Kenneth Lee Zelenka, Sr.

    Kenneth Lee Zelenka, age 75, of St. Johns, MI, formerly of Owosso, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at his home.
    He was born in Owosso, MI, the son of Louis and Mary “Lucille” (McElroy) Zelenka. He graduated from Owosso High School, with the Class of 1969. He married Kathy Skok, and they had three children: Pam, Ken Jr., and Brooke. The union ended. He then married Lori French Enos. They were married on March 14, 1980. She brought two children: Cheryl “Nicole” and Fred Enos III. Together they had Sarah and Matthew.
     Ken worked at General Motors and retired from there. He earned his Realtor License from Lansing Community College, while at General Motors. He mentored students with the General Motors Lamp Program. He drove the “Blue Bus” in St. Johns, after his retirement. He won driver of the year for the state of Michigan in 2008 and 2009. He represented the Blue Bus in Rhode Island and California in competition.
     He is survived by his wife Lori Zelenka, his children: Pam (Andy), Kenneth Jr., (Jennifer), Cheryl “Nicole” (John Baluk), Fred (Dee), Brooke, Sarah (Darrin), and Matt (Laura). He is also survived by twenty grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and two granddaughters due anytime. He is also survived by four brothers and three sisters: Don, Donna, Noreen (Doug), Phil (Kris), George, Louis (Cynda), and June (Dave Miller). He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and “Lucille”, three brothers: Bob, Dick (Diane), and Ron (Kay), and one sister Janet, along with several grandbabies, two nephews, Brian and Phillip Jr., and two nieces, Terri and Amy.
     Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 A.M with Rev. Fr. Anthony Brooks presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Memorials may be made to Parkinson's Research Foundation of Choice. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns, Michigan.