Walter A. Zolnierek

A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, Walter Anthony Zolnierek, age 95 of Saginaw, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 23, 2025. The son of the late Joseph S. & Thelma (Szymanowicz) Zolnierek, was born on September 2, 1929, in Alpena, Michigan. He married Donna Klein, the love of his life and best friend of almost 68 years, on January 9, 1954. He lost his beloved wife on December 7, 2021. Together raising their family was, without question, his greatest achievement in life. Second to raising his family, his passions included being outdoors where he enjoyed hunting- shooting a remarkable10-point buck at the age of 91, golfing into his 90s, fishing, and traveling. Spending time with family and friends at his cottage on Long Lake and at the Rock Haven Hunting Club brought him joy. He also found joy in watching sporting events, especially his grandchildren's, and never missed a chance to watch the Detroit Tigers.
A proud veteran, Walter served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1953. After his service, he went on to attend Ferris State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1957. He spent his entire career working for the Department of Treasury for the State of Michigan as a corporate auditor until his retirement in 1993. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4232.
Surviving to cherish his memory are three daughters and two sons, Mary (Blake) Krueger, Grand Rapids; Philip (Arlene) Zolnierek, Traverse City, Patricia (Patrick) Campbell, Richland, Wayne (Sally) Zolnierek, Saginaw; Gail (Daniel) Jacqmain, Saginaw; 13 grandchildren, Jamie (Robert), David (Ashley), Kyle (Stephanie), Lauren (James), Michael (Lydia), Douglas (Mary), Keleigh, Frank, Mitchel (Ashley), Tyler (Lindsay), Laurel, Mandy (Luke), Morgan (James); 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Clarence, Leonard, and one sister, Helen Zolnierek. We would like to express our gratitude to the incredible staff at Wellspring for their compassionate care and dedication to making his stay comfortable and filled with kindness and love.
Funeral service will take place at 12:00 noon Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate with Military Services conducted by American Legion Post #439 and the U.S. Navy. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Please share memories and condolences with the family at snowfuneralhome.net