Kevin B. Zagyva

Kevin B. Zagyva, age 68, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on June 24, 2023, at his home in Palmer, Alaska. He fought cancer valiantly for 7 years before leaving his earthly body to go home to his heavenly Father. Kevin was born in Long Beach, California on January 4, 1955, to Michael D. and Gloria Zagyva. He spent most of his childhood years in Salem, Oregon. He thrived living on the family farm and developed a lifelong love of animals. Kevin graduated with a teaching degree and went on to teach at Stayton Middle School in Stayton, Oregon and Parrish Middle School in Salem, Oregon. Kevin and his family moved to Alaska in 2005. He taught at Clark Middle School in Anchorage, Alaska and completed his teaching career at Colony Middle School in Palmer, Alaska. “Mr. Z” was a curious, charismatic teacher sharing his passion for reptiles, travel, chess, and classic rock music with his students. He is survived by his wife Sharon Zagyva, his 3 daughters: Kristen Shumate (Jeff), Catherine Zagyva (Nick), Kaylynn Zagyva and his son, Christopher Zagyva (Katie). He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, his brother, Michael A. Zagyva (Marcia) and 2 sisters; Leeann Cook (Doug) and MaryLynn Gardner (Scott). He also has a plethora of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Kevin will be remembered as having a zest for life, a love for his Catholic faith, family, and liberty. Services will be as follows on Friday, June 30th: 11:00 a.m. – Rosary at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Palmer, 12:10 p.m. – Funeral Mass, 2:00 p.m. – Celebration of Life at Colony Middle School. In lieu of flowers, Kevin requested donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org or Kidney Cancer Association at kidneycancer.org.