John James Zak, Jr., was born March 7, 1957 in Omaha to John J. Zak Sr., and Catherine Zak. He died March 11, 2026. John was a dedicated Respiratory Therapist for over 40 years and he worked as a team lead at CHI Health Mercy. He was a permanent deacon and faithfully served St. Peter’s Catholic Church for over 25 years. As a permanent deacon, he directed the youth group and taught catechism classes, guiding the parish community through numerous sacraments. He loved history and shared this love with his students at Chesterton Academy of Omaha. He was an avid reader who loved to learn. He was a gifted musician who played numerous instruments including accordion, guitar, organ, and piano. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and documenting his life through photography. He was a notorious sweet tooth who loved chocolate. He enjoyed a strong cup of coffee and a strong pour of whiskey. He rooted for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in good times and in bad. But most of all he was devoted to his wife and best friend of 46 years and to his family who he led, loved, and served unfailingly. John is survived by his wife, Mary Irene Zak; his children: John J. IV (Christina) Zak, Maureen (Nick Thompson) Zak, Daniel (Kathleen) Zak, Angela (Adam) Pohlmeier, Clare (Russell Weaver) Zak, Gerard (Sarah) Zak; and his adopted children: Macario (Vanessa) Vargas, Francisco Zak, Ben Zak, Tyler Zak, and Catherine (Zachary) Bishop; his 31 grandchildren; his sister, Pam (Doug) Eischeid and by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. John is preceded in death by his son, Luke Zak and by his parents.
In addition to the St. Peter parking lot, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church has made their two parking lots available on Saturday, March 21. One parking lot is located south of Douglas Street, directly next to the church. The other is located north of Douglas Street, across the street from the church. There will be a continuous bus shuttle service from Kountze Memorial to St. Peter, starting at 9 am. After the funeral, the bus shuttle service will transport those at St. Peter back Kountze Memorial, with the last departure from St. Peter being at 12:45 pm. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter's Youth Group at https://stpeterchurch.net/youth_group and to Mater Filius Nebraska at https://materfiliusne.org/