(1998 Graduate Of Delta High School)
Michael Steven Zolman was born on December 21, 1979, and took his last breath in his home surrounded by family and friends on April 23, 2024.
He was diagnosed with an abdominal mass in December 2018, and underwent a miraculous surgery in February 2019, to remove a 71-pound tumor later biopsied as liposarcoma.
This procedure gave us five more years to make memories with him. Mike battled cancer with all his might, and even in the end he didn’t want to give up, but there was nothing medically to do. His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who knew him.
Mike (Goon) graduated from Delta High School in 1998. Never venturing far from his family home in Delta, he had established many lasting friendships and acquaintances.
These friendships were his healing spirit and support the last few years as he fought valiantly against cancer. Mike had a knack for making friends easily and making all friends feel like his best friend.
It was amazing to witness all the people that called to check in on him, those that were able to send gifts to make things easier for the family, and those that would just show up to help him accomplish tasks that he could no longer do by himself.
These people hold many treasured memories of Mike, and I hope they share every wild memory with his kids to keep him alive and present in their life.
Michael was a long-time employee at Parker Hannifin in Waterville. Mike made many strong and lasting friendships with a company that treated him like family.
Parker Hannifin gave him many opportunities within the organization and was flexible with his personal needs, for that, our family would like to sincerely thank everyone at Parker Hannifin.
Mike loved the outdoors. It was typical for him to have a fresh sunburn after a day of kayaking, fishing, swimming, camping, or spending a day at Cedar Point.
He also loved music; going to more concerts than I can fathom. He shared all of these hobbies with friends and family, especially Breya and Chance.
Michael married the love of his life, Jessica (Salo), on December 15, 2006. Together they had three amazing children that were his entire world: Breya (15), Ashton (13), and Chance (10). His daughter, Breya, was his best friend. Breya was always ready to go anywhere with her dad including concerts and rollercoasters.
Chance took a little more coercing, but he loved fishing and camping with his dad. Ashton didn’t get to make many memories with his dad on Earth, but I believe they are getting caught up in heaven watching down on us.
Mike is survived by his parents, Steven and Terry Zolman who raised him with unconditional faith, love and support; sisters Sue McCullough, Shelly (David) Schneider, and Amanda (James) McManus. His many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends; and Jessica (Salo) Zolman, his loving wife and mother of his beautiful children.
Mike was proceeded in death by his grandparents; Zeke and Treva Zolman and Walter and Irene Garbers. His father-in-law Wayne Salo, aunt Barb Zolman, and uncle Norman Koenigseker. Waiting for him at the Door to Heaven is his son, Ashton Michael Zolman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
