Omaha — A 36-year-old Omaha man has been arrested on suspicion of killing his father, a longtime Catholic deacon who served the local church community for decades.
John Zak, 69, was found dead late Wednesday in his home near 36th and Cass streets after a missing person report prompted police to check on his welfare.
His son, Martin Zak, was arrested Thursday and booked into the Douglas County Jail on suspicion of homicide, felony flight to avoid arrest and felony theft, according to a police press release.
Authorities have released few details about the circumstances surrounding the death as the investigation continues.
Longtime church leader remembered
John Zak served as a deacon at St. Peter Catholic Church for more than 25 years. In a statement, Michael McGovern, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha, said Zak was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1998.
Rev. John Broheimer, pastor of St. Peter, shared the news of Zak’s death with parishioners, describing it as a profound loss for the church community.
“Through his ministry he touched countless lives, especially the young people of our parish, whom he served with generosity and sincere faith,” Broheimer wrote on the church’s website.
He also asked the community to pray for Zak’s wife, Mary, and their family.
Life of service
According to court documents, John Zak and his wife fostered and adopted several children over the years.
Outside of his church ministry, Zak also worked as a respiratory therapist. In a 2020 article published by the Catholic Voice of Omaha about healthcare workers, Zak shared a message that reflected his faith, quoting Francis de Sales:
“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.”
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
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