Kenneth "Ken" W. Zacks

Kenneth Walter Zacks, age 86, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on Friday September 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Ken was born on December 9, 1939, in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Ramon and Mary (Gayeski) Zacks. Ken was the younger of two children and was raised in Hamden, Connecticut. He graduated from Hamden High in 1957 and then made his way to Michigan to attend Michigan State University where he studied Hotel and Restaurant Management. Ken was the student manager of the Spartan Men’s Hockey team from 1958-1961. It was at MSU where he met the love of his life, Mary Hay Stewart, in the fall of their freshman year. They met again in their junior year. They became engaged and married after graduation.

After college, they settled in Birmingham, Michigan. Ken worked in the restaurant industry for many years managing Stouffer‘s “Top of the Flame” restaurant in Detroit. Later he joined Mary in her family’s business. Being young entrepreneurs, Ken and Mary (Stewie) moved to Traverse City in 1973 and started their own business, Stewart-Zacks, a retail fixture in downtown Traverse City for 35 years. Kenny became active in the development of downtown Traverse City. Often called the “Mayor of Front Street”, some of his projects included: bringing the Downtown Map to Traverse City, developing West Front Market with a team of investors and creating the downtown farmers market, now known as the “Sarah Hardy Farmers Market”. With Lyle DeYoung he started the downtown art fair. In 1979, Ken contributed to the installation of Traverse City as an “All American City”.

His favorite cause, which he pioneered, was the restoration and renovation of the Traverse City Opera House. This was his passion and he remained involved until his death.

In his free time, Ken was a cheerleader for all things MSU. He attended MSU Hockey, Football and Basketball games regularly. Always in festive Spartan Green attire.

He loved being at any beach in Leelanau County any weekend in the summer and any Boca Grande beach in the winter months. A trip to Sugar Island and the cabin was a regular adventure and it always included friends and family.

Ken loved old cars and had a 1948 MGTC in which he and Stewie enjoyed many road rallies. He and Stewie were very social and met and enjoyed friendships over the years in Malihini and First Congregational/ Mission Hill Church.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary (Stewie) Zacks, his daughter, Connie (Zacks) Ahee, grandchildren Zachary and Anna Ahee. He is survived by his brother Ron Zacks of Hamden CT, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins, and countless friends.

He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Goudy (Mary) Barr Zacks.

The Zacks family would like to thank Sally Suprenant, his loving caregiver of three years, who] became a fond family member. Also great thanks to Heartland Hospice for the care they provided Ken and their compassion for Stewie.

A Memorial Service honoring Ken will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Mission Hill Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the City Opera House, 106 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Ken’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.