Ronald Zila
June 24, 1934 - September 14, 2021
Ronald Zila, 87, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 4:00 pm in Life Care Center of Michigan City, Michigan City, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, September 20, 2021 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 pm -6:00 pm, and Monday from 12:00 pm till 1:00 pm in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel.
He was born June 24, 1934 in La Porte, Indiana to the late Frank and Ethel (Schwarzkopf) Zila. On September 1, 1956 in Michigan City, Indiana he married Shirley E.LaMatina who preceded him in death on November 16, 2007 after 51 years of marriage. Surviving are daughter, Rose (Larry) Pollock of Michigan City, Indiana; three grandsons, Nicholas (Tracey) Pollock of Michigan City, Indiana, Christopher Pollock of La Porte, Indiana and Alexander (Jessica) Pollock of Chicago, Illinois; five great-granddaughters, Simone, Mia Rose, Leah, Savannah and Alyssa along with a nephew, Aaron, two nieces, Lisa and Star; brother, Frank (Rich) Zila of Spring Hill, Florida; He was preceded in death by his son, William "Billy" Zila;
Ron graduated from La Porte High School and Purdue University where he was a member of the ROTC. After college he enlisted in the US Army Reserve unit for 6 years. He worked days as a concrete mason and surveyor but also worked for his father-in-law, "Rosie" at the Italian Village. In 1969 he purchased Morrison's Drive-In, Michigan City. Shirley and Ron had so many wonderful people that worked for them. He had such great memories. Ron was known for his jokes and the "nicknames" he had for so many. He even had one for himself, "The Fat Man"! When Shirley fell ill he sold the drive-In 1992 and went to work for the Westville Correctional Center retiring at the age of 70. He missed working so he then went to work for Blue Chip Casino primarily as a limo driver, then retiring at the age of 75. Ron enjoyed watching golf and the Cubs from this TV. At the after service luncheon "The famous Morrison's Drive-In Chili Cheese Dog" will be served among other menu items.
Contributions may be made to the Long Beach Fire Dept., Inc., 24 Town Center, Long Beach, Indiana 46360 or to the Guardian Riders, Inc., P.O. Box 8711, Michigan City, Indiana 46361.
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