LEONARD T. ZOLNIEREK
Leonard “Len” T. Zolnierek, age 79, of Alpena passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, from Myelodysplastic Syndrome which progressed into acute Leukemia.
On Sept. 23, 1937, Leonard was born to the late Selama (Thelma) Szymanowicz and Joseph Zolnieriek of Alpena, Mich. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, graduating in 1952 and then from Alpena High School in 1956. In 1957, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Leonard worked for Wyandotte Transportation as a deckhand in 1956, sailing on the John W. Boardman as a porter, and later went back as a deckhand for the SS Wyandotte from 1959-61. From 1963-1969 Len spent his time as a General Lines Insurance adjuster with the Farm Bureau in the Flint area. He returned back to the Alpena area in 1969, where he then worked for McDonald Auto Supply. Len purchased his beloved 1941 Mac Fire Truck in 1994, to prevent the truck from being sold and moved out of Alpena. With the fire truck restored to its pristine beauty, it’s always a sight to see in a local parade. Being community minded, Len was an Alpena County Commissioner for District 5 from 1999-2006, serving as a Chair of the Board from 2001-2005. In 2014, after 54 years in the insurance business, Len retired from the Zolnierek Insurance Agency, and enjoyed working around his property including the pond, fondly named “Lake Leonard.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Janet; and their four children, Luciana (Terry) King of Alpena, Mich., Kurt (Lorna) Zolnierek of Holt, Mich., Kathleen (Gene) McNabb of Lake Orion, Mich., and Joseph (Traci) Zolnierek of Alpena, Mich.; treasured grandchildren include Kimberly, Nicole, Douglas, Nolan, Trevor and Samantha; three brothers, Joseph (Bernice) Zolnierek, Clarence Zolnierek of Alpena, Mich., and Walter (Donna) Zolnierek of Saginaw, Mich.; along with numerous nieces and nephews throughout the state and a cherished cousin, Charles (Jean) Szymanowicz of Erie, Pa.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Thelma Zolnierek, his in-laws, Bernard and Angeline Smolinski of Posen, sister-in-law, Janet Zolnierek; former son-in-law, Alan Skiba; and an infant sister, Helen Mary Zolnierek of Alpena.
Family and friends, will gather for visitation at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, from 2-8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m. with Rev. Fr James Fitzpatrick officiating at the Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home, followed by Full Military Honors accorded by the V.F.W. Post 2496.
Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery
Per Len’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alpena Cancer Center or the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan.
Online condolences: www.karpushuntercares.com