William “BZ” Zwanzig, Jr., 89, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Deacon Ron Wackerlin, officiating. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
BZ was born on December 22, 1934 in Chicago, to William and Evelyn (Drew) Zwanzig. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, Florida Real Estate Principals School, and Also attended Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, Real Estate Appraisal School, and the Illinois Real Estate Institute in Niles, IL.BZ was a Managing Real Estate Broker since January 15, 1958. He was a charter member of the Illinois Rescue Squad, former member of the Local 393 in Marseilles, Iron Workers International, and a member of Epworth United Methodist Church for over 70 years. He enjoyed saltwater fishing, the Florida Keys, and being a grandfather. He never missed any of his grandson’s sporting events. BZ was a racing and motorcycle enthusiast. He attended the Indy 500 many times, the Kentucky Debry, and even owned and raced SK Boats himself. BZ enjoyed everything about the water. He earned his Lifeguard Certification from the YMCA and was a lifeguard at Pitsticks. He said his favorite profession was being a professional Beach Bum, and his favorite quote was “Life’s a Beach.” BZ loved his pets, his most recent being Ozzie, Charlie, and Briggs.
He is survived by a son, William (Sandra Ann) Zwanzig III of Ottawa; a daughter, Lisa (Dale) Sarver of Ottawa; and two grandsons Dalton and Devon Sarver
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother John David Zwanzig
Memorials may be directed to the Pet Project.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433