MICHAEL ZIBILICