Obituary of Joseph "Joe" A. Zylka

Joseph "Joe" A. Zylka, 48, Hermantown, Minn., died unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at Essentia Health - St. Mary's Medical Center.

Joe was born on June 18, 1970 in Duluth to Arthur and Sarah (Zengel) Zylka. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1988. He worked as a machinist for Superior Machine Works in Superior, Wisc.

Joe enjoyed nature and the outdoors, whether it was fishing, camping, hunting, looking for agates and deer sheds or having a bonfire.

He married his high school sweetheart, Melissa Bakke, on Nov. 21, 2003. The proudest day of Joe's life was the day he and Melissa welcomed twin daughters, Kathryn and Kayla, into the world. He was a devoted husband and loving father who will be missed immeasurably.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother and his grandparents.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife, Melissa; beloved 14-year-old twin daughters, Kathryn and Kayla; father, Arthur (MaryBeth) Zylka; brothers, James (Angela) Zylka and Raymond Carlson; step-brother, Bradley Sundin; step-sister, Amy (Thomas) Nickel; nieces, Jennifer Zylka and Melissa Nickel; nephews, Luke and Ben Nickel; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and countless friends.

Visitation will be from 2-3pm, followed by the memorial service at 3pm, Saturday, Jan. 19, at Cremation Society of Minnesota in Duluth. Pastor Phil Hooper will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather from 4-6:30pm at the Proctor Moose Lodge for a celebration of Joe's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials to family are preferred.

Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota-Duluth.