John Matthew Zallar, 83, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. John was born June 8, 1941 in Virginia, MN to Dr. Frank and Helen (Mahovlich) Zallar. John graduated from Gilbert High School, UMD and earned his Masters in Education from UWS. John taught in the Duluth School District at Washburn Elementary and Woodland Jr High, retiring in 1999. While teaching at Washburn, John served as a building administrator. John was a member of the Federation of Teachers Association, past union president, and past president of the Duluth Area Retired Educators Association. John was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. In his free time, John enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and walking the Lakewalk. John’s love for his family and devotion to his wife Suzanne were evident as he cared for her during her nine-year battle with dementia.
He was predeceased by his parents, his son Frank, his niece Jennifer Zallar and his wife Suzanne.
John is survived by two sons, Jim and Peter (Sara); two grandchildren, Hendrix and Vincent; his brothers, David (Janet) and Robert (Ruby); a nephew, Joseph (Lisa) Zallar and their children Brynn and Reece; his nieces, Julie Bane (John), Janelle Bane (Phil); his nephew, Thomas Bane; and his sister-in-law, Karen Bane.
Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Visitation from 10 a.m. until Mass at 11 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 30, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Burial in Madison, WI. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.
