Anthony A. “Sunnie” Zaremba, 70, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, July 4, 2025. He was born October 5, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois to Eugene & Yolanda (Maday) Zaremba and graduated from Hammond Morton High School in 1973. Sunnie made his career as a massage therapist, fitness trainer and wellness coordinator with LaPorte Hospital for 25 years and loved the work he was able to do. Enjoying the outdoors, which included gardening, bicycling with Karen, any chance to appreciate nature were always times well spent. Helping people, however he could, be it professionally or just as a neighbor seemed to be Sunnie’s trademark. If you happened to be the recipient of Sunnie’s above mentioned activities and it was delivered with a prank, you may consider yourself to be a true friend.
On November 8, 1975 he married Karen Bogner who survives along with their son, Jason (Brynn) Zaremba of Valparaiso, grandson, Cody Zaremba, honorary son, Jeff Guerra of Valparaiso, siblings: “Bugsy” (David) Homco of Idaho, Claudia (Eaton )of Valparaiso, Brian Zaremba of Hammond, Dennis (Peggy) Zaremba of DeMotte, sister-in-law, Denise Bogner of Florida, brothers-in-law, Keith (Brenda) Bogner of Hammond, Jerry (Eva) Bogner of Griffith & Larry (Brenda) Bogner of Niles, Michigan, numerous nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene & Yolanda Zaremba, mother & father-in-law, Gladys & Jerome Bogner, brothers-in-law, Jerry Eaton & Danny Bogner, and sister-in-law, Mary Hopkins.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a private family celebration of Sunnie’s life will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice of NWI or Porter County Animal Shelter.
GUESTBOOK
I was in Sunnie's wellness pool at the Crossings. I am so sad to hear of his passing. I already miss his "Sunnie" personality and great sense of humor. My heartfelt condolences to his family. -Tomi Felton
-Jeff Guerra
I am so sad to hear we have lost Sunnie. I will miss his smile and his neighborly good humor and his caring personality. I loved watching his yard bloom every spring and summer and getting helpful hints to beautify my own yard. The neighborhood has lost a great person! -Tom and Cindy
We just learned of Sonnys passing and wanted to reach out to you. He was the most wonderful person we know. Those magic fingers relieved our pain for many many years. We will never forget being invited to help celebrate his birthday at Portofinos. He will be remembered and missed by many. Karen we hope you are doing as well as you can. -Pat & Pete Bernacchi
My heart is saddened. He fought the good fight at the end, but during his life he lived fully engaged. He always had his eye on others and often helped clients before they even knew they needed help! Sunnie was an amazing massage therapist and many people, including me, depended on him to work out a kink, sore muscle, or just a much needed relaxation session. He was amazing! I have many fond memories, but one of my favorites was always in the summer when Sunnie and Donna Soder competed to see who could grow the biggest and best Dalia! They would proudly see who had the biggest and best bloom and the best part? It was all in good fun! Sunnie, you left an imprint on my heart and I know I will see you in heaven someday! Karen, my heart is with you! You were an amazing team and an example of a great marriage! May all the precious memories you hold, sustain you during this difficult time! -Lynn Zeiler
What an easy-going guy I always found Sunnie to be. He, typically with Karen, made loyal appearances at Maday family gatherings consistently. And even after maybe not seeing him for a while between these, sitting down to chat was relaxed and familiar. His ways created a real sense of calm to my recall. Sunnie made a bold career move early during his working years, but it seemed to be a great fit. Condolences to his closest family and shared sorrow among the Maday side 1st cousins to lose the first of "our own." -Larry Maday
I had the pleasure of working with Sunnie at The Crossings. He was such a ray of light. He knew no strangers and would do anything for anyone. So sad to hear of his passing. Sending my prayers for the family. Sunnie was one of a kind I was blessed to call him a friend. Praying for all in the coming days. -Selina Ritchey
I remember Sunnie always smiling and always busy at the crossings. He was my massage therapist and my friend. He helped so many people in his career and had a passion for helping others. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family. -Cheryl Wenzel
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Sunnie. I never saw Sunnie without a smile. He is one of the happiest, positive people we know. We always enjoyed his funny stories. Our condolences to Karen and Jason, and his extended family. The neighborhood will really miss him. It was truly a privilege to have lived next door. -Jeff and Sue Achten
Finding out about Sunnie’s death was the last thing I expected to read about at work. It saddens me that I will never see his smile at work again, I saw him weekly when he’d come get laundry for the Crossing and that went on for the next 10 1/2 YEARS! We’d chat about his life, his wife, and the trips they’d take. I always looked forward to hearing about those trips and he spoke so highly about his wife. I remember when I was working and my knee was hurting so much, he had heard about this through my boyfriend at the time and went back across the street just to bring me something for my knee. I was so grateful for him doing that for me, it definitely made a difference pain wise. Sunnie will definitely be missed and no one will EVER fill his shoes. Rest easy my friend, and thank you for all your kindness and hard work! -Latisa Montez
I was so so saddened today when I went to the pool at the Crossing and saw that Sunnie had passed away. I send my very deepest condolences to his wife and family and friends. He was so full of life, stories, smiles and was just such an encouragement I know to so many. I cannot grasp that he's gone. God bless all of you and hold you close. I will miss his stories, gardening advice, and his gentle demeanor. -Pat Parker
We were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Sunnie. My son, Sam, was one of his Wellness clients at the Crossing. Sunnie's presence made every visit a social event--he made a friend of everyone and was extremely attentive to their needs. We all enjoyed hearing about his trips, home improvement projects, snafus, cooking and garden. What a genuinely kind and fun gentleman. He will be greatly missed. May the Lord give you comfort --and joy in his memories. -Sylvia (and Sam) Espinosa
I was shocked to hear of Sunnie's passing. He assisted me on numerous occasions at The Crossing. I have not known a kinder or more cheerful person than Sunnie. He always lifted the hearts of all he came in contact with. I am sure he was a man with many friends. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family. I know he will be deeply missed. -Michele Barber
I just learned of Sunnie’s passing and am in shock. My heart hurts. He was the happiest person I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He was a GREAT massage therapist and one of the reasons I pursued an MT license later in life. Sunnie, continue to shine on from the heavens. - Cathy Berk
