Lyle “Buster” Zillmer, age 89, of Clintonville passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at The Pines Post-Acute and Memory Care, Clintonville.
Lyle Willet Zillmer was born on December 3, 1929 in Milwaukee to Edwin and Beatrice (Lang) Zillmer. As a young child his family moved to the Town of Belle Plaine, Shawano County, where Lyle grew up and he graduated from Shawano High School. Buster entered the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sheridan in Chicago, IL, from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. He was united in marriage on August 21, 1954 to La Verna R. Degener at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville. In his early years, Buster was a cheesemaker at Belle Plaine Cheese Factory. In 1957 Buster and his father started the family business, Zillmer’s General Store in Bear Creek. The couple owned and operated the store until 1979. Then Buster continued working at Hillshire Farm in New London until retiring in 1991.
Buster was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, Bear Creek. He was an avid Packer and Badger fan. He always enjoyed being outdoors; whether it was going for a walk around the neighborhood, watching the birds, or feeding the ducks in his backyard. Buster liked completing word search puzzles and playing cards, especially sheepshead. After retirement the couple traveled and they had memorable trips with family to Alaska, Arkansas, and Missouri to name a few. Buster will be remembered most as a devoted husband who always took care of the love of his life, La Verna Rose.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, La Verna; and three children, Lois (special friend Jim Hamilton) Dresang of Appleton, Larry (Peggy) Zillmer of New London, and Lynnaa Mack of Clintonville. There are seven grandchildren: Jonathan (Amber) Dresang, Michael (Lindsay) Dresang, Kimberly (Derek) Behnke, Kari Zillmer, Kyle Zillmer, Tony Mack, and Karen (Gene) Lohse. There are ten great grandchildren: Isabelle Dresang, Ava Dresang, Braden Griffth, Marshall Griffth, Archer Griffth, McKayla Fitz, Madison Behnke, Gene Lohse Jr., Emily Lohse, and Lily Lohse. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, Marge Zillmer of Colorado Spring, CO; many other relatives and friends. Buster is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Edwin “Bud” Zillmer, two sons-in-law Bryon Dresang and Greg Mack.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 29th at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, Bear Creek. Rev. Aric Fenske will officiate and burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting with the arrangements.
The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at The Pines for the compassionate care provided. We also want to thank Pastor Aric for taking care of all of Dad’s spiritual needs.
