"Larry Z's work and memory will live on in many of the programs and people he touched with his thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion and wry humor at times. He brought a welcoming presence to every meeting, a willingness to look at new and fresh ideas and a pragmatism to apply as well. I was able to work with him across several committees and remember him only fondly. My sincere sympathy to his family on his passing from this world."
In loving memory of
LAURENCE "Z" ZIOMKOWSKI
March 18, 1950 - April 20, 2022
Laurence "Z" Ziomkowski, 72, of Marquette, retired from this phase of his life on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at his home after a long illness, supported by his wife, Diana, family members, friends and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice.
Larry Z. or just "Z" as he was generally known was a loving husband, father and grandfather in every single way who instilled in his children a strong sense of compassion and justice for all people.
Z spent most of his adult career as a community worker involved with substance abuse prevention and treatment programming at Project Rehab in Grand Rapid, MI. In 1988, he moved to Marquette to work with what has become known as Great Lakes Recovery Centers. In 1999, Z moved over to Catholic Social Services of the U.P., not only in substance abuse treatment, but mental health, adoption and social justice issues. In 2009 he resigned under disability from a car accident in 2001.
Z helped start Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Room at the Inn homeless shelter and the Marquette County Crisis Response Team. He was also a member of several non-profit Boards of Directors, including Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Upper Great Lakes Family Health Centers, the Marquette Medical Access Coalition and the Upper Peninsula Health Access Coalition. He would like to be remembered as trying to make a positive difference in the community and in people's lives.
Z is survived by his loving wife, Diana of 46 years, whom he fell in love with at the Little Mac Bridge at Great Valley State University in 1973; his children, Kyra (Robbie) Goodrich and Lukas Ziomkowski; 10 grandchildren, Jack, Eileen, Julia, Welly, Moses, Cora, Theo, Louis, Roscoe, and Kiah; sisters and brothers, Margaret, Anne, John (Christine) and Edward (Jamie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Eileen Ziomkowski, his brother, Louis, Jr. and sister, Eileen who are waiting to welcome him to his new adventure.
The Ziomkowski family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, April 25th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services where the rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Glenn Theoret officiating. Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Z's memory to Great Lakes Recovery Centers Foundation, 97 S. Fourth St., Suite C, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or Bethany Refugee and Immigrant Services, 901 Eastern Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
"May the wind be always at his back."
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Ziomkowski family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Eternal rest grant onto him O'lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him."
"Thinking of the family and friends with prayers and condolences. The peace of the Lord be with all of you always. -Cliff Alles-Curie and family "
"I met Larry when I was on the GLR board many years ago. Larry was a very easy person to connect with. His great humanity was ever present. He was very impressive in so many ways and it was all directed at making our community better. He was successful in his efforts and we all benefited from his work and friendship."
"I worked with "Z" at Catholic Social Services. He was the kindest person that I had ever met. He had a great listening ear and walked with such calmness. My dad was sick and passed away while I was working there. He showed me so much compassion and understanding during that time and also gave me great support and words of wisdom. We missed him at the office a great deal. May he rest in peace now and may all of the memories carry you through. "
"Had a chance to reconnect with Z and meet Diana last fall on a visit to Marquette. Hadn?t seen Larry in 54 years, yet it was like he?d always been part of my life. RIP Z. Tim and Diane Fitzgerald"