Charles J. Zarka

1930 - 2018

Charles J. Zarka

St. Johns - Charles J. Zarka, 88, went to be with his Heavenly Father, Monday, November 19, 2018 in the comfort of his home. He was born January 20, 1930 in Lansing, MI the son of James and Liah (Ferris) Zarka. Charles was a member of the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church and in his younger years enjoyed golfing and playing softball. He was a hard worker, loved spending time with his family and served in the Michigan National Guard. Charles was a design engineer at Oldsmobile retiring in 1985 with over 30 years of service. Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Patricia; his children, Pamela (Marlin) Plementosh of St. Johns, James Zarka of CO and Kimberly (Ed) Taylor of St. Johns; grandchildren, Karrie (Donald) Schrader, Jason (Cora) Decker, Stacie (Eric) Smith, Andrea Hath (Robert Feldpausch), Charles (Krystal) Taylor-Zarka, Ken (Cherie) Taylor, Michelle (Brent) Ryan and numerous great grandchildren and step grandchildren ; two sisters, Mary (Jerry) Randell and Shirley Woodward and a very loving family with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Nellie Brower, Jennie McAskill and Bertha Knapp Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church 410 S. Maple St. Maple Rapids with Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating. Interment will follow at Union Home Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post # 153 110 E. Walker St. Johns. The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful care provided to Charles by Theresa and Mandy from Compassus Hospice and family members, especially Julie, Andrea, Krystal and Shannon.