Scott Zalis

Scott Michael Zalis, aged 45, of Lowell, went to be with his Lord and Savior after his courageous fight with cancer, surrounded by his entire family on Tuesday, November 18, 2008. Born to Edward and Barbara Zalis on July 25, 1963 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scott grew up and went to Wayland High School, graduating in 1982. He went on to join the United States Navy from 1984 to 1988. He met his wife while in high school, and married in 1989. Scott worked for Albertus Koeze's for 19 years. He was preceded in death by his little brother, Shaun Patrick Zalis; father-in-law, Ray G. Barrix; grandparents, Edward and Jessie Zalis and Carl and Barbara Hemmer. Scott will be greatly missed by his wife of 19 years, Evelyn Gitka; children, Scott Edward, Joshua Ray and Stephanie Ellen, all at home; his parents, Barbara Zalis of Wayland and Edward Zalis of Branch; his brothers, Steve (Julie) Zalis of Holland, Dan (Teresa) Zalis of Wayland, Kevin (Pam) Zalis of Dorr; his sister, Holly (Brian) Larsen of Wayland; his mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Mary and Albert Kieffer (Barrix) of Lawrenceville, IL; his sister and brothers-in-law, Terry (Jan) Barrix, Debra (Robert) Dahlke, Jack (Amy) Barrix, Susan (Matt) Bach and Jason (Graciela) Barrix; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Martin Bury, Deb VanEssen, RN, his "family" from Koeze's, Spectrum Health Hospice, Dr. Suzanne Howard and Connie Potter, RN, First Baptist Church of Lowell and Lowell Area Schools for all of their prayers, support, and kindness during this journey. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22nd at the First Baptist Church of Lowell, 2275 West Main St., with Rev. David Sims officiating. Family will meet friends and relatives 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, November 20th, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 21st at the Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell. Memorial contributions may be made to The Scott M. Zalis Children's Memorial Fund or First Baptist Church of Lowell Building Fund. Roth-Gerst