Anita E. Zak, 84, of Ironwood, former city of Ironwood clerk, acting city manager and mayor, died Tuesday, March 27, 2012, in Hurley.      The former Anita E. Trolla was born March 9, 1928, in Hurley, daughter of the late Anton and Emma (Richie) Trolla, attended St. Mary's Grade School, and graduated from J. E. Murphy High School in 1946.      She was united in marriage to James M. Zak on June 13, 1950, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, by the late Monsignor Michael Prock.      Anita had a remarkable life and career. Trying to keep her husband and three boys all in line was an occupation in and of itself. Anita faced all of life's challenges with an assertiveness and compassion that a loving mom has to have. She loved to knit and we still can hear those knitting needles clicking. Her favorite game shows were the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. It always seemed that she won. When it came to Italian cooking, mom was the best. Anita could make the world's best raviolis and craft a fantastic batch of antipasto. She cherished her time with her grandchildren Adam, Ashley, Alex, Nick, Samantha and Noah. Her niece Gina comforted her throughout her struggle, and only alphabetically last, her puppy Zeke, who provided countless days of comfort.      Anita's career was varied and remarkable. She might have started as a waitress, but her destiny was to move forward. From a secretarial position at Schult Mobile Homes, she worked her way to become a production line forewoman. When the plant shifted to a different state, Anita changed careers and was hired on Oct. 2, 1979 as the city clerk of Ironwood. Her talents and achievements earned her the acting city manager position for approximately 16 months (six months/1982 and ten months 1985/1986). After 20 years of government service Anita retired on Jan. 3, 2000. Her commitment to government didn't stop there. On Nov. 7, 2001, she was elected the first woman mayor in the history of Ironwood. When the  Daily Globe of Ironwood interviewed her on the evening of her victory, she responded, "I feel real honored. I really do. I always loved working for the city and I really miss working for the city. I love the people and I'll do my best for them." Mom always did her best for people and family. She loved us and we loved her.      Surviving are her husband, James, of 61 years; three sons, James Jr. (Carol), Bruce, Wis., Michael (Katherine), Iron Belt, and Timothy (Nancy Jo), Ironwood Township; six grandchildren, Ashley (Lance Wipper) and Nicholas Zak, Bruce, Adam Zak, Washburn, Noah Zak, Iron Belt, Alex Zak, Ft. Bragg, N.C., and Samantha Zak (Mark Olson), Ironwood; a brother, Anthony Trolla, Hurley; numerous nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Thomas Pallin, Hurley; and sisters-in-law, Dolores Trolla, Hurley, Marge Kmetz, Ironwood, and Cecelia Zak, Hibbing, Minn.      Besides her parents, Anita was preceded in death by a brother, William; and two sisters, Gloria Ebli and Mary Ann Pallin.      Out of respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place.      A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 4, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM officiating.      Rite of Committal will follow.      Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.      Anita's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to her family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.      The family of Anita Zak would like to thank Dr. Pogliano, Dr. Phillipson, Dr. Yardumian and the wonderful staff of the Grand View Health System and Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center for their exceptional care of Anita. You guided us along a difficult path and your compassion will never be forgotten. Thank you for caring for Anita like a member of your own family.                                                 Sincerely,                                                 The Zak family