Robert Allen Zilz Sr.

Robert “Bob” Allen Zilz Sr, 83, of Decatur, passed away on December 12, 2025.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, in Decatur. A private family burial will be held at Boiling Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Decatur USBC Bowling Hall of Fame (c/o Victory Lanes, 2870 N Jasper St, Decatur, IL 62526).

Bob was born on October 29, 1942, the son of Robert E. and Violet May (Zetterlind) Zilz. He married Eileen (McCartney) Blythe on May 16, 1975, in Decatur. He retired as plant superintendent at Caterpillar after 42 years.

Bob enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening and was an avid Cubs, Bears and Illini fan.

He is survived by his children- Robert (Carol) Zilz Jr. of Argenta, Randy (Karen) Zilz of Findlay, Mary (Dwaine) Turner of Jacksonville, FL, John (Launa) Blythe of Clinton and Bob (Debbie) Blythe of Wapella; sister- Susan (Rob) Pryor of Decatur; and 18 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife-Eileen and sister- Gloria Jean Zilz.