Joseph A. Zolnierek
Joseph A. Zolnierek, age 92, of Alpena, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 8, 2019.
On March 31, 1926, Joseph was born to the late Joseph S. and Thelma (Szymanowicz) Zolnierek in Alpena, Michigan. Upon graduating from St. Anne's High School in 1944, Joe joined the United States Air Force serving two tours of duty. He then began his career helping his father as the Store Keeper for Jos. S. Zolnierek General Store in Alpena, Michigan. On November 10, 1951, he married Bernice Kieliszewski at St. Mary Catholic Church by Msgr. Gatzke. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus council 529: 3rd and 4th Degree Color Guard, the Former Grand Knight and the District Deputy . He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and its Usher's Club, and enjoyed building the "Rock Haven" Hunting Club with his father.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bernice and their five children: David (Monica) Zolnierek of Presque Isle, MI; Helen (Ray) Suszek and Paul (Sue) Zolnierek both of Alpena, MI; Carol Morsches of Gaylord, MI; and Mark (April) Zolnierek of Gulfport, FL.; 6 grandchildren: Andrew and Matthew Suszek; Simon Zolnierek; Alicia Manning; Rachel Zolnierek, and Mark Morsches; and one great-grandchild: Aliyah Suszek. Two brothers: Clarence Zolnierek of Alpena, MI; Walter (Donna) Zolnierek of Saginaw, MI; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one granddaughter Amanda Morsches; two grandsons: Adam Zolnierek and Ryan Manning; one sister Helen; one brother: Leonard Zolnierek and his son-in-law Scott Morsches.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Monday, February 11, 2019, at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.; with Full Military Honors accorded by the V.F.W. Post 2496 beginning at 3 p.m.; the Knights of Columbus will have an Honor Guard from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.; the Parish Prayer Service will begin at 7 p.m. followed by Third Degree presentation and the Fourth Degree Chalice presentation. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial begins with Fr. Joe Muszkiewicz officiating.
Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery
Memorials may be made to All Saints School in memory of Joseph.
