Mr Zavislak you were a leader in many ways you gave your heart to our community  you were a hero a friend and a fellow laborer our community  will seem so empty without your leadership and without someone who  really cared about the community  and its citizens  God  bless you Sheriff  Zavislak 

Hank was a class act.  A great leader.  I was fortunate to work for him as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Jackson County from 2010-2012.   We had great conversations about the cases his office was prosecuting.  Hank always listened.  I appreciated his counsel.   He will be missed.

Having had the privilege of working for Hank, I’ll miss his encouragement and his sardonic wit as well.  He was a down-to-earth leader but always willing to forego the easy way in favor of holding to his principles.  I am fortunate to have known him.  My condolences to the Zavislak family and friends.  

To the family,

 I'm very sorry to see this.  We called him  "The High Sheriff."   Or   "Z- Slash",   many memories through the years and not enough words here.  He tried to make a difference and did just that.. 

Sure going to miss you Hank.  I enjoyed my time working with and shooting photos of you on your first campaign for sheriff in Jackson.  Plus all of the times we talked about making the fire service and law enforcement in Jackson County  better.  You were a great friend and mentor.    Rich Mahaney 

Lynn, Jon, Adam Hank was always willing to help by giving advice when I needed it. Law Enforcement and willingness to help the community is one of his many accomplishments but his support of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services in Jackson County is the one accomplishment that I will always be great full for. Thank you for being my advisor and friend. 

He was the head of the JCC police academy when I attended in 1980. He was tough, but I grew to like and admire him. RIP.
.

Lynn and Family…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We pray that you are able to find some peace and comfort in the days and months to come. ❤️🙏🏻 Heaven has gained a beautiful guardian angel. 

Love,
Allisyn, Rory and Kellan McKnight 

Lynn,   Was shocked and saddened to learn of your loss. Bob and I hold you in our thoughts and prayers. May your many wonderful memories of your life together sustain you at this time.

During many years of working with Hank never one heard nim speak an unkind word about anyone. He was a true people person and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
R.I.P. good friend. 

As a police reporter at the Jackson Cirizen Patriot during the  1980s, Sheriff Zavislak was an important part of my "beat."  Always fair, always truthful and he always made himself available to provide information when needed. Always appreciated him.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of "Hank", he will certainly be missed be all. Hank was a good man and mentor who serviced Jackson County with great ambition and pride. I offer my heart felt condolences to the family, and may God keep you close at this time of bereavement. 

Hank was a great asset to JPD, JC , & Jackson County and a good friend admired by many, he will be missed.   Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Ray and Janet Rhoades

My heart goes out to the family and I am offering my sincere condolences. 

Jon, Adam, and family,
So sorry for the loss of your dad, he was a wonderful man, you are in our prayers.
Phil and Chris Abbey






Hank was a dear family friend and law enforcement associate . He impacted many people in positive and sustained ways. He is missed already.
Condolences to his family.

Lyn,
Jeff and I are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our prayers and condolences. Cherish the wonderful memories you made and know that your lives impacted many. 
Peace and love, 
Jill Smith 

Lynn I am so sorry for your loss of Hank. I am Sonya’s mother Darlene Schisler-Stilson. I served in different capacities in the County of Jackson  for 25 years and thought Hank was a wonderful sheriff.  Such a personable guy. May God Bless  you with wonderful wonderful memories to sustain you in your grief. 

Lynn, Adam and Jon I am so sorry to hear this. Hank was always very kind and caring towards me. I’m keeping all of you in my prayers. Shawna (Gatz) Schulze

Hands down the best boss I ever worked for, his accessibility and kindness were two things that made for a great work experience. 
RIP Hank 💙

My condolences to the entire Zavislak family.  Hank was a mentor for me during my 35 years in law enforcement and always considered him as a friend.  May he rest in peace!  


I had the honor to work with Hank in his prosecutor's office for 8 years.  His focus always was to find what was right and then work hard to make sure it happened.  He was delightful on a personal basis and I always looked forward to coming to work and spending the day with him.  His love of his wife and family was obvious but so was his love of what the law could do for the people of his community.  Knowing Hank was one of the great pleasures of my life.  

I remember Henry from my childhood.  He was a slightly younger cousin of mine.  His father, Henry senior was my dads brother.  Even though we grew apart l followed his career and was proud to say he was my cousin.   My sincerest sympathy on his passing and your loss.



Years of public service memories of when he became sheriff and when he became the attorney.

While living in Japan, I always respected his love and caring of people, whether family, friends or in public service.

Dear Lynn and family…….
We were so shocked to hear about Hank’s passing. You must be so broken hearted. Just know we are thinking of you. 

Shirley Young and Dick
Saugatuck, MI. 

I'm in sending my condolence to Lynn and the family me and Lynn have worked with each other several years at the school in Jackson you are in my heart and in my prayers

Lynn, Jon, Adam and all of the Zavilak family, we are deeply sorry for your loss.  Hank was a wonderful person, and he certainly left his mark in the Jackson County Community.  It was a pleasure working with and for him years ago.  

Tony & Colleen Philipps

My Husband Robert was on the Jackson county Sheriffs Department Marine Patrol and Hank was a very big supporter of its mission and supported enthusiastically every thing that they had to do to improve the safety of Jackson County residents from boater safety classes to making sure boaters had the proper equipment on board .
Hank was such a lovely person ,our sincere condolences to your family.
Sincere Susan and Robert Scheick

It's so  sad to lose Hank.  He was such a great guy and my mentor early in  law enforcement & politics.  Hank was the head of the "A Team" in local politics for many  years helping local  candidates in  the GOP to get elected.  He included me on many of great adventures white water rafting and flat water trips  on Lake Michigan. In Lansing Hank was well respected for his knowledge & experience in law enforcement & corrections.  His voice may have been silenced  but his legacy will live on.

To  Lynn and the family our prayers and sympathy are  with you.  Our Mass Sunday is offered for the repose of Hank's soul & for  you.

God be with you.

Respectfully,
Phi & Dennise Hoffman
Horton, MI 

Dear Zavislak Family,

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Sheriff/Prosecutor Zavislak (Ret.). He was a magnificent and awe-inspiring person who will be greatly missed. Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences at this most difficult of times and please pass these feelings onto your entire family.

With deepest sympathy,

The Truchan Family

Hank and Lynn welcomed us into their home, back in 2014, when our grandson Noah was a baby and we came visiting.  I loved talking with Hank about his work, and his life.  Very gracious, and made sure we didn’t leave hungry!  Hank was quite a guy, and will be greatly missed.  

Our condolences to our cousins families. We're were saddened to hear of Henry's  passing.
May he rest in peace.

You were my anchor through the storms of my life.
Will miss you.
Love, 
Your bro,
Ron

OBITUARY

Henry "Hank" Craig Zavislak

September 26, 1948 – February 16, 2023

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