I remember Michael's steadiness, his so often being there when Daydreams was up in the Hall Mall. He ran the perfect comic book shop and didn't mind so much people like me coming in and just browsing around. I very much valued that he would do a pull list and keep the issues on it set aside for some time until I had the money to come and get the comics. The way he ran his business was inspiring.

Z had an influence on my life in so many ways. From high school thru Iowa City Punk Rock days, Z's Joint, the best head shop in Iowa City, Located in the alley next to Jon's apartment All the parties in Rochester, Cedar Bluff..Fox's shop in Lone tree..Rest now

Z and I met in the '70's and became very good friends over the years. We played cards, talked about comics and life and had a wonderful time every time we got together. His life was like many of us who grew up in those days - successes and failure - joy and pain. Marcia, his wife at the time, was a terrific young woman who made Z a better man.

To all his family - I'm sorry for your loss and will miss the chance meetings I had with Z on my trips to Iowa City.

I just found out about Micheal's passing last night from a friend. My heart was heavy with the news.

I always loved talking with him over coffee when we'd run into each other, but one memory that's very special is when I needed to pawn a ring I'd had since middle school to pay some bills. I wore it downtown when I went to work and class that day, and he and I were talking when I went to get coffee. Somehow the fact that I was about to pawn the ring came up in conversation, and he handed me $25 and asked me not to pawn it. I tried to refuse the money but he said "I know that's special to you" and wouldn't take the money back. He was always very kind, and that's one of the many instances of him being caring and giving towards the people around him.

Michael is a really special person. Many of us have different memory's but I know mine are fairly unique, I worked for Micheal cleaning his house and at College St. Oasis. Micheal helped me shape my work ethic and taught me a lot. In turn I reached him through art work and reading. I still have a beautiful note Micheal wrote me that I will cherish forever and a book I gave him that he read and wrote back to me in. There is no shortage of people he touched and I will love Michael forever.

So sorry to hear of your loss. My sister used to work for Z in the Alley. Her name was Kathy. She would be very sad to hear this news. Thinking of Z today and all the good times. He had a great laugh. Was always a nice guy. Peace and Love

Crystal, Grandma

I am so very sorry to here about your dad. My thoughts are with you.

Crystal and Family-- So sorry about your dad. Our thoughts of peace and love are with you during this time of deep sorrow, and in the days and weeks ahead when his absence will truly be felt. Hugs to you, Aria, and Bohdi.

Dear Crystal -

I was a good friend of your dad's when you were very young, but we lost contact about 10 years ago. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke of you. I am so glad you were with him when he passed, and I am so very sorry for your loss. His peaceful and kind heart will be remembered forever by many, including me.

I want to send Hugs and Prayers to Michael's family, from Kim and Jody Stucker. I have many fond memories of Michael "Z". He was one of my favorite people from my younger years. I think I was 18 when I met him. I love Nancy too! She will always be my friend.Please call if you need anything hun. Love and Hugs KIM

Sorry to read about Mike. He had a good heart, great sense of humor and magnificent jump shot! It makes me smile just to think of him.

Dear Crystal,

Crystal, Marcia and your respective families:

To the family of Michael "Z",

I have lots of great memories of you Michael! We loved to talk about sports; you always quizzed me when we watched professional sports, about which college each player went to. I knew some of the answers but you were letting me know that you knew almost all of them! I will never forget how excited you always were on Christmas, when the family got together. My kids were always looking for you because they knew they would get bubble gum from you. I always enjoyed watching Iowa football with you, esp. bowl games. I also remember you telling me that you weren't worried about what you ate and such, because you knew you wouldn't live long anyway. I guess you knew.

We will all miss you!

