Leroy H. Zeilke

Leroy H. “Roy” Zeilke, 83, of St. Joseph passed away, Saturday, October 12, 2019, at home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 11AM, at Zion United Church of Christ, 9100 Third St., Baroda, with Pastor Susan Greenwood officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, from 5PM until 8PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion United Church of Christ or Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Roy was born on February 4, 1936, to Gustav & Tillie (Macholtz) Zeilke. He proudly served our country in the Army from 1954 until 1957 before he was honorably discharged. On April 2, 1960, Roy married the love of his life Joyce Ott at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville. Roy worked as a supervisor for many manufacturing companies, last being Heath Zenith Company before his retirement. Roy had a passion for fishing and hunting. He was a proud member of Stevensville American Legion Post 568 and Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda. Most of all, Roy loved to spend his time with his family. Roy is survived by his wife of 59 years Joyce Zeilke of St. Joseph; children, Elaine (Scott) Foster of Niles and Mike Zeilke of Naples, FL; grandchildren, Andrew (Emilee) Foster, Danielle (Michael) Matter, Audrianna (Cody) Davis and Nathan (Khaylin) Zeilke; great-grandchildren, Blaiyne, Everly, Emersyn, Lydia, Bentley and Deegan; and sister Virginia Klug of Buchanan. Roy was preceded in death by his parents Gustav & Tillie Zeilke and 13 siblings.