Michael John Zaikis

May 29, 1961 - December 26, 2019

Michael John Zaikis, 58, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 15 years after retiring from the United States Coast Guard, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019 in Cape Coral. He was born May 29, 1961 in Hammond, IN to Frank and Bernadine Zaikis, now deceased.

Michael was of the Lutheran faith.  He was a trained EMT.  He was gifted at martial arts and received a high level black belt in Taekwondo, as well as a signed certificate and plaque from a Korean Grand Master.  But his true passion was homeless or unwanted cats, and he took many into his home.  His message to the world would be “Spay and neuter your pets, and please adopt or find loving homes for the many unwanted cats out there.”

He is survived by three loving siblings, Susan Peterson of Houghton, MI, Ervin Zaikis (Mary) of Hammond, IN, and William Zaikis, also of Hammond, IN; also a niece, Kristin Peterson of Ann Arbor, MI, and a nephew, Clint Zaikis (Emily) of Munster, IN.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

 Memorial Contributions in memory of Michael John Zaikis are suggested to Alley Cat Allies, 7920 Norfolk Ave., Ste 600, Bethesda, MD 20814-2525 (donate@alleycat.org) or your local no-kill animal shelter.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Barbara Jan 7, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    Mike it was honor to have met you since I moved to Cape Coral you have giving me and my family friendship and i will miss seeing you. Your cats are adorable . I never forget the trip to animal shelter years ago. If you can hear me your orange cat has been adopted . Rest In Peace soldier .

  2. Susan Peterson ("Sis") Jan 28, 2020 at 7:46 pm

    Mikey, you were younger than me by 6 years, and I adored you from the moment our mom brought you home from the hospital. I “mothered” and watched over you for most of your childhood, but you managed to find ways to make mischief and/or hurt yourself: repeatedly tipping over your walker, sticking a scissors into a wall socket, and poking the crabby farm dog with a pencil! Your teen years were turbulent, but Rob and I helped you enter the Coast Guard; they were instrumental in molding you into the fine man you became. We had our differences in the past 2 years but, I felt that we reconciled this past Spring when I suggested you fly here and visit me and our family in IN. I sent you Xmas cookies last month and hoped to visit you this Spring. Barb and I did our best to find good placements for your cats. I am heartbroken over losing you, will always miss you, and will continue to love you as dearly as I have since you were born.

  3. David Koski Jan 29, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    Mike met Susan and I on our trip to Florida a few years ago, and guided us to Hollywood Beach, calming our navigating on that Florida trip!
    It was a huge honor for me to deliver the remains of a fallen, retired US serviceman, Mikey, to his final resting location with Susan.
    Thank You! for your service to this, our country Mike!

  4. David Dombkowski Apr 23, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    To the Zaikis Family,

    As I read the CG Long Blue Line it is with heavy heart that I see Mike’s name in the TAPS section. I was stationed with Mike twice in Detroit, MI. CGC Mariposa and Bristol Bay. I have very fond memories of SS1/FSC Zaikis, he always took care of me and my Engineers ensuring we were fed a hearty meal. Please accept my condolences. “Fair Winds and Following Seas” Rest In Peace Shipmate.

    MKCS David Dombkowski USCG (Ret)

  5. EMCS Steve Mahood USCG Retired Jun 13, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    Michael was a shipmate on the USCGC Mariposa. He was a great cook and a better person! We sailed the Great Lakes together and I have some really good sea stories involving both of us. Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate!

  6. David Hall Oct 17, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    I’m sorry to hear this. Mike was a great guy. We took martial arts together. He was very patient and very good. It was an honor to be taught by him. I will miss him

  7. James Cummins, YNCM, USCG (ret) Jan 14, 2024 at 12:55 am

    I served with Mike from October 1987 through March 1989 onboard the USCGC Mariposa, which was homeported in Detroit at the time. He cooked the first meal I ate after reporting aboard the USCGC Mariposa straight out of boot camp. I remember standing in the chow line and holding out my plate
    to be served. Mike looked me in the eye, and said “What the hell do you want, boot?” He looked so mad. I froze and almost peed my pants, I kid you not. After a short stare down, Mike smiled and said he was just kidding. I will NEVER forget that moment and I will always remember Mike. He was a great shipmate! May he rest in Heaven.

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