Elizabeth Zei

Betty was born on Aug. 13, 1943, in Kearsarge, to Leo and Elizabeth (Czapp) Lutz.

She was raised in the former Hungarian Church Rectory and has fond memories of the Hungarian Church in her backyard.

In her youth, she entertained her family by playing the accordion. She enjoyed spending time with her siblings when she was growing up.

Betty graduated from Calumet High School in 1962.

She married her husband of 56 years, William Zei, on April 20, 1963.

In her younger years, Betty worked at the Parkside Restaurant. After her children graduated from high school, she worked at Toni’s Country Kitchen, at the Calumet Township Office, and most recently as a clerk at Fraki’s Market in Calumet until her retirement.

She was active in several community and church organizations, including the Daughters of Italy and the Daughters of Isabella, the Keweenaw County Historical Society, and a lifetime member of the Copper Country Volunteer Firefighter Museum.

For many years, Betty bowled in a league at Al’s Supper Club. She was a proud stockholder of the Green Bay Packers and rarely missed a televised game. She was an avid Detroit Red Wings fan. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and cryptograms.

Betty loved to entertain and enjoyed cooking Sunday evening dinner for her family. She looked forward to her daily coffee socials with friends at the local coffee shops.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Elizabeth; her husband, William “Bill”; and siblings and their spouses, Leo (Laverne) Lutz, Kenneth (Patricia) Lutz, and Edward (Dolores) Lutz.

Betty is survived by her children, David (Judy) Zei and Debra Zei; sister, Patricia (Jerry) Primeau; grandson, Michael (Shanna) Adler; great-grandson, William; special cousin, Adelbert Czapp; special family friend, John Adler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Funeral Mass for Elizabeth Zei will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Calumet, with Father John Martignon and Father Gracious Pulimoottil to officiate. Friends may call at the St. Anthony Hall in Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in Lake View Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. 

Donations can be made to the Omega House in her memory.

Erickson-Crowley-Peterson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.