Daniel “Zip” Zefo, 70, of Wataga, Illinois, died at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at home.
Dan was born March 4, 1953, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of William P. and Joyce I. (Tourtellott) Zefo. Dan graduated from Galesburg High School with the class of 1971. He married Janet K. Haraldson on May 2, 1981 in Wataga, Illinois.
Dan is survived by his wife of 41 years, Janet of Wataga; his mother, Joyce of Galesburg; two sisters, Kathy Ireland of Longmont, Colorado, and Sue (Dan) Chambers of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He is also survived by three nephews; one great-nephew; and one great-niece. Dan was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and his parents-in-law.
Dan worked as a union carpenter for 35 years prior to retiring. He was handy and could fix almost anything and was always willing to lend a hand to friends and family who needed his help. Dan was also an avid woodworker. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and pool. His grandfather taught him to fish at a young age and this instilled a love of fishing in him for the rest of his life. Dan and Janet had a house at Oak Run where Dan loved to fish and spend time on the dock just watching the water. He was a Chicago sports fan, especially the Chicago Bears. He will be remembered for his wit and dry sense of humor.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Compassus, and especially Chelsey, for their compassionate care of Zip.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with his cremated remains to be scattered at the scatter garden at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
