William “Bill” Zellers
1930 – 2021
William “Bill” Zellers, 90, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Private services will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. David Ufkes, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Bill was born on November 4, 1930, in Ottawa to Terrance and Ann (Richie) Zellers. He married Helen (Osman) Wilkinson on August 27, 1977. Bill served in the US Army in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was an instructor in a Guided Missile Company. Bill was a lifetime resident of Ottawa and retired after 43 years at Libbey- Owens Ford. He loved hunting, fishing, and nature. Bill was a long-time volunteer at the Community Hospital as a Care-A-Van driver. He also enjoyed many hours in his workshop. Bill was a member of the Elks and the American Legion Post 33.
He is survived by one son, Thomas J. (Pat) Zellers; three step children, Rhonda Wilkinson, Scott Wilkinson, and Tamara Wilkinson. He is also survived by a sister Anna Mae Sommer and six grandchildren; Kimberly (Brian) Shute, Shawn (Cayla Tinney) Zellers, Nicholas Zellers, Kyle and Marc Wilkinson and Rebecca (Austin) Martinovich, the mother of his children, the former Julie Vancena, three great grandchildren, Abbie and Alivia Shute and Cole Zellers, special caregiver, Teresa McCullough, and his faithful furry friend, Domino.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, sons, Jerry and William, Jr., two brothers, George and Ted Zellers, a sister Mary Zellers, and brother-in-law Hank Sommer.
Memorials may be directed to the Pet Project.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433.