Date of Death: November 22, 2019
Service Details
In accordance with Mike’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at Hohner Funeral Home on Saturday, November 30, 2019 with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Derl Keefer officiating.
Michael Ray Zolen passed away on November 22, 2019 with loved ones close by his side. He was born on September 15, 1964 in South Haven MI to Steven Zolen and Renita (Norman) Larkin.
Mike graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1982.
Mike’s work career began in Three Rivers at Wellington’s Paint Store, then moved to Kauszler’s Hardware, and from there to Wolohan Lumber. Mike then connected with Tom Meyer and worked at Fitness First before he became the Client Sales Director with I-Med where he has been for the past 20 years.
Mike was involved with several organizations in Three Rivers over the years. Mike was very active with the Three Rivers Rotary Club where he served as Club President and traveled to Belize on two occasions to help build a school for the children there. Mike was presented the Paul Harris Award for his charitable work with Rotary. Mike was also active with Rotary International.
Mike was also on the planning committee for St. Joseph County Relay for Life for several years. He was an ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce. Mike enjoyed many hobbies over the years including obtaining a 2nd Degree Black belt in Karate, body building, hiking the Lakeshore of Lake Michigan and spending time with many close friends. Mike was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Three Rivers. Mike made many friends wherever he went.
In 1986 Mike married Karen (Bonebright) Soule and together they had one daughter, Kristen Zolen who survives. Mike and Karen later divorced but remained friends as they parented their daughter.
Also surviving is his mother; Renita Larkin of South Haven and father; Steven Zolen of Tennessee; three brothers; Rich Zolen of Kalkaska MI, Steven (Connie) Zolen of Jonesboro, AR, and Terry (Beth) Zolen of Lebanon, TN; two aunts; Marjorie Norman and Marian Norman, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his girlfriend Heather Karmon of Nashville TN. Mike also cherished his friendships with Rick Daniels and Chad Corte along with many others.
Additional Information
Memorials can be given Mike’s name to the Three Rivers Foundation towards the Rotary Belize Project or the Three Rivers United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home or church.
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So sad to have just learned of this, He was an amazing person and brother in law..always kind and funny and never let anything get him down. Love to his family and friends.
Mike was a super volunteer and a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.
Mike was an awesome man. I had the Privilege of working with him at I-MED for several years. He always had a smile and a good word. He was always willing to lend a hand. He will be truly missed. RIP my friend.
Mike was a good friend, positive leader in Three Rivers Rotary Club and a supporter of the kids at Libertad RC School in Belize, Central America. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Wow, far too young. I have fond memories growing up with Mike, his brothers and mom! My brother and I were always made to feel part of the family! Mike’s long list of contributions are truly impressive! Rest well brother!
Robert and I send our heartfelt condolences for the whole family. Continued prayers and hugs sent for Connie, Steve and the whole family.
Thank you ❤️
Mike was a good man who truly loved his daughter. He always put her 1st. He took the time to make lasting memories by taking her to so many places and sharing his love of music with her. Kristen, you are an amazing woman, I know you will not leave this earth without making an impact in many many lives that you touch. You have an amazing Angel on your shoulder now. I know he is now at peace and smiling down on you.
All my love,
Aunt Sue
Mike was a great cousin and a great man. I’m so happy that we were able to get together for a family reunion in SouthHaven just a year ago, but never thought that would be the last time we would see each other. I will miss Mikes sense of humor and kind heart which he had towards everyone he met. Rest in Peace Mike you may be gone but not forgotten
Mike and I served as “Health Care Comrades” for many years … I will miss our discussions. Mike had a deep love for family, and strong Faith, along with a deep commitment for service to our community that will long be remembered!
So sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. What a great guy and natural leader! What an infectious smile and eternally positive attitude. He was a model of a life well-lived. Prayers up for the Zolen family and his many, many (many) friends and colleagues. Mike – you will be greatly missed.
Prayers to the family and all those who’s life he touched. He will be missed.
Profoundly sad. All the previous sentiments are felt here.
Mike is such a wonderful person. We’ve been friends for years and I got the privilege of working with him at Wolohan Lumber on top of that. He always asking about my better half and joking around. He has a kind heart and such a caring man. You will truly be missed and I am so grateful I can call you a friend.
Mike added so much joy to our kids’ lives. We were fortunate to meet him through Heather Karmon and he quickly became endeared to us as, Mikey.
In 2016, Payton and I had the awesome opportunity to enjoy Disney World with Mike and Heather. A priceless adventure which cemented our relationship to him.
He will be greatly missed by all the Warren’s.
We are sorry for the pain Mike endured. He was a kind person, never complained. We will miss his nice smile!!! Rest In Peace ?
So heartbroken for a beautiful life taken to soon. I’ve known Mike since I was 18 and have some amazing memories of our friendship. Rest easy and pain free in Gods hands!
I knew mike when we were neighbors we were kids then lots of good memories love hugs and prayers to his mom and rich steve and terry love you!!!❤❤
His loss will be felt by many. Such a great man who was a friend to everyone he ever met. Keeping his family in our prayers.
Very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts are with your family.
Mike was a very kind hearted person who was a friend to everyone he met!!
Rest in pain free peace my very good friend. See you at Heaven’s ocean shore.