George Ronald Zender, age 88, of Almont passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born September 14, 1932, the son of Charles and Mary (Potopinski) Zender in Chicago, the middle child of 11 siblings. When he was young George’s family moved from Chicago to Wisconsin then eventually to Saint Clair Shores, where he graduated from high school. He was awarded several scholarships and attended Wayne State University for Industrial Engineering. After college, George was hired at U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command in Warren from 1967-1997, retiring after 30 years of dedication at age 64.
He met the love of his life, Fay R. Simons, and they married on July 4, 1959 in Livonia. Their marriage was filled with 51 years of laughter, love and some very memorable RV adventures. George carried the qualities of a hard worker throughout his life. Hobbies such as “city farming” and bee keeping are a few of the things he enjoyed.
He was a talented mechanic with a delightful sense of humor. George found pleasure in a casual and simple life and had a wonderfully close relationship with his family. He has left them with many priceless memories to cherish and stories to share.
George is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Vince) Olenik of Pinckney; son, Bryan (Donalee) Zender of Almont; grandchildren, Joshua (Chantell Leach) Zender, Rachel (Ben) Horton, Sydney (Brad Holman) Olenik and Alex Olenik.
George was preceded in death by his wife Fay Zender and his parents.
The funeral service was held Thursday, December 3 at Muir Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, 2650 South Van Dyke, Imlay City, MI 48444.
Memorial donations can be may be made to the Humane Society. Please share a memory on George’s online guest book at www.muirfh.com
