Michael Paul ZEDNICHEK

The Legend and Light of Everyone’s Lives: Michael Paul Zednichek Michael Paul Zednichek, most famously known as: MZ, Zed, Maverick, Po, and many more names, not appropriate to mention here, was born on May 9th, 1968, and arrived in heaven at the age of 56 on August 25th, 2024. Born into a military family to his mother Margaret Gould and father Richard Zednichek in Anchorage Alaska, Mike traveled and grew up in New Jersey, Marshalltown Iowa, Woodson Terrace MO and finally spending most of his upbringing in St Charles, MO, alongside his best friend and little sister Catherine ‘Cathy’ Zednichek (Trendley). As a child his favorite memories included spending summers at his grandma Ada’s with his sister and cousins riding their bikes to wherever they would take them in Marshalltown. Not to mention a lot of bowling, fishing, and old lady Ada who would run the table on them in Rummy. Mike was so proud and still cherished her original kitchen and card table with that very same deck of cards where it still sits comfortably in his home enabling him to revive those memories at any given moment. Mike was an extremely hard worker and very proud of all his career achievements, from moving to multiple different positions where he was needed, to just being there for all his coworkers, they were truly his family during the day, and he always enjoyed being with ‘the boys’. He was obsessed with maid-rite sandwiches, clean windows on vehicles, having a perfectly maintained yard, and cooking or smoking the best BBQ whether it was pork steaks, chicken wings, or any other concoction he could come up with (always making sure he had a chicken breast perfectly made for his Cilla). He also was an IPA connoisseur with his best friend Carla as they both always enjoyed a cold one, specifically in a chilled glass of course. It also wouldn’t be worth mentioning Zed without calling out that he was a very avid hunter and fisherman and was most happy being out in nature with his family and friends. From a very young age, he loved traveling, then later with his wife and best friend, Sandi (with their camper and dog in haul), which includes going to the Charlemo farm, the Jones Farm, mountain ranges across the country, waves on the beaches of Florida and most importantly at his beloved property on the Bourbeuse River (or wherever he could wet a line usually with Laramore on his side). He and Sandi’s property is such a positive place and will always be their little slice of heaven, and for many others as well. Most recently within the last year, they were able to fulfill their dream by buying a home minutes away from their gravel bar to take advantage of every beautiful day of sunshine with their family which included experiencing and OBSESSING over time with his granddaughter, Nora Lynn aka Little Sprout, and it was there where they caught her fish together. Mike also found great joy in his longtime friendships that can basically be labeled as family, WAY too many to mention everyone but a shoutout to Carla/Adam Struckhoff, Karen/Joe Hammond, Matt Woodworth, Alan Laramore, Pat/Alicia Schnare, Kevin/Kimi/Russell Dalton, Liz/Darell Mumford, Jeff (YT) Luetkenhaus, Rusty Lowe, Tracy/Mark Young, Shannon/Mike Muller, Micki/Mike Smith, Kris Burke, Gretchen Struckhoff, Mike Baumann, Dan/Cori Helman, Marnie/Larry Beckerman, and every other amazing friend at the Park-niks, the Zed’s Christmas eve parties, poker nights, and any other event he brought joy too. And all the kids who knew him as Uncle Mike truly brought him incredible joy watching them all grow up and celebrate their achievements. Lastly, Mike was an outstanding family man, and he put so much love into his friendships and especially into the family he created with Sandi. To anyone that would listen, he would always over vocalize how proud he was of his only daughter and college graduate, Jessica “Tot/Tottis” Zednichek (Cross). Sandi, Jess, and Mike were always such a strong and loving trio who enjoyed life together as much as possible. He was also the obnoxious uncle on holidays, but offensive or not, we all enjoyed cry laughing around the thanksgiving table or during Christmas as he quoted “Christmas Vacation” constantly (‘THE BLESSING’). I believe everyone in his life would all agree that he mostly enjoyed bonding with his cherished and only granddaughter, Nora Lynn Cross or better known as his “Little Sprout”. They were two peas in a pod ever since he obnoxiously paced the hallways as Jessica was in labor for over 2 days until he held her in his arms within hours of her being brought onto this earth. We should all be proud to know that “Papa” will forever be in Little Sprouts heart, and we will cherish and make sure she remembers all the joys of her amazing, goofy, and loving Papa. Since MZ was already teaching her his goofy spirit, she has already started on the jokes about “Papa having silly little angel wings” as we have shared that he will always be her designated guardian angel. Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret Gould and Richard Zednichek in addition to his forever friends Eric Burke, Tisha Van Barneveld, Timmy Kroeger, Jason Julian and Mike Jones. He is survived by the love of his life and soulmate of 40 years, Sandi “Cilla” Zednichek (Staley); one daughter, Jessica ‘Tot/Tottis’ Cross (Cody “Cris Cross”); his prized granddaughter, Nora ‘Litte Sprout’ Cross; one sister, Cathy Trendley (Tommy); nephew which who is basically son, Frankie Trendley; his loving father and mother in law, Tim and Pat Staley; his favorite sister-in-law, Sue Staley; nephew Blake Schneider; nieces Shelby Staley and Payton Schneider; Step-brother Jeff Schwartz (Mimi); cousin Clayton Zednichek (Andrea); nephew Brad Garrett; and many non-family-related nieces and nephews: Zach and Alex Schnare, Erica Burke, Alyssa Young, Jolie Hammond, Kaiser and Maddox Struckhoff, and the list goes on. Those who knew him should feel and will continue to be honored as his joy will forever radiate till the end of the time. Mike’s Celebration of Life with be held: Robertsville State Park – Picnic Shelter A and B 1:00pm CT – Saturday September 28th, 2024 902 State Park Dr, Robertsville, MO 63072 Robertsville State Park - Shelter and Camping Information There will be live music, food and drinks (BOYB), indoor bathrooms that are close and a playground next to the shelters as this will be a child-friendly event. It is suggested to bring your own chairs as there are only so many picnic tables within the shelters. We also encourage anyone who can to look into campsites onsite as they have beautiful well-kept campsites close to the party shelters. Please consult Jessie (Tot) Cross, Sandi Zednichek, Sue Staley, or Gretchen Struckhoff if you have any specific questions or would like to contribute anything special to the event. Donations are not expected but can be to: Missouri Department of Conservation in memory of Mike Zednichek: Your donation will help the Department provide Missourians with more conservation lands, programs and education for generations to come. It can also establish a conservation tribute to a special person's love of outdoor Missouri. Send donations (check or money order - no cash, please) to: Missouri Department of Conservation Donations PO Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 Include your name and address, as well as those of the person(s) you wish to honor, and we will send an acknowledgement to you and the honoree. Thanks for making a gift of nature to the next generation! DonationForm.pdf105.89 KB

Michael Paul ZEDNICHEK

May 9, 1968 - August 25, 2024