James Zorko

FITCHBURG – James Anton Zorko passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. Jim was born to a farm family in Deerbrook, Wis., on Aug. 5, 1938, the son of Ignatius and Anna (Koshochek) Zorko. At the age of 14, Jim began a sixty-year love affair with Mary Ann Igl that thrived until her passing in May, 2013. They joined in marriage on June 6, 1959, in Antigo. Their union was blessed with four children and seven grandchildren, all of whom survive them: Terri (Kurt) Johnson of Dallas, Texas, Sharon Zorko of Oregon, Tina Bender (Thomas) of Leawood, Kan., Robert (Deana) Zorko of Fitchburg; and grandchildren James Halverson, Kristen and Lauren Johnson, Paige and Brooks Bailey and, Anton and Trey Zorko. The final days of his 77 years were filled with many happy moments with family by his side. In his long career Jim's work touched all our lives in Madison and around Wisconsin. He worked on crews that built the original Eisenhower Interstate Highway System throughout Wisconsin. In 1971 Jim and some partners formed a construction company now well-known as Homburg Contractors, Inc., which over the years built dozens of roads, streets, sidewalks, and other public and private projects around Madison, including many on the UW campus. He also served proudly in the Wisconsin National Guard. After retiring Jim stayed very active, volunteering at the Fitchburg Senior Center hosting his famous Pig Roasts and Pancake Breakfasts and helping members with their computers, another of Jim's avid hobbies. He often joked he was busier in retirement than when he worked. His children and their children were his joy as he watched them in marching band, sports, and their many other activities. He rarely missed an opportunity to play them in cards or other games for hours (never letting them win). Jim was also a passionate fan of the Packers and Badgers and enjoyed following them right up to the start of this season. Jim is now joyfully reunited with Mary Ann; his parents; and siblings Emil, Ed, and Rose Zorko and Julia Zupon. The family cannot adequately thank the staff and Jim's friends at the Fitchburg Senior Center for all of their love and support over the years. Also, they would like to thank Oregon Manor, and Agrace Hospice for all of their care during his last few weeks allowing him to pass in comfort and peace. A service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711 (608.442.5002) at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015. Visitation will be held at the same location on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to ¬Fitchburg Senior Center, 5510 Lacy Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711. Online condolences can be posted on www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002