Rudolph John Zornik

Rudolph John Zornik, age 90, showed resilience and found purpose in the face of numerous illnesses in his last eight years, but on October 11, 2024, was taken peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father, the arms that have always held him. Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, devoted sons, Todd (Michael) and Erik (Ryan), brother-in-law Ermando Volpe, nephews, John (Shelly) and Anthony (Cathy), niece, Lisa Volpe, great nephews, Justin, Danny, Jacob Volpe, Paul Lomax (Marja), Anthony, Joey and devoted friend, Sue Hellner. He was predeceased by his parents, Agnes (Schuster) and John Zornik and sister, Marion Volpe. Rudy’s life journey can be summed up simply: he did everything with his whole heart and soul. His life’s work and many activities were all driven by his passion for life, commitment to community and deep curiosity about the world around him. He was born in Detroit August 4, 1934 of Slovenian parents, Agnes and John. He attended grade school in Detroit and graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1952. He trained in drafting and worked in job shops after high school. He worked at General Motors in engineering for several years, but spent the rest of his 31 years at Ford Motor Company as a design engineer. He worked in the seat department where he had a wonderful group of friends. He attended night school at Lawrence Tech and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management in 1972. His childhood was woven in the fabric of his Slovenian heritage and culture that was cultivated by his parents and their friends. As a child he participated in Slovene National Benefit Society (S.N.P.J.) activities and in his adult years he served the Slovenian community in many ways, including serving as President of Lodge 564 for many years. He enjoyed Slovenian food, traditions, songs and dances, and at times taught Slovene language classes. He swayed and tapped to the polkas till the very end of his life. He was fluent in the Slovenian language so he understood the meaning of the songs. The best way to snap him out of a bad mood was to turn on Slovenian polkas. Since his youth he was a history buff and read many general history books, and, of course, the history of his Slovenian heritage. He passed that knowledge to his wife and sons and to anyone who was interested in listening. His mother made music an integral part of his sister’s and his childhood. She played Slovenian records on their Victrola. Rudy loved all kinds of music, especially jazz, which he shared with one of his best friends. Rudy sang with his Slovenian family and friends, so it was always a happy time. Art was another of his passions. He dabbled in oil painting when he had time. Later in life, his pet project was a painting of his sons as little boys. Unfortunately, his eyesight diminished and he could not finish the painting. Like many children of his generation, he played baseball in the alley with his friends on the east side of Detroit. Although he never played sports in high school, he developed a love of sports. His favorite teams were the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Red Wings. He rooted for his teams right to the end of his life. In 1971 Rudy married Marlene and they had two sons, Todd and Erik. Rudy was involved and so interested in the boys’ activities during their school years. He was their cub scout leader and inspired in them a passion for travel, a curiosity for learning and a commitment to justice and equality. He went on camping trips and ice fished with them Up North. He enjoyed the vacations that we did every year as a family, especially those trips to Slovenia. He wanted us to know his family living there. They are, indeed, wonderful, warm people. Luckily, Rudy was able to interpret those conversations so that we all understood each other. We treasured those visits. Rudy kept up with current events and embraced conversations with people who had differing views than his. He always savored a healthy and respectful exchange of ideas. He found it so stimulating and enlightening to understand other people’s perspectives. For all who knew Rudy, his humor and quick wit were his signature characteristics. He knew how to have fun with people. His wife was one of his best audiences because she would laugh heartily at his funny remarks. He had to spend five months in a nursing center at the end of his life, but he joked and teased with the staff and some of the residents. They developed a close rapport with him. It was so much fun to watch him be so spontaneous, even at age 90! God gave Rudy a long life, full of joys and sorrows. He gave Rudy the ability to love his family and friends, to do his work conscientiously and responsibly, to help other people, to develop his talents, to enjoy many good times, and to pray — with his whole heart and soul. We thank God for his life and the meaningful memories that Rudy has left us. They will linger in our hearts, until we meet again. We are forever grateful to all the doctors, nurses, home caregivers and the hospice staff at Meadows Nursing Center who aided and comforted him during his illnesses and family and friends who prayed for him and helped to keep him in good spirits. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate will be Thursday 10:30am until the time of the 11am Mass at St Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 E 14 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Rudolph John Zornik

August 4, 1934 - October 11, 2024