Edward Zeliska

BESSEMER, Mich. - Edward Zeliska, 92, a long-time resident of Bessemer, died Friday evening, Oct. 27, 2017.

Ed was born on Oct. 21, 1925, in Puritan Location, Bessemer Township, a son of John and Mary (Mojeck) Zeliska. He spent his early years on what the family lovingly called "the farm" on the back of Powderhorn Mountain. Ed would often reminisce about the wonderful times he had with his siblings fishing, churning butter and eating delicious foods.

At 18, Ed enlisted and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army until Dec. 30, 1944, when he lost his hearing, which ended his military career.

Ed worked in the car industry in Detroit, at Great Lakes Steel in Gary, Ind., and then returned to Upper Michigan where he worked at Marenisco High School in the 1960s. Ed relocated to Minneapolis, where he was employed by and retired from Prudential Insurance. In 1983, Ed again returned to the U.P. and made his retirement home in Bessemer.

It was not uncommon to see Ed walking through Bessemer visiting the local businesses and attending and supporting many Speedboys and Speedgirls events.

Ed was extremely proud when he received his A.D. Johnston High School honorary diploma in 2005. It was a momentous occasion for Ed and his family.

Ed was a long-time member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a dedicated member of the Bessemer American Legion Post 27 for 64 consecutive years and was always the first member to pay his dues each year. Ed was a devoted member of the Color Guard and carried the Legion flag in the Bessemer Fourth of July parade every year. He served as Chaplain for 15 years and was always willing to serve in any capacity with Legion projects. His many friends at the Legion will remember his dedication and friendship.

He was a very good bowler and loved to play cards in the cribbage league at the American Legion.

Ed is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins from his large and loving family.

He was predeceased by his parents; nine sisters, Mert Doucette, Ann Banaszak, Bertha Mesich, Jewel Schliem, Helen Downey, Marge Schwenk, Betty Mielweski, Nancy Jeske, and a baby sister, Frances; and four brothers, Jack, Mike, Don and Raymond.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Nov. 10, at noon, preceded by visitation at 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 301 E. Aurora St., in Ironwood, with Dr. Jack Fashbaugh officiating.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Pallbearers will be Walt Schwenk, Greg Jeske, Mike Rosnow, Dan Miller, John Miller and Dave Karaffa.

Interment will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.