John R. Zielkie, 72, of Rozetta, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at his home.
John was born March 2, 1954, in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Harry and Joann (Knustrom) Zielkie. He was raised and educated in the Rozetta area and graduated from Union High School in 1972.
John married his high school sweetheart, Judy Guenther, on May 19, 1973, at the Rozetta Baptist Church, and she survives.
John was a farmer for his entire life in the Rozetta community. He raised hogs, cattle, and corn. John retired from farming in 2020.
He was a member of the Rozetta Baptist Church. He served on the Spoon River FS Board for several years and the Rozetta Township Board, where he was a trustee and retired as supervisor. He also served many years on the Rozetta Township Cemetery Board, retiring as superintendent.
John’s main focus in life was his family. He also enjoyed going to tractor pulls and was an avid Chicago Bears fan.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Zielkie; his daughters, Julie (Ron) Seitz and Janel (Jason) Young; his 2 special granddaughters, Prudence and Patience; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend since first grade, Terry Albin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Jill Zielkie; sister, Mary Zielkie; niece, Jennifer Burton; and nephews, Jeff Purchase and Eddy Purchase.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Interment will be at the Rozetta Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Rozetta Baptist Church or the Rozetta Cemetery and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
