Michael Anthony “Mike” Zager, 75, passed away October 16, 2024, after a courageous battle, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. He was born July 18, 1949, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Lyle and Connie Andres.
Mike moved from Hoisington to Great Bend in 1985, and married Caron (Casey) Carver on November 27, 1987, in Great Bend. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad (Missouri Pacific), dispatching from Hoisington and then Salina, retiring as a conductor in 2011 after 38 years of faithful service.
Mike was a member of First Christian Church, Great Bend, and the United Transportation Union. He loved the outdoors and time spent camping, fishing, bowling, golf, and going to the casinos. Mike enjoyed traveling, especially the winter trips to Florida and all the visits with the “boys in the hood” in Texas. He was a talented man that knew no bounds and would take on woodworking, construction and do-it-yourself projects, being particularly proud of his pond that he had built. His competitive nature found him competing in barbeque contests. Mike was an avid fan of the Chiefs and KU Jayhawks. But most of all, spending time with the family was most important to him, especially the annual July 4th celebration.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Caron Zager; four sons, Zac Zager (Cortney), Tony Zager (Trisha) both of Spicewood, Texas, Corey Carver (Tricia) of Topeka, and Jarrod Carver of Olathe, Kan.; daughter, Kaylin Zager (Daniel) of Frederick, Colo.; sister, Jayne Sosa (Gabe) of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, Callan Carver, Rykan Carver, Presley Zager, Brecklyne Zager, Alyssa Carver, Jaxon Carver, Cooper Yarnall, Quinn Yarnall, and beloved coonhound, Andy. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Jimmy Zager and Johnny Zager.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2024, and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, with family receiving Tuesday, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial services will take place Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Chasing Tails Rescue or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS.