Rick L. Zila

Rick L. Zila, 69, of Overland Park, passed away on March 22, 2023.  Visitation will be from 9-10am on Saturday, April 1, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, where the service will be held at 10am.  Inurnment will follow at the indoor mausoleum at Johnson County Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to Kansas City Hospice.

Rick was born on May 23, 1953, in Plainview, Nebraska, to Joseph, Jr. and Theresa (Grothe) Zila.  He graduated from Lake Mills (Iowa) High School in 1971, received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and later received a master’s degree from the University of Kansas.  Rick spent his entire career working for Black and Veatch, and Black and Veatch International.  His work took him to many places throughout the world, including Singapore, Chile, Egypt, Korea, Honduras, Israel, India, Australia, Puerto Rico, and England.  Outside of work, Rick enjoyed golfing, bicycling on the local trails, and scuba diving.  He was also a licensed pilot.

Rick married Deb Holbrook on September 8, 1979, in Burnsville, Minnesota, and she survives him.  He is also survived by three children:  Megan (Skylor) Alexander, Jeff Zila, and Mallory (Chris) Swatzell; his mother, Theresa Zila; and three grandchildren:  Lyli, Eli, and Brewyr Alexander.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Ron Zila, and his father, Joe Zila, Jr.