John "Jack" C. Zaremski

John “Jack” Czar Zaremski, 86

Longtime Petoskey resident, John “Jack” Zaremski, passed away February 6, 2020 surrounded by his family at the age of 86.

Jack’s family and friends will remember and celebrate his life during a funeral mass that will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 13th, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Visitation will begin in the church gathering space at 10:00 a.m.; the service will be led by Fr. Greg McCallum.  Following the mass, Jack’s family will receive friends at the Grand Unity Event Center (formerly the Knights of Columbus Hall) on Charlevoix Avenue, for lunch and to continue in sharing memories of Jack.

He was born John Czar Zaremski in Petoskey on October 28, 1933, he was the son of A.J. and Christine (Kuglur) Zaresmski.  Jack attended and was a graduate of Petoskey schools.  On April 24th, 1954 he married Elizabeth “Betty” Hofbauer.  Jack entered service with the United States Army on December 29th, 1954.  He was assigned to 163rd Quarter Master Company at Fort Lewis, Washington and served honorably until his discharge on December 13, 1956.  Following his discharge, Jack returned to Betty and their life in Petoskey, where together they raised their five children.

In 1958 Jack partnered with his father and a few other family members to establish Victory Lanes Incorporated.  Jack and his family owned and operated Victory Lanes Inc. for many years in both of its locations.  In 1986 after following the sale of Victory Lanes Inc., he accepted a position with Schere Companies of Columbus, Ohio.  He helped to oversee and operate a number of companies with Schere in both Ohio and Michigan until 2009.  In 1993 together with his son David, Jack co-founded Performance Unlimited Sales, offering specialized vehicle sales until 2019.  Jack was also very active in the community he loved, he donated his efforts and time over the years to countless special events and charities.   He was particularly proud of his time serving the residents of Emmet County as a member of the Emmet County Board of Commissioners.  Jack was known, liked and well respected by everyone with whom he came into contact whether through business or in his personal life.  He had a lifetime interest of automobiles, motorcycles and a great passion for flying.  He will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends, as a man who had a particular soft spot for his four legged friends, and as a man who was blessed with a heart that seemed to be a never ending source of love and kindness.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty and by his daughters and son, Geraldine Zaremski, Mona (Dennis) O’Neil and David Zaremski, his sister, Betty Walker, by his extended family David Faulkner, David Zmikly and Rae Jean Swadling and by his numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceding Jack in death were his parents, son Michael John, daughter Catherine Ann, his step-mother Dolores “Dee” (Burns) Zaremski, his sister Irene “Corky” and her husband Harold “Doc” Cabana by his brother in law Donald Walker and nephew Donnie Walker. 

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