Michael Allan Zager
September 18, 1945 — June 26, 2024
Michael Allan Zager was born September 18, 1945 in Iowa City, Iowa the son of Stanly Merle and Mary Ellen (Ryan) Zager.
He was raised in Washington, Iowa and graduated from Washington High School with the Class of 1963. Mike was united in marriage to Gloria Wolf on February 19, 1966. To this union three children were born: Melissa, Lori and Matthew. The couple first lived in Des Moines and Mike worked for Sherwin-Williams paint. They later returned to Washington to help the family business, Zager Pharmacy. Eventually Mike took a job with Elliott Bros. Paint Co. as a sales representative. When the company was sold to Valspar, Mike and Gloria decided to move their family to Knoxville in August of 1978. The couple formed Knoxville Insurance, an independent insurance agency serving multiple products and lines, and grew the company together until Mike retired in 2007. He was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (the Big I). Mike and Gloria enjoyed many winters at their home in Green Valley, Arizona.
Mike was active in the Knoxville Community; he was a longtime member and past president of both the Kiwanis Club and the Marion County Mutual Board of Directors. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, serving on various committees and roles. He also enjoyed his membership and social activities associated with Pine Knolls Country Club. Although not always intentional, Mike was a mentor to many people younger than himself, this included a special relationship with his nephew, Ray Bertrand.
Mike cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He was always excited for the next family gathering. Mike passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the Comfort House, in Pella, at the age of 78 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanly and Mary; siblings: Ronald Zager, Jerry Zager and Dolores Burns; niece, Barbara Zager; nephew, Daniel Zager and sister-in-law, Judy Zager. May they rest in peace.
Those left to honor Mike’s memory include his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria; children: Melissa Zager of Des Moines, Lori (Chad) Clark of Pleasantville and Matt (Chrissy) Zager of Des Moines; grandchildren: Tanner Clark (Kaitlyn), Taylor Clark (Kaleb) and Tristan Clark; brother, Stephen (Sheila) Zager of Iowa City and many other family members and friends.
Mike has been cremated and burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or to the First Baptist Church.
He was raised in Washington, Iowa and graduated from Washington High School with the Class of 1963. Mike was united in marriage to Gloria Wolf on February 19, 1966. To this union three children were born: Melissa, Lori and Matthew. The couple first lived in Des Moines and Mike worked for Sherwin-Williams paint. They later returned to Washington to help the family business, Zager Pharmacy. Eventually Mike took a job with Elliott Bros. Paint Co. as a sales representative. When the company was sold to Valspar, Mike and Gloria decided to move their family to Knoxville in August of 1978. The couple formed Knoxville Insurance, an independent insurance agency serving multiple products and lines, and grew the company together until Mike retired in 2007. He was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (the Big I). Mike and Gloria enjoyed many winters at their home in Green Valley, Arizona.
Mike was active in the Knoxville Community; he was a longtime member and past president of both the Kiwanis Club and the Marion County Mutual Board of Directors. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, serving on various committees and roles. He also enjoyed his membership and social activities associated with Pine Knolls Country Club. Although not always intentional, Mike was a mentor to many people younger than himself, this included a special relationship with his nephew, Ray Bertrand.
Mike cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He was always excited for the next family gathering. Mike passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the Comfort House, in Pella, at the age of 78 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanly and Mary; siblings: Ronald Zager, Jerry Zager and Dolores Burns; niece, Barbara Zager; nephew, Daniel Zager and sister-in-law, Judy Zager. May they rest in peace.
Those left to honor Mike’s memory include his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria; children: Melissa Zager of Des Moines, Lori (Chad) Clark of Pleasantville and Matt (Chrissy) Zager of Des Moines; grandchildren: Tanner Clark (Kaitlyn), Taylor Clark (Kaleb) and Tristan Clark; brother, Stephen (Sheila) Zager of Iowa City and many other family members and friends.
Mike has been cremated and burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or to the First Baptist Church.
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