Andrew J. Zilla

Andrew J. Zilla, 82, of Independence, died Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Gundersen Health System of La Crosse. He was born January 20, 1934 in Hale Township, Trempealeau County, to Theodore and Ida (Olson) Zilla. He married Betty Bisek on October 3, 1959 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence. Andrew was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He worked at American Motors in Milwaukee for 9 ½ years, then for various construction companies before retiring. He was an avid Nascar and Packer fan. He especially loved his house cat, Sassy and enjoyed her company. Survivors include his wife Betty; two children, John (Sheri) Zilla of Independence and Jim (Deb) Zilla of Arcadia; three step-grandchildren, Jenny Gamroth, Jessi Manka (Nathan Marten) and Jeana Manka (Kyle Sylla); two step-great-grandchildren, Weston Gamroth and Ezra Marten; two sisters, Agnes Smieja-Larson (Bill Norris) of Eau Claire and Betty Suchla of Independence; sister-in-law, Brenda Zilla of Mesa, Ariz.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Jackie Bisek of Eau Claire; sister-in-law, Karen Bisek of Arcadia; nieces and nephews. Andy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond; brothers-in-law, Rudy Smieja, Don Larson and Ernie Suchla; and his other cat Buddy. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 9, 2016 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Very Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. followed by a rosary, at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Andrew J. Zilla, please visit our flower store.