Cover photo for David M. "Dave" Zilligen Jr.'s Obituary
David M. "Dave" Zilligen Jr. Profile Photo
1941 Dave 2025

David M. "Dave" Zilligen Jr.

November 17, 1941 — January 22, 2025

Battle Creek

David Mathias Zilligen Jr, 83, of Battle Creek, MI passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on January 22, 2025, following 9 months of grieving the loss of his wife. David was born November 17, 1941, the son of the late David M. Zilligen Sr, and Earline (Wolf) Zilligen and raised in Harvey, IL. He graduated from Thornton High School. 

After his first marriage, Dave married Katherine Jean Saak on January 27, 1973 and they moved to Kankakee, IL where they started their family. After having two daughters they moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1979 where he worked in the steel industry and eventually moved into real estate. In 1989, they moved to Fair Oaks, California for Kathy’s career advancement. Dave continued in Real estate. In 1995 they moved back to the Chicago area as empty nesters where David had the joy of working at a movie theatre (the teen workers LOVED him). Kathy’s job brought them to St. Louis for several years and David enjoyed a time of full-time volunteer service to others through church rummage sales, the food pantry and helping anyone God brought to his attention. They moved for the last time to Battle Creek, Michigan in 2013 to be around their daughters and grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, Bob Zilligen; his wife, Katherine (Saak) Zilligen and his granddaughter Shelby Bluck. David is survived by his children, Annette Zilligen, Debbie Bluck, Pam Zilligen, and Wendy (Josh) Roby; his grandchildren Wade Jr. Bluck, Brad Zilligen, Katie Amann, Luke Amann, Grace Zilligen, Benaiah, Sierra, Brillianna & Micaiah Roby; and his sisters,Donna Stuckey, and Marcia (Asa) Dempsay. 

Matthew 25:35-36 35 “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025 at 37 Bayshore Dr. Battle Creek, MI 49015. A memorial service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Woodland Church 14425 South Helmer Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49015. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the South Michigan Food Bank 5451 Wayne Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49037 (www.smfoodbank.org). Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Dave may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Service Schedule

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Memorial Gathering

Friday, January 31, 2025

6:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

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