Fred Zierk

Rapid River, MI
Fred A. Zierk, age 64, of Rapid River, passed away suddenly at home on Saturday, May 20, 2017.
Fred was born August 5, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Paul and Elizabeth (Kavis) Zierk Sr.
Fred and his family would spend summers in Rapid River, in his parents soon to be “retirement” home, and then he graduated from high school. Upon graduating from Evergreen Park High School, Fred enlisted in the Army. While in the Army he served from 1971-1977 in Vietnam and Korea as a Sergeant E5. He was a telecom central specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1977. He was employed with IBM as a computer specialist after that he worked in various jobs in the Chicago area.
In 1981, Fred married Gail Nelson and became the proud father of Chuck and Jennifer Nelson. In August of 1982, the family moved across the road from his parent’s retirement home in Rapid River. Shortly after moving there he was employed at the Ramada Inn in Escanaba as an Auditor and Banquet Manager. After leaving the Ramada, Fred was hired as by Holiday Station stores. Later, became Manager of Holiday Station store of Gladstone #201 for 22 years. In 2009, his store was honored with the Pinnacle Award for excellence. After leaving Holiday, Fred began driving bus for Delta Area Transit Authority or D.A.T.A. He enjoyed the people, his fellow drivers and dispatchers, and was well liked.
Fred was very involved with many community activities. He and his wife were 4-H leaders; he was a member of the Walter C. Cole American Legion post #301 in Rapid River, a member of the Rapid River 4 Township Senior Citizen where he served as chairperson for the Sunday Afternoon Bingo.
Fred enjoyed spending time with family and playing his favorite board game Monopoly, where his grandchildren have not been able to beat him. He also liked to bowl, fish, and hunt. Fred and Gail enjoyed spending cherished times with their long time friend and “Brother” Ivan Hardwick and his wife Lori. He always had a smile and a helping hand to anyone that needed it.
In addition to his loving wife, Gail, he is survived by:
1 Son: Charles (Michelle) Nelson of Kenosha, WI
1 Daughter: Jennifer (David) King of Gladstone, MI
1 Brother: Paul (Jeanette) Zierk Jr. of Illinois
2 Sisters: Delores DuBois of Port Isabel, Texas
Nancy Coffey of Midlothian, IL
4 Grandchildren: Ryan (Vanessa) King, Nicole Nelson, Kelsey King, and Alex King
1 Great Grand Child: Zoey King
Nieces and Nephews: Beth, Chuck, Janet Lynn, Jason, and Michael
And many Great Nieces and Nephews.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by:
1 Brother; Ralph (Joyce) Zierk
1 Sister: Betty Lou (John) Mosier
2 Brother-In-Laws: Chuck Reule and Chuck Coffey
Family will receive friends Saturday, June 17 at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 12:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Closing prayers will follow visiting hours at 3:00 P.M. Fred will be laid to rest at Rapid River Cemetery with military honors being presented by Walter C. Cole American Legion Post #301 of Rapid River. Following the burial a luncheon will take place at Rapid River Senior Center (Omni Building).