Milan A. Zamco

Milan “Miles” A. Zamco, 89, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Springfield. The son of immigrants, he was born on March 10, 1936, in Chicago, IL, to Steven “John” and Marie (Zajicek) Zamco, and they preceded him in death. He married the love of his life, Geraldine Fricek, on July 8, 1961, and she preceded him in death on October 20, 2024.

Survivors include his daughter, Jerilyn “Gogi” Shipley of Springfield; grandson, Spencer Miles Shipley of Springfield; and several gracious lifelong friends. Family was extremely important to Miles, and he enjoyed spending time with them, especially his wife’s side of the family.

Miles was a longtime member of Christ the King Church. He was known for his remarkable ingenuity and skill in fixing almost anything, with the exception of cars. He lived a life of adventure and purpose, having earned a law degree and a pilot's license. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. Prior to moving to Springfield, Miles enjoyed his time as an elected alderman in Brookfield, IL. After moving to Springfield, Miles spent his career as a chemical engineer with the IEPA, which provided him with opportunities to work closely with several Illinois Governors. He greatly enjoyed traveling and boating, of course, while always sipping on a classic gin martini and sharing stories about his remarkable life.

Visitation: 4:00 – 7:30 pm, Friday, January 9, 2026, with a second visitation from 12:00 pm to time of eulogies 12:45 with a Service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513,

A burial will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Forest Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL, 62702 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603.

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the Guestbook and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a Sympathy Card to the Family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o the Milan Zamco Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.