Peter A. Zmikly

Peter A. Zmikly passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his kids on June 3rd, 2021. He was 88.

Peter was born June 11, 1932, in Pellston, Michigan, the son of Frank and Anna (Klimek) Zmikly. Pete was raised in Pellston and graduated in 1950.

Peter joined the United States Army in December of 1952.  He served in Korea and was Honorably discharged in September of 1954. He returned to Petoskey and worked in the food and beverage business until he retired.

On October 6th, 1956, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Steffel at St Francis Xavier Church. Together they had 5 children and shared 48 wonderful years together.

Peter loved Polka music. He played drums in a band and entertained for weddings and events across northern Michigan. He loved dancing the Polka with JoAnn, playing baseball, camping with the family in the U.P., hunting, fishing, riding his lawn mower (Harley), and spending quality time with family and friends.

He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and easy-going demeanor. He loved his family, had a huge heart and was very appreciative for all he was given in life.

Peter was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the VFW.

He is survived by his children; David Zmikly, Donna Zmikly (Troy Goodrich), Diane (Brett) Reissener of Charleston, South Carolina. Two grandchildren; Britton (Christine) Reissener, Morgan (Joey) Rubenstein. Two great grandchildren; Haylee Jo Reissener and Chandler Mae Rubenstein. His sister Rose Garrett and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Zmikly, sons Donald Peter & Dennis John, and sister JoAnn Bradley.

There will be a funeral mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on June 22nd, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Father Greg McCallum will officiate the mass.  Burial will take place immediately following at the St. Francis Cemetery. The family invites everyone to a luncheon following the burial, across the street from the cemetery at the Fairgrounds Community Center to share many great memories of Pete.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a charitable donation are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan. 

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