Michael A. Zak

IRON BELT, Wis. - Michael A. Zak, 60, of Iron Belt, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, May 27, 2014.

He was born Oct. 12, 1953, to James and Anita (Trolla) Zak. He attended Ironwood area schools, graduating in 1972. He attended Gogebic Community College, completing the electronics course in 1974.

In 1982, Michael married the former Kathy Matonich in Glenwood Springs, Colo. They have two sons, Adam (Jennifer Cocking), of Bessemer, Mich., and Noah, a student at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Mike was employed by Northern Clearing Inc. of Ashland. He was a member of the Laborers Union Local 1329 and the Saxon Harbor Boating Club.

He was an avid Packers fan and was very proud of his season tickets. Mike was loved for his sense of humor, kind heart and entertaining campfires at the Saxon Harbor Campground.

Mike is survived by his wife and sons; his father, James Zak Sr .; brothers, James Jr. (Carol), of Bruce, Wis., and Tim (Nancy), of Ironwood, Mich .; brothers- and sisters-in-law, John (Stephanie) Matonich, of Davison, Mich., and Peter (Stephanie) Matonich and Dan (Sandy) Matonich, of Bessemer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anita Zak; and in-laws, John "Poncho" and Becky Matonich.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Friday, May 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Iron Belt Community Center.

Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood.