Thomas Paul Zemrowski

Thomas P. Zemrowski, 79, of Kalamazoo, passed on July 28, 2022, with his daughters at his side. He had received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer just 40 days prior.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol (Cooreman) Zemrowski; they had been married for 50 years before she passed in 2017. Also preceding him in death were his parents, John and Cecilia (Orchowski) Zemrowski; his sisters, Camille Stryck and Mimi Macdonald; brother-in-law, Al Stryck; stillborn grandson, Sebastian Miller; and great-nephew, Nolan Gold.

He is survived by his two daughters, Laura (Curt) Korten of Marshall, MI, and Paula (Jeremy) Miller of Blaine, MN; and four grandchildren, Jerome and Ashton Korten and Athena and Julian Miller. Also surviving are six nieces; brother-in-law, Dan Macdonald; brother-in-law, Daniel Cooreman (Steven Turner); special friend, Esther Thoroughman; and treasured friends, John Czarnecki and Linda Merrill, who remind us to walk by faith and not by sight.

Born on Dec. 24, 1942, in Chicago, he graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago in 1960. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1966 and his M.B.A. from DePaul University in 1972. He and Carol were married on Oct. 29, 1966, in New Carlisle, IN.

Tom spent 31 years working at the Upjohn Company, where he was a systems manager in IT and purchasing, and taught for 14 years at Western Michigan University in the field of business information systems. Serving in the Army from 1966 to 1969, during the Vietnam conflict, he would achieve the rank of First Lieutenant. He lived in Kalamazoo for 49 years, after moving with his wife from Hammond, IN, in 1973.

Known for saying "you don't live to work; you work to live," Tom made countless friends throughout his life, especially those from Upjohn, the Kalamazoo V.F.W. and the Blind Outdoor Leadership Development (B.O.L.D.) program, as well as those with whom he played tennis, golf and racquetball. Most important was his family, as he was always a supportive champion of his multitalented daughters and grandchildren. He also had a great appreciation for music, especially that of the music ministry of St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, Kalamazoo, where he was a devoted member for decades. He and his wife also were longtime season ticketholders of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

His many Kalamazoo friends would regard him as the nicest guy one could ever meet - even if it was the first time meeting him. Having great faith in Jesus throughout his life, he enjoyed the writings of Rev. Joseph F. Girzone, reminding us that we are "Never Alone," and that Jesus walks among us today in many ways.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S. 9th Street Kalamazoo, MI 49009 where the rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Student Parish 421 Monroe St. Kalamazoo, at 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2022. A graveside service will take place at 3:30 PM on Wednesday August 3rd at Highland Cemetery 2257 Portage Ave., South Bend, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas More Student Parish or WMUK Public Radio in Kalamazoo. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com