Daniel “Dan” Zika, 66, of Freeburg, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable wit.
Dan was born on August 4, 1958, to Mary and the late George Zika. He grew up in Belleville and attended Belleville West High School, where he was known as Zeke to his forever friends, before studying at Eastern Illinois University and SIU Edwardsville. He spent his career as the world’s most beloved “book man,” sharing stories, humor, and kindness with everyone he met.
For nearly 40 years, Dan was the devoted husband of Sharon Zika, and together they raised their cherished daughter, Hayley, who was the light of his life. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dan touted Cardinal red during baseball season, donned Green Bay Packer green in the fall, and loved the excitement of college basketball. His passion for history and fascination with rocks and minerals meant he was always learning, collecting, and sharing knowledge. Above all, Dan was the funniest person in any room, filling every gathering with warmth and laughter.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Zika; and his father-in-law, Elmer Taylor.
Dan is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his daughter, Hayley; his mother, Mary Zika; three sisters, Mary Joan Gober (Eric Kohrmann), Lynn (Daniel) Weidenbenner, and Kathleen Zika-Welty (Gary); his mother-in-law, Marcella Taylor; three sisters-in-law, Margaret (Jim) Smith, Shirley Judd, and Mary “Kat” Taylor; his beloved nieces and nephews, Lexi (Austin) Waugh, Liza Gober and Cole (Alexa) Gober; Whitney (Daulton)Weidenbenner-Buckham and Olivia (Garrett) Weidenbenner-Roerick, Dustin (Alley) Woodcock and Dalton (Mataya) Woodcock, Jamie Smith, Stacey (Art) Williams, John Smith (Kristin), and Christy (Mike) Russo; a great-nephew, Bodie Waugh; and many other great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. Donations may be made to Sharon’s Venmo handle at @szika1 or make checks payable to Sharon Zika. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Dan’s humor, kindness, and love for life will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL.
Private burial will be held at a later date.
