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 February 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 paper boy. 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 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.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Chapel, Berrien Springs.
Posted On: Friday, June 27, 2025 3:31 PM
