Marvin Zilka

Marvin H. Zilka , age 76 of Sauk Centre, died following a courageous battle with brain cancer on May 2, 2019 at CentraCare Health Nursing Care Center in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2019 at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Father Jim Maderak presiding.  A visitation will be held Monday, 9:30 – 11 a.m. in the St. Paul’s Gathering Area prior to mass at the church.

Marvin Henry Zilka, the only child of Genevieve Catherine (Super) and Anthony Raymond Zilka was born July 13, 1942 in Little Falls, Minnesota.  Marvin attended and graduated from Benilde-Saint Margaret’s Catholic School in Minneapolis.   He attended the University of Minnesota and later, received his certification in carpentry from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis.  Marvin worked as a general contractor in Minneapolis and predominately Hopkins and Minnetonka.  In the late 1980’s he took pride in building his home adjacent to Sauk Lake near Diamond Point completely from the foundation and up.  He and his son, Marc moved into this home once it was completed.  He enjoyed living on the lake and fishing.   While living north of Sauk Centre, he met Rita Rahm and on October 7, 2000, they were married in the Band Shell at Sinclair Lewis Park in Sauk Centre.

Marvin can be remembered as a man who truly loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.  He had a strong passion for Christmas!  Marv would go about decorating much of his home as possible with Christmas lights and real pine trees for the season.  In the prime of his working years, Marvin was known as an excellent finish carpenter paying attention to each miter cut to be sure the joint matched up perfectly.

Marvin is survived by his only son, Marc (Sharon) Farley Zilka of Murray, UT; his three grandchildren, Mauraya Zilka, Lainey Zilka, and Anthony Zilka all of Murray, UT; mother, Genevieve “Gene” Zilka of Sauk Centre, and uncle and aunt, Eddie and Joannie Zilka.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Zilka on June 12, 2013 and his father, Tony Zilka.