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Michael Zelko Obituary
Michael Andrew Zelko of Benton Harbor, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Hanson Hospice Center.
Mike was the second of four children born to Wanda (Cullum) and Andrew Zelko at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor on Feb. 3, 1952.
He grew up on Jennings Avenue near May Street. He attended Sterne Brunson Grade School, Benton Harbor Junior High School, and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1970. He was looking forward to his 55th Class Reunion in July. He loved reminiscing about Cub and Boy Scouts, playing Little League ball at Union Park, bowling at Twin Cities Rec, and being a News-Palladium paperboy. He could remember all his customers' names and their dog's names.
Mike was working at Martin's Supermarket in St. Joe until his illness in December of 2022.
Surviving are his sister, Marsha (Loren) Demler; brother, Lynn Zelko (Karen Warsko); nephews: Jeremy (Alexandra) Crow, Jacob Zelko and Casey McCormick; niece, Maren (Juvi) Alfaro; great-nieces and nephews: Chloe and Colby Alfaro, Katarina (Mason) Prunchak, Mathieu (Alexis), Andy (Tatiana), and Kevin (Geneva) Beaubien; uncle, Noble Cullum of Arkansas; many cousins and great-great-niece and nephew Alexander and Scarlet Beaubien.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rhonda McCormick; niece, Shea Crow Curtis and sister-in-law, Cathy Zelko.
Mike left us with many fond memories. Honoring Mike's wishes, there will be no service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Zelko
1 Entry
Jill Herman-Svoboda
June 28, 2025
So very sorry to read of Mike's passing. He was such a kind person. I remember going out of my way after school to see if he was working at the Pizza Pit. My 9th grade crush. May he rest in peace.
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