Wyatt J Zwak

Celebrating the Life of Wyatt John Zwak

 

Nov 4th, 2003-Feb 6th, 2026

 

It is with shattered hearts that we announce on Feb 6th, 2026, Wyatt found his peace, at the age of 22. He was a man of many talents, a fierce protector of those he loved, and a person whose presence was felt long after he left a room.

 

Wyatt was also defined by his heart, his energy and his unwavering desire to serve his community. At the time of his passing, he was pursuing his goal of being a fire fighter. He was deeply excited about his studies and looked forward to a life dedicated to protecting and helping others.

 

A Smile That Touched So Many

To know Wyatt was to know his smile. His infectious dimples could get him out of almost any trouble and into everyone’s heart. He was a “charmer” in the truest sense, kind, good listener, approachable, and always ready with a witty remark or a hand to help.

 

The Great Outdoorsman and Tinkerer

A true Minnesotan, Wyatt was the most at home in the outdoors.

 

• Walking his favorite grouse trail, sitting in a deer stand, catching a trout from a riverbank or waiting to set the hook on a fish from a boat or through the ice. His favorite place in the world to fish was Clay Lake.
• Avid duck hunter who didn’t care where he hunted, but the fields of Canada with his chums from Manitoba was his favorite. He always said he loved to watch and listen to the sounds of the day coming alive. The jet like sounds from the cupping of the Bluebill wings on Lake Winnie, the distinct quack of a Mallard in the wild rice, the honks of geese from a distant corn field, or the rolling growl of Sandhill Cranes. Doing this all with his friends, family, and our yellow labs Sparks and Sampson.
• Flying across the snow on his snowmobile.
• Turning wrenches in the garage, welding, and bringing old vehicles and his snowmobile back to life.

 

He wasn’t just a fan of the outdoors; he was a student of it. When he wasn’t outside, he was likely playing video games online with his cousins and friends, at the table for a “high stakes” ($1.00) game of cribbage or making some girl or woman feel like a cowgirl princess on the dance floor at all of the country concerts he loved, where his charm truly shined.

 

Loyalty Through the Highs and Lows

Wyatt was the definition of “loyal.” This was most evident in his role as a protective brother and friend. If you were in his circle, he had your back–period. Even if you weren’t in his circle, he often would lend a voice to those who didn’t have one or a hand to those who needed one.

 

The loyalty extended, for better or worse, to his favorite teams. He was a frustrated but devoted fan of MN Wild, Vikings, Timberwolves, and the Twins. He rode the rollercoasters of every season, usually with a critique ready but never wavering in his Minnesota pride.

 

Honor His Memory

While Wyatt struggled with a darkness that ultimately took him from us, we choose to remember the light he brought into the world. He was a kind soul who was full of life and who gave so much of himself to others, many of whom we never knew about, until now.

 

Instead of Flowers – Please plant a tree, go fishing with a loved one, or pour one out when you are thinking of him.

 

Wyatt is survived by:

 

His parents Ken and Kristy Zwak, his younger sisters Sydney and Kylie, our dog Sparks

 

Grandparents –   Larry and Marlene Zwak, Jon and Fay Sampson

 

Aunts & Uncles –Mike and Bitsy Zwak, Paul and Kaylynn Zwak, Bill Zwak, Dean and

Julia Sampson, Cindy and Dave Foster

Joe McGaver and John Michalski (bonus Uncle’s)

Cousins –            Adam (Natalie), Darrin (Nikki), Adara (Zwak) Peterson (Carter),

David, Becca (Zwak) Eder (Kevin), Joey (Ashley) Zwak, Meghan and

Sophie Zwak, Addie, Christopher, Daniel Sampson, Noah and Bryanna Foster,

6 more 2nd cousins as well.