John Richard Zoril

John R. Zoril obituary

John Richard Zoril, 92, of University Place passed away on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. John was born in Pekin, IL on August 25th, 1931 to John and Nonie Zoril.

He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman, retiring after a dedicated 20 year career. Highlights of his career include tours in both Vietnam and Korean Wars, moves around the globe including Brooklyn, NY, Germany, Kansas, Virginia, and Washington state. He even served as a military escort for Elvis Presley during his time in New York.

John is preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Zoril, whom he married Halloween morning 70 years ago, on a weekend pass while stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas. Their marriage comprised of many military assignments and deployments ending in Fort Lewis, Washington, where they resided in their home for 52 years. They share four children together, Gail Osterdahl (Steve) of Lakewood, Michael Zoril (Nancy) of Houston, Laurie Oller (Curt) of Tacoma, and Mark Zoril (Julie) of Fuquay Varina. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Danielle, Kevin, Jennifer, Lauren, Stephanie, Molly, Courtney, McKenna, Quinn, and Neva, 10 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Nonie Zoril, sister, Linda Meyer, and brothers-in-law, Russ Meyer and Del Garber.

Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 9am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish in Tacoma, WA. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at his home in University Place. Memorial donations can be made to hospice care