Guilford "June" D. Zook, Jr.

Guilford David Zook, Jr. ("Uncle June" to his many beloved nieces and nephews) went to the Lord on November 18, 2023, at the age of 103. He was born in Congerville, Illinois on May 23, 1920, to Florence Zook (née Reeser) and Guilford David Zook, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Eva, his son Timothy (Melanie), grandchildren Jarrett (Nicolette) and Rachel and his daughter Kimberly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters; Marjorie Hoffman (Roland, also deceased) and Lois Greer (David).

He graduated from Normal Community High School in 1938, after first completing grades one through eleven at the elementary and secondary school in Congerville. In 1941 he followed his dream of working in aviation, by moving to California and enrolling in Aero-Industries-Technical Institute and working in manufacturing for North American Aviation. Though registering for the draft shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, due to his work in the defense industry he was deferred until 1944, when he was inducted into the Navy. His tour of duty took him to numerous locations in the South Pacific.

After the war he returned to Congerville, where he began what was to become a long career in the seed corn industry. In 1948, he noticed a smart, lively and beautiful blond at work. It took him many months to work up the courage to ask her out. This blond was Eva Hasty, who became his wife of nearly 69 years on December 26, 1954. They went on to have two children and two grandchildren who brought him enormous joy.  After a long career in the seed corn industry, he retired from full-time work in 1983.

Guilford was a man of great faith and a voracious volunteer. His volunteer work for the Congerville Mennonite Church spanned everything from Sunday School teacher to Church president. He also volunteered in numerous capacities at the Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center, the Mennonite Clothing Center and the Imhoff Cemetery. Additionally, he served numerous terms at both the Congerville-Eureka -Goodfield CUSD # 140 school board and the Village of Congerville

Guilford lived a long life, but more importantly, he lived it well until the end. He had a deep love for his family and will be very much missed, but he and his love will live on in our hearts.

The family is grateful for the excellent care provided by Kasey with Carle Hospice.

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 22, at Imhoff Cemetery in Danvers, IL.  Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Imhoff Cemetery or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online tributes and condolences may be made to www.argoruestmanharris.com.