Donna T. Zilles, age 82, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 21, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born April 2, 1933 in Green Bay, daughter of the late Edward and Sophia (Hurckman) Burckle and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1951.

Donna married Bernard “Bernie” “Rogue” Zilles, June 9, 1956 in Green Bay and they were together just shy of 60 years. The couple looked forward to their trips to the casino and travels throughout the country together. Donna was an avid reader and animal lover, especially her 3 dogs, 2 cats and was a great supporter of the Bay Area Humane Society. She enjoyed bowling on leagues with Bernie and with her sister and friends.

She was a lifetime advocate for people with disabilities, first at Northern Center in Chippewa Falls, WI and later at ARC in Green Bay. Spending time with her family was most precious to Donna and her dedication to caring for her son, Mark John was unparalleled.

Donna is best known for her sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her friends and family will miss walking into a room to hear her boisterous cackle!
Donna is survived by her husband, Bernie; her cat, Rascal; 5 children: Mark John Zilles, Paul Edward (Diane) Zilles, Dawn Rae Zilles-Prem, Mary Lee Zilles and Matthew Bernard (Nelly) Zilles; 6 grandchildren: James, Jarod, Chance, Madeline, Sophia and Isaac; 2 great-grandchildren, Zander and Zolan; sister, Dawn (Gerald) Nelson; sisters-in-law, Mildred Burckle and Alice Larscheid; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Joy (Arthur) Helander; brother, Edward “Buddy” Burckle; mother and father in-law, Bernard and Lydia Zilles and sister-in-law, Sally (Tom) Gagnon.

Friends and relatives may call at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay) on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 10 to 12:45 AM. A memorial service will follow at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Donna’s name are appreciated.

Donna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff on 7th floor at St. Vincent Hospital and to Unity Hospice.

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