William "Bill" Zierke

William “Bill” Joseph Zierke was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bill was born to his parents, William and Virginia (Schifeling) Zierke on November 4, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois. He was an athlete from Richwood High School and went on to earn a degree from Bradley University. There, Bill began dating the love of his life, Sherill “Sherry” Wilson, and they were married on November 21, 1970.

Bill began his career in the restaurant industry at the River Station in Peoria. He was quickly promoted and continued to grow his career and the company until 1996. Bill’s passion for the industry continued when he opened his own restaurants, Gumbo-a-Go-Go and J. Gumbo, in Indianapolis. He was a friend to everyone that came in.

Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, any sporting event his children or grandchildren might be participating in… Bill was a lifelong sports enthusiast.  He loved playing golf, whistling a tune, and was a self-proclaimed master of random facts. Bill’s wicked sense of humor, boisterous laugh, bear hugs that took your breath away, and noogies he so loved to bequeath to his grandchildren, will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sherry, and his children, Nicole (Mike) Gerst, Courtney (George) Georggin, and Jason (Lauren) Zierke.  He was a proud grandfather to Michael, Elise, and Ryan Gerst, Sophia and Andrew Georggin, and Will and Jack Zierke. He is also survived by Kathy (John) Riebel, Stacy and Tracy, Steven (Kim) Roegge, and Kylie.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please play a Bob Seger song in Bill’s memory, or you may remember him with contributions to The Alzheimer's Association.