Jason A. Zilly

The Man: Jason was born in Aurora, IL to late parents Sonja Hanson and David Arndt. After the passing of their father, Sonja remarried and Jason and his late brother Dave were adopted by their dad Kenneth Zilly. Kenneth and Sonja then had his younger sister Linnea whom Jason stayed close to his whole life. Jason eventually moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University for college. He then moved back home only to soon follow the love of his life Ann (Otto) Zilly back to Colorado where they built their lives together. Jason was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and because of a bet with his son Ryan he got a Cubs tattoo when they won the World Series in 2016. Jason and Ann had a love for camping and spent most of their lives doing so. They were lucky enough to spend the last year traveling and making lasting memories together.

The Myth: Jason knew no strangers and could light up a room with his stories and jokes. He was always retelling, and probably exaggerating, stories of his childhood and all of the fun he had. He always had the family and friends laughing around the campfire as he told them all he could climb the flashlight beams up above the fire. He was known for walking into the living room from the garage with helmets in hand, saying space junk was falling from the sky and we needed to be prepared, or coming downstairs with his beard died black with mascara just to get a laugh out of the family. There was always a debate if he was a silly guy or a funny guy and we think everyone could agree he was definitely both.

The Legend: Jason’s legacy will be carried on through all of the people he leaves behind and watches over. This includes his wife Ann, his children Ryan (Hilary) and Chrissy. As well as his grandsons Tyson and Warner. Jason’s jovial spirit and love for life will be carried on by all who knew him. Jason fought hard and had a short battle with Melanoma which eventually took his life. If you would like to honor Jason and his fight, you can donate to the Melanoma Research Foundation. There will be a celebration of life party for Jason sometime next year.