Michael "Mike" Zeiss,75,of Silex, MO, passed away, surrounded by his loving family on October 19, 2021. He was born on Sept. 25, 1946 in St. Louis City, MO to Frank and Margaret (Meyer) Zeiss. He attended the local schools along with his siblings. Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1964-1967 and was honorably discharged . He went on to become a firefighter /EMT for the Black Jack Fire Dept and served for over 30 years. Mike was a brave protector to everyone he served.  He was an asset to his firehouse and many of his fellow employees went to him for advice, earning him the nickname "The Preacher". Mike was married to Karen (Van Winkle) and they were blessed with Dolores. He was later married to Mary Lou (Mintman) and they were blessed with; Matt, Emily, and bonus children Kathy & Mandy. Later in his life, Mike was married to Carol (Miller), this added to more to the family, Mike Chandler and Lisa Chandler. 6 months ago Mike was blessed to learn he had a son that was never known. Steve (Tanya) Soos came into his life and with him an addition of 8 more beautiful grandchildren. Mike was a kind and loving man, who considered everyone family and treated everyone the same. Some of his hobbies were: traveling ,  hunting, fishing, camping , basically anything involving family. Mike was very brave and always a protector, he had the love and respect of his family and also his co-workers. He could be stubborn and strong-willed , this is what allowed him to get things done. Mike had a big heart and was always willing to forgive and forget. He was a man of strong faith who attended St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Millwood while he lived in Silex. Mike really enjoyed his time spent once a month on Tuesdays at Zadock's (his favorite place) with his firefighter friends.

He is survived by his children,  Dolores (Tim Runyon) Zeiss of Salem,IL, Steve (Tanya) Soos of St. Louis County, Matthew (Jenni) Zeiss of Troy, Emily (Scott) Peggs of Silex, Kathy (Tab) Leach of Fulton, Mandy (Chris) Brunnert of Troy, Mike (Shannon) Chandler of Maryland Heights, Lisa Chandler of Fulton, 28 grandchildren; Kylee (Shawn) Pitts, Carly Rust, Hunter Rust, Garrett Rust, Avery Rust, Jillian Zeiss, Noelle Zeiss, Ethan Peggs, Evan Peggs, Elliott Peggs, Alexis (Nathan Knox) Brunnert, Chad Brunnert, Nathan (fiancé Claire Dettmer) Chandler, Nick Chandler, Hailey Chandler, Hannah Kluczny, Dustin Niffen, Charles Reef III, Anna Reef, Kelsey Drewel (fiancé Brett Ward), Krista (Nick) Jones,  Jaedon Soos, Kayleah Soos, Keira Soos, Colten Soos, Caden Evans, Savannah Evans, Logan Evans , 9 great-grandchildren, brother, Ronald (Carol) Zeiss and sister-in-law, Barb Zeiss, his ex-wives and friends, Karen Schneider of Salem, IL and Mary Lou Gregory of Troy, many, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol, grandchildren, Joshua Albert and Stephen Soos Jr., siblings, Donald Zeiss and Mary (Dave) Reeding.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379  Visitation will also be held at funeral home on Friday , Oct. 22, 2021 from 9 a.m.- 11 :30 a.m. then family will go in procession to St. Alphonsus in Silex for the Funeral Mass. Last Call and Flag Ceremony from Blackjack Fire Department will be at funeral home before leaving for Mass.

Funeral Mass - Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at 1 p.m. St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Silex, MO  Father Chuck Tichacek to  officiate.  Pallbearers: Ron Zeiss Jr., Jeff Zeiss, Ethan Peggs, Evan Peggs, Elliott Peggs, Steve Zeiss, Gary Brummet and Larry Harden.

Interment- St. Alphonsus Cemetery Silex, MO with Full Military Honors

Celebration of Life will be held after burial from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Troy, MO . Everyone is welcome to attend.

Memorials- Backstoppers or Responder Rescue c/o the funeral home.

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book @www.mccoyblossomfh.com