John S. Zar

John was born Nov. 10, 1943, in Escanaba, the son of Victor and Mary (Osmak) Zar. He resided in Rapid River for most of his life and graduated from Rapid River High School. Work brought him to Milwaukee, Wis., where he met the love of his life, Judy. John and Judy were united in marriage on June 3, 1967. Together, they shared 52 years of wonderful memories. John worked at Mead Corporation and retired from there in 2005. He was also a devoted parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and even helped make pasties at the church every month. John had many hobbies. He loved baking bread, making sausage, fishing, and hunting. And he also enjoyed farming, and loved having chickens at his home. He also enjoyed cutting firewood and Lions football games, but John was especially known for his impressive vegetable garden that he and his wife Judy tended to together. He will be deeply missed by many.

In addition to his loving wife, Judy (Larson) Zar, John is survived by: sons, Johnathon (Jackie) Zar and Anthony (Kim) Zar; brother, Victor (Joan) Zar; sister, Stephanie Butkovich; grandchildren, Laurel and Nicholas (Hannah) Zar; great-grandchild, Dillon; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John is preceded by his parents, Victor and Mary (Osmak) Zar; daughter, Trudy Denise Zar; brother-in-law, Richard (Stephanie) Butkovich; and favorite aunt, Teta.

The Zar family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River. Following visiting hours, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial for John at 4 p.m. with Rev. Fr. Joseph V Augustine officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. John will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery in the spring of 2020. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com