Elaine Zaiki
ISHPEMING, MI/IRON RIVER, MI- Elaine A. Zaiki, age 92, longtime Ishpeming and Iron River resident, passed away on Thursday May 29, 2025 at her home, while in the loving care of her family, and UP Home Health and Hospice.
Elaine was born in Iron River on March 6, 1933, daughter of the late Walter and Audrey (Gehloff) King. She was a graduate of Stambaugh High School, and shortly after married Robert Zaiki on August 16, 1952 in Iron River. The family moved to Ishpeming in 1972 after the mines closed in Iron River, and she has resided in Ishpeming ever since.
Elaine volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul, and the daycare center at Bell Hospital for many years. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crafting, woodworking, going camping, and traveling following her husband’s retirement. She will be remembered for her love for dogs, and most of all her love for her family.
Elaine is survived by 5 children- Chris (Rodger) Brzezinski, Kathy (Brian) Greenman, Don (Suzi) Zaiki, Jerry (Cindy) Zaiki, Tammy (Jeff) Wunder, 16 grandchildren- Amy (Scott) Odgers, Kevin (Elly) Brzezinski, Aaron Brzezinski, Matt (Jenny) Walter, Kelly (Joe) Grim, Megan (Justin) Hansen, Mark (Brooke) Zaiki, Jessica (Erik) Gummerus, Heather (Steve) Dales, Jeremy Zaiki, Robert (Danielle) Zaiki, Kristen (Brandon) McAfee, Todd (Talia) Wunder, Mike (Chelsey) Wunder, and Nick (Alari) Wunder, and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband- Robert Zaiki, and granddaughter- Karen Mondrella and 2 brothers Ken and Jim King, all who she will meet in heaven with love and joy.
Elaine’s family will greet relatives and friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming from 10:30am until 11:00am on Friday June 6, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Christian Flagstadt celebrating. Interment will take place in the Resthaven Cemetery in Iron River.
Elaine’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.