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Roger Zabik

October 19, 2018
Kalamazoo, MI

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Zabik, Roger Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on October 19, 2018, surrounded by his loving family in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Roger was born on July 16, 1939 in South Bend, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nada Louise (Wolf) Zabik and Matthew John Zabik, and his sister Constance (Robert) Wiersberg. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Elizabeth (Porter) Zabik, his brother Matthew (Mary Ellen) Zabik, three sons Scott (Linda), Andrew (Heidi), and Benjamin (Jennifer), as well as seven grandchildren: Ryan (Kate), Erin, Hayley, Julie, Megan, Conor and Ronan. Roger grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He attended Washington-Clay High School where he played football, basketball, and track. Roger earned his undergraduate degree from Ball State Teachers College, majoring in Physical Education and earned his varsity letter playing football at Ball State for four years. He also enjoyed coaching football at his high school alma mater during this time. He then completed his Masters and Doctorate degree in Exercise Physiology at Indiana University. After graduating in 1967, Roger came to Western Michigan University as a professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, where he chaired the Department from 1979 until 1994 and then retired in 2002. Roger and Elizabeth travelled extensively in their retirement. Roger's life-long passions centered around his love of family and the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hiking, bow hunting, fishing, and golfing. His dream of living in the country was realized in 1977, when the family moved to Lawton to build their dream home in the country. He spent many hours hunting and cutting wood on the property and working on his many projects, including his carving of an 18-foot totem pole that still remains on the property today. Roger attended the Second Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. Visitation will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, along with one hour prior to the service. Services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 24, with Reverend Kevin Hart officiating. Donations can be made to the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University, to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Roger's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com.