Kelly Suzanne Zarek

Kelly Suzanne Zarek, 67, of Fullerton, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton, with Pastor Mark Hartley officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Kelly was born Sept. 3, 1958, in Omaha to Warren and Mary Lou (Wilson) West. She lived in Waterloo until 1966, when her mother married Garry Mason and they moved south of Fullerton before moving to the house on the hill by the water tower in Fullerton. She graduated from Fullerton High School in 1976 and later moved to Omaha for few years before returning to Fullerton. On Sept. 9, 1979, she was united in marriage to Dennis Zarek in Reno, Nev. They were blessed with four children: Sarah, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Kevin. Kelly worked at the Nance County Journal for several years before becoming a transcriptionist in the cardiopulmonary department at St. Francis. In 2002, she purchased Double K’s Café in Fullerton, which she owned and operated until 2012.

Kelly enjoyed traveling to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. She loved spending Friday nights stamping with friends and crocheting. She was an avid antique collector and went to many auctions. She was also a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Fullerton, where she served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and helping with children’s music and vacation bible school.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Zarek of Fullerton; daughter, Sarah (Mark) Peterson of Norfolk; sons, Benjamin (Nicole) Zarek of Columbus, Jonathan (Debra) Zarek of Genoa, and Kevin Zarek of Columbus; eight grandchildren; and her beloved puppies, Maggie and Oliver.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Garry and Mary Lou Mason.