John ‘Zeke’ Zanona

He was born in Norway on Aug. 2, 1962. John was a lifelong resident of the area, involved in a variety of careers and pastimes.

He built over a dozen beautiful homes, camps, and other structures in the area. Zeke drove logging trucks and other equipment for Nickels Logging for years, went south to help with hurricane clean-up in the southern U.S., and the past couple of years, helped Vulcan Wood Products and Hometown Lumber with deliveries.

John had many interests, among them, racing — in his earlier years he raced both dirt bikes and stock cars and he made several treks to big events like Daytona, the Brickyard, and the Indy 500; cards — he loved a good game of smear and cribbage was always a blood sport.

Most of all, he lived for deer season and Nov. 15 was practically a holiday for Zekers. He grew up hunting out of his uncle’s camp in the Merriman area and switched to the Faithorn area when his dad bought property there. His deer camp crew were his dad, Bill; cousin, Paul; nephew, Collin; and sometimes his buddy, Tony. He was especially proud of his prize bucks and had a couple of exceptional trophies mounted.

John is survived by his son, Jacob (Sara) Zanona of Norway and their daughter, Natalie Grace, the apple of Zeke’s eye; also survived by his parents, William “Bill” and Patricia “Patsy” Zanona of Norway; sister Wendy Watson (Guy Caverson); niece Kyla Watson (James Boyuk) and their daughter, Lily; nephew,Collin Watson (Ashley Hurley) and their children, Murphy and Alice, all of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. John also had a huge extended network of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends throughout Upper Michigan, the U.S. and Canada.

John had a way of making fast friends, many of whom remained in his life to the end. Some were family like: Paul Meneghini, Frank Devine, Rob Devine, Collin Watson; others became family like: “Par” Jim Parolini, “Sedo” Tony Kramer, “Schultzie” Paul Schultz, “Chooker” Scott Hanson, “Pimps” Timmy Faull, Paul Menard, Jeff Goudreau, Christina Hurkmans, and most especially, Karol Neuens, his sweetheart. If we have missed anyone, our apologies. Please know he loved you.

Family will greet friends on Monday, Sept. 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.

A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Father Abraham Mupparathara of St. Barbara Catholic Church officiating.

Interment to follow at the Norway Township Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life immediately afterward until 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Norway.

Condolences to the family of John be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements announced by the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.