Michael Zawistowski
December 20, 2020
Michael J. Zawistowski passed away from Covid-19 on December 20, 2020. Michael was just two and a half weeks shy of his 101st birthday. Michael was born in Chicago, Ill. on January 7, 1920.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth, whom he was married to for 62 years.
Michael is survived by his 7 children, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Michael was a proud WWII veteran. He served as a paratrooper during WWII. Family and his catholic faith where the two most important things in his life. He will be missed by all.
Private Services will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, 50313. Services will be live streamed through the church’s website: https://www.dmallsaints.org/
Memorial contributions may be directed to family in loving memory of Michael.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Kathy Simpson
01/04/2021
My heart sank when I stumbled onto Michaels passing. I was equally saddened to see that Ruth was gone, too. I met them both many years ago as a young clerk at Hy-Vee, in the late seventies. They were regular customers, a treasure, and Michael was absolutely the sweetest, most adoreable human I had ever met. They would be the first client favorites I would know in my lifetime of Client Services.
The Store check lines could get pretty long on a busy Saturday, and whether from the next lane or in my lane, we would always greet like family, exchange broad smiles, and chat up current events. Helping them was always a wonderful event and their friendship was a testament to my own success! In those days, sugar donuts frying among the shoppers were .99/doz and bread was 3/$1. My career has since encountered many wonderful and dear people, but Michael and Ruth stand out among my most favorite. Likewise, a name like Zawistowski is pretty memorable! I am honored to have known and to remember them so fondly, and beyond blessed to be able to add to your celebration of their lives. They both remain vividly kind and generous of spirit in my memory, and the loss of them and their greatest generation peers will forever leave us all a little less than. My broken heart mourns with you, but also celebrates having crossed paths with them so beautifully. My best wishes to you all as you fulfill such a wonderful legacy.
Rest in peace, Michael and Ruth Zawistowski, thank you, and well done!!! 💗
Carole Boo
01/03/2021
Patty and family. I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. The pictures in the tribute were a wonderful testament to his life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carole Boo
Pam and Jerry Lawman
12/29/2020
I remember meeting Mike for the first time at Stan and Vickie's wedding in 1974! Larger than life is how I would describe him. Always had a laugh! Last time I saw him was at Richie and Brandi's wedding, still laughing! He will be so missed. He is now with Ruth. My thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. RIP Mike
carol rodin
12/29/2020
Although I never met Michael, I felt like I knew him through Michaelene's stories over the years. The slides show a man who lived a "big" life with a family he loved deeply. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Carol
Debbie Hoover
12/28/2020
i grew up in All Saints Parish & was in the same class as John. I remember Mike & Ruth always with a smile on their faces. While I was teaching at Holy Trinity, Mike was often at the school mass during the week. He always sat in the last row & would shake my hand & say it was good to see me as I walked by with my class.The Zawistowski family was blessed to have him around for so many years. RIP Mr. Z.
Linda ILL
12/27/2020
About 10 years ago, on a rainy day, as I was coming out of noon Mass at the Basilica of St. John with my daughter, a sweet old man offered his raincoat to her. We struck up a conversation, and he told us his name was Michael Zawitowski. He would frequent noon Mass there for quite some time, and always made the Stations of the Cross after Mass. He told me that he made the Stations every day for his beloved deceased wife Ruth. We became "Mass buddies" and I loved visiting with him, getting a kick out of his exuberant, joyful personality!
May God reward Michael for his faithfulness, and grant him eternal rest in the glories of Paradise!
Bob and Carole Turnquist
12/27/2020
We were saddned to hear of Michael's passing. We were neighbors in Urbandale for many years.
Norm Petersen
12/27/2020
Truely a nice guy.
Mary Lamberti Doubrava
12/27/2020
My prayers and condolences to Mr. Z's family. I remember his booming voice in church when he would sing. He always had the congregation praying for so many different intentions. May he rest in the arms of the Lord........
Cathy Barnett
12/27/2020
Visiting Michsel and taking him Communion was a delight. He shared stories about his family and his working years. He often wanted to hold Jesus (the crucifix) during our prayer seevice and he proudly prayed the Our Father with me. To look around his room at Union Park, it was obvious by all of the cards, photos and drawings displayed, that Michael was dearly loved. He always had a twinkle in his eye and he was so appreciative of my visits. He was a faith-filled man and I am sure as he approached the Pearly Gates, St. Peter said, "Well done, Michael. Well done.". Michael is one of those people I will always remember. So sorry for your loss, Zawistowki Family. May Michael rest peacefuly.
Kevin Cooney
12/27/2020
To the Family of "Mike Z."
I am so sorry to learn Mike has left us. Always a joy to talk with, he defined the word "kindness."
Please know he was loved and admired by all
of us who had the pleasure of working with him at Channel 8.
Pauline McGinn Steinbach
12/27/2020
Mt sincerest condolences to Mike's family ! I remember him as being so happy I enjoyed talking to him after mass at All Saints !God bless his soul! Pauline Steinbach!
Louis and Jan Webber
12/27/2020
So sorry to read about your dad's death in the paper today. Your dad and my mom, Shirley, were both born in 1920. She celebrated her 100th birthday in July and passed away on Oct. 28. We must celebrate their wonderful long life and the many memories that they left for us to cherish. Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jerry Tellis
12/27/2020
RIP Mike, you had a great family and i was personaly greatful to know you ...
Sandy Bain Nixon
12/25/2020
My Deepest Sympathy to my Dear Friend Susan and all your Family! It's hard to lose your parents, may all your memories help comfort you! Prayers for you all!