Robert Michael Zink

Robert (Rob) Michael Zink, age 58, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas after his courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Rob was born on December 9, 1966, in Emporia, Kansas, to Lewis and Verla Mae (Smith) Zink.

A 1985 graduate of Emporia High School, he later attended Emporia State University and earned his associate degree from Johnson County Community College.

The youngest of six children, Rob grew up surrounded by his many nieces and nephews, who also became some of his closest lifelong friends. As a child you would find him riding his bike across town delivering newspapers or playing baseball—a sport he loved. Family gatherings would be filled with games of croquet and sitting around the table playing Pitch and Whammy.

Rob found his greatest peace outdoors, especially while fishing—his favorite pastime. Whether floating in a canoe or casting a line with a cold beer in hand, it is where he was most himself. At home he enjoyed firing up the grill and relaxing with a good game on tv, a fan of the Chiefs, Royals, and Jayhawk basketball. To those closest with Rob, his best qualities were his sense of humor and his ability to challenge others to see life from new perspectives.

On June 4, 1994, he married Jill Michel and together they built a life centered around their two beautiful children, Jacob and Jessica.

Rob worked in Wastewater for most of his life working for both the City of Olathe and Johnson County. He retired in March of 2022 due to his illness.

He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS and was recently baptized.

Rob was most proud of his kids. He was present in their lives growing up, never missing a game or a practice. He was always ready to throw you ball, shoot hoops and never turned down a game of Monopoly.

Taken too soon, we will forever carry him in our hearts.

Rob is survived by his wife, Jill Zink of Gardner, KS; son, Jake (Hannah) of Olathe, KS and daughter Jessie of Gardner, KS. Survivors also include brothers, Leon (Jan) Zink of Lebo KS; Scott Zink (Catherine) of Olathe, KS; and sisters, Ladonna Grimmett, Emporia, KS; Sherry Keller, Osage City, KS; and Linda Mock of Lansing, KS; and many great nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Lewis and Verla Zink.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://alz.org