Tom Nye and family

Darn it Mike, I didn't want to cry and I had to when I came on here and saw your pics. I will miss you. You were always a very loving uncle who was quick to make us all smile. I won't soon forget the wide variety of AWESOME bubblegum you always brought along to family gatherings for us. The awesome time we had playing super Nintendo and the sure fired grin and awwweee girls accompanied by a hug each time we saw you. And I love how when I used to go out downtown during my party days I always knew I could stop by and say hi and know that you were thrilled to see me. I am sorry I didn't get to say goodbye in person. You will be missed. I keep thinking in my head how we called you "mean ol munkle Michael" I'm not even sure why because you were far from mean. I love you! -Robyn

Crystal and family,

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Godspeed. oxo Matt, Katy & family

I have fond memories of Mike from when my son and I used to shop at Daydreams; also, seeing him behind the cash register at Mama's.

My condolences to his family, he will be missed.

I really missed Mike coming in and buying supplies for the restaurants.

We had some good chats.

Our condolences to his family and friends

Greg and Mary

I was so sorry to read of Z's passing. Through I have not seen him for close to twenty years, I have such great memories of him, his kindness and his sense of humor. I first met Z when he had the shop on Riverside Drive. Later, after various other locations, he ended up having a shop above my family's drugstore. My father & I always enjoyed Z's daily visits, sometimes for cigarettes but usually just to chat. He was much too young to leave this world. I am so sorry for your family's loss.

Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I haven't seen him since I was a child. I do remember his love for comic books. He was always nice to me. Blessings to you and your family. Lisa bell sedlacek

So sorry to hear about your father. Did not know him well, mostly to wave at in the car, but he had been a good neighbor and he will be missed.

Beverly and Jerry Shearer

I am so sorry to hear about Michael. I did not know him as welll as I would liked to of, but I loved him. Never easy to lose a family member, he will be missed.

I met Michael around 1971 at the moody blues in iowa city where we would play black jack and party like there was no tomorrow and he would end up with most of my money before the night was over however I always had great respect for his shrewd business technics and his unusual sense of humor sorry to hear about his passing he will be missed

I don't need to tell you what a caring guy Mike was. When I was a young cartoonist starting out in the comic book business, Mike ordered hundreds of copies of my first book, many times more than what the highest selling Marvel or DC titles sold at Daydreams. Although most went unsold, he didn't seem to care. He just wanted to support a customer who had gone pro. Here's to all the years in the Hall Mall, Mike! My sincere condolences to those he left behind.

I first met Mike when i was 11, as a young, fledgling comic fan. I was venturing into a new and exhilarating world, as an, admitted, escape from my parents divorce. I can only assume that all he knew though was that i was a kid, new in to comics. And i remember the first time he looked at me, when i brought my first Daydreams purchase to the counter. He scared the sh*t outa me! But i kept coming and i kept buying and i kept asking questions that, now, as i'm older, realize piqued his interest and gained his acceptance. And soon i just walked past the front door and straight into the back issue room. He gave me time that few did, he provided me with advice that nobody else could give. He was a character that is irreplaceable in my youth memory. He was for me, and im sure for many others, a Gandalf.

I first met Mike when i was 11, as a young, fledgling comic fan. I was venturing into a new and exhilarating world, as an, admitted, escape from my parents divorce. I can only assume that all he knew though was that i was a kid, new in to comics. And i remember the first time he looked at me, when i brought my first Daydreams purchase to the counter. He scared the shit outa me! But i kept coming and i kept buying and i kept asking questions that, now, as i'm older, realize piqued his interest and gained his acceptance. And soon i just walked past the front door and straight into the back issue room. He gave me time that few did, he provided me with advice that nobody else could give. He was a character that is irreplaceable in my youth memory. He was for me, and im sure for many others, a Gandalf.

When I was stricken with cancer the second time I had no income for several months. I kept going in to check in with Mike about my pull list and letting him know that I'd get my comics when I got my disability. Finally after two months he asked me which titles I really needed. I got two or three titles. When I got my check the next month, he refused payment. He was also so very kind to my mother coming in to get my pull list when I was in the hospital for two months. I'll never forget his kindness.

I am thinking of you Crystal. Much love in this difficult time.