John A. Zyskowski

John Alexander Zyskowski passed away peacefully surrounded by family early Thursday, August 24 after an incredibly long and brave battle with cancer. John fought cancer valiantly for nearly 17 years. Defying the odds and surprising his medical team again and again. 

John was born in Grand Rapids MI August 28, 1972, the son of Alexander Michael Zyskowski and Mary Ruth Quist. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1991. He went onto graduate from Michigan State in 1996 with a degree in Environmental Science. Environmental issues were a great passion for him and he pursued that and other entrepreneurial ventures most of his life. 

He and his wife Kuirsta were together for nearly 30 years and married for 23 years, after marrying in Sonoma, CA in 2000. They were a devoted couple who loved each other very deeply. John and Kuirsta’s four boys, Jack, Drew, Will and Sam were the light of his life and he loved nothing more than cheering them on at lacrosse and football games. He coached them for many years and that brought him great joy, many boys remember him fondly as Coach Zy. 

John is survived by his wife, Kuirsta Elise Rosander, beloved sons Jack (20), Drew (18), William (16) and Sam (15). Also surviving, his Father Alexander Michael Zyskowski, Mother Mary Ruth Quist, Step-mother Joan Zyskowski, Sister Sara Zyskowski Knutsen, Brother-in-law Kris Knutsen, and nieces Olivia and Susanna and nephew Charlie. Also, his mother-in-law Terry (Rosander) Rea. He was proceeded in death by his father-in-law David John Rosander. 

The family will receive friends at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Saturday, August 26 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a memorial service immediately following. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or a fund has been established to help with his sons education costs, donations can be made at Help the Zyskowski Boys

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