsay, Margaret (Wainscott), Abigail, and Isabella Oldenburg, Lauren, Claire and Gabriel Ford, Raeghen, Bethany and Caroline Behnke, and Tre' and Chase Petersen; and great-grandchild,
Roman Wainscott. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph & Helen; wife, Mary Anne; and sister, Karen Gast.
Roger was born on January 26, 1947, in Benton Harbor. He was raised in Baroda by his parents, Rudolph & Helen (Burke) Zilke. He was a 1965 graduate of Lakeshore High School. After High School, Roger enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served our country until 1968 when he came home to help run the family business for his ailing father. In 1975, Roger took over Zilke Brothers Nursery from his parents. A lifelong nurseryman, he sold fruit trees, small fruits, ornamental plants and shade trees that you will find continuing to grow all over Berrien County and beyond! In 1996, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne. They were happily married for 18 years before her passing in 2014. They loved hosting family get-togethers, doting on grandchildren, traveling and tending to their garden. In 2004, Roger was elected to be the Berrien County Drain Commissioner where he was awarded multiple accolades for his work. He served Berrien County for 12 years until full retirement. Gardening was his specialty. Many were fortunate to enjoy his famous sweet corn or were given a special bouquet of his flowers. Roger was heavily involved in 4H and the Berrien County Youth Fair. He was a proud member of the Baroda American Legion Post 345.
Roger is survived by his children, Lori (Terry) Graves of Buchanan, Susan (Mick) Oldenburg of Sawyer, Karen (Matthew) Ford of Baroda, Ingrid (Mark) Behnke of Saugatuck, and Kenneth (Angelique) Petersen of Holland; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Allison (Ciccantelli) Graves, Katherine, Lyndsay, Margaret (Wainscott), Abigail, and Isabella Oldenburg, Lauren, Claire and Gabriel Ford, Raeghen, Bethany and Caroline Behnke, and Tre' and Chase Petersen; and great-grandchild,
Roman Wainscott. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph & Helen; wife, Mary Anne; and sister, Karen Gast.
Memorial Contributions
Baroda American Legion Post 345
Berrien County Youth FairService Details
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