Michael J. Zdan, 63, of Zimmerman, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020, in Omaha, Nebraska, surrounded by family. He was born to Paul and Rita (Vogt) Zdan March 15, 1957, in Omaha.

He worked as a contractor in construction for most of his life, but his work wasn’t his passion or what he lived for, just one thing he was good at.

Mike loved nature and every moment he had in it. It could be on a boat in the river, on a frozen lake ice fishing, in the woods hunting for morels; he had a way of making nature and every experience with him an adventure. He loved teaching kids how to fish; he seemed to have a natural connection with kids and the ability to be silly with them even at 63 years old.

He had a passion for music and taught us how music can communicate parts of the soul in ways we don’t know how to express or put into words ourselves.

Mike was very outgoing and could make friends standing in line in just about any situation you can imagine. He showed people they were important to him. He was generous with his time and willingness to help others. He didn’t have much, but he was always there to help and never as for anything in return.

He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important. The last twelve years of his life could not have proven this any truer. His awareness of the importance of life with his loved ones outweighed anything else.

He was preceded in death by his father Paul and mother Rita.

He is survived by his life partner Laura Rocha; his daughters Jessica Rokusek, Kara Zdan, and Josephine Zdan; grandchildren Monae, Eric, Annika, Ryker, Nykhia, Hudson, Cannan, Devyn, and Briggs; brothers Gary and Mark Zdan; sisters Gail Graskowiak and Paula Elledge; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and the mothers of his children.

Mike will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a loving partner, father, proud grandfather, an avid fisherman, a free spirit, and a rare and beautiful soul.

Special thanks to the staff at the Buffet Cancer Center at Nebraska Medicine.

Please join Mike’s family in a celebration of his life Saturday afternoon, January 2, 2021 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club (6607 Sunshine Drive – Omaha)


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