Joan Frances Zilka

Joan Frances Zilka (Zilkoski) was born on June 7, 1935, in Flensburg, Minnesota, to the late Cyril and Frances Zilkoski. She was the 7th child of their 10 children. She attended school in Flensburg as a young girl and went to Saint Francis High School in Little Falls. During high school, she met Edward (Eddie) Zilka at a Halloween party. She finished school while Eddie was stationed in Korea during the war. She lived in the cities with sisters and friends until Eddie returned, and on June 15, 1955, the two were wed in Flensburg, MN. This summer, Joanie and Eddie celebrated their 70th anniversary. The two made a home for their family in Saint Louis Park, MN where Eddie built the house they lived for over 65 happy years. During that time, Joanie had 3 children, Kimberly, Brian, and Bradley. While raising the children, Joanie was a homemaker, and Eddie was a carpenter for Dayton's. Once all of the kids were in school, Joanie began working in alterations for Brauns, where she worked for more than 25 years. She continued to put her family first; she cooked all of their favorite foods, baked delicious treats, and made every family holiday special. She was most known for her homemade dinner buns, dumplings, and of course, Christmas Keishka. They were overjoyed to see their children married and build lives of their own. They happily welcomed 7 beautiful grandkids, got to see many of their grandchildren be married, and were overjoyed to spend time with 6 great-grandchildren, and were helping to prepare for great-grandchild number 7. 

After retiring, Joanie and Eddie spent time traveling all over, but Joanie's favorite trips were to the casino with her husband and sisters, and in later years, with children and grandchildren. Joanie always loved visiting with friends and family, whether in person or on the phone, and continued to care for Eddie and her family throughout her life. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Edward; children, Kim (Randy) Kelzenberg, Brian and Joann Zilka, and Brad and Prudence Zilka; grandchildren, Erik, Andria, Rachel, Ben, Kyle, Emma, and Maddie; sister, Betty Gibson; brother-in-law, Dave Kirchner; sister-in-law, Marcy Zilkoski; sister-in-law, Lorraine Zilka; 6 1/2 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

Joanie is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Violet Schneider, Lorraine Miller, Laverne Schneider, Bernie Lyons Gruber, Carol Theis, John Zilkoski, Alice Muncy, Sharon Kirchner, and many in-laws and extended family. 

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Church of the Holy Family, 5900 West Lake Street, Saint Louis Park, MN 55416. Visitation beginning at 9:30 AM prior to the Funeral Mass at the church. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.