Josef Zillner

Our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Josef Zillner, passed away peacefully October 8, 2026. Josef was born on December 27th, 1934, in Haag am Hausruck, Austria, to Amalia Huber and Josef Zillner (senior). He grew up in Haag during the struggles of World War II. He began his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker at age 14. Four years later, he became a journeyman and continued his trade work until he began his mission service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Swiss Austrian Mission. After serving from 1954-1956, he met the love of his life, Melva Ann Smith Zillner, while she was attending the University of Graz.

They were married in Haag am Hausruck on July 6, 1957 and sealed in the Swiss Temple on August 3. They chose to raise their family in America so they took the long journey by boat and by train back to Utah where they arrived with a dollar in their pocket, and they built a beautiful life together.

Throughout the course of raising five wonderful daughters, Josef was a devoted father, friend, and follower of Jesus Christ, serving as a bishop of the Midvale 2nd ward from 1983 to 1988. He taught his daughters the value of hard work by working for Jordan Builders Supply in West Jordan for many years, then started his own custom cabinet business. From 1999 - 2001, he and Melva returned to Germany to serve as missionaries in the Freiberg temple. While there, Josef not only served as a temple worker but he was always busy repairing and improving the temple grounds and boarding rooms for visitors. Upon their return home, he and Melva served in the Jordan River Temple until their health made it difficult to do so.

His life with Melva was filled with love, laughter, and light. They enjoyed their season tickets to the Hale Center Theater, watching basketball (BYU and the Utah Jazz), and spending their free time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Josef also loved golf and minigolf and several of his grandchildren have fond memories of golfing with grandpa. His was a life of love and joy, felt by all who knew him.

After Melva’s passing in 2015, Josef continued on, understanding he had more to learn and serve before he could see her again. He was a dedicated ward missionary, working tirelessly to make sure those in his community knew they were loved and appreciated. He also continued to make beautiful wood pieces from cedar chests to intricate lighthouses for all his family and friends. Gifted at woodworking, he wanted each of his family members to feel his love and testimony through his pieces.

Josef has now been happily reunited with his wife, Melva, as well as his parents. Josef is survived by his daughters, Joanne (Kim) Johanson, Erika (Scott) Howes, Angie (Robert) Biesinger, Pamela (Richard) Kirschman, Linda (Carlton) Bowen; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Hildegard Simon and Helmut (Elsa) Zillner. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Elfriede Thibaut and Raimund Zillner.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 17, at 11:00 am at the Midvale Stake Center, 97 West 7500 South, Midvale, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday, October 16th from 7-9 pm at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, Utah and again on Saturday, October 17 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Midvale Stake Center. Burial will take place at Midvale City Cemetery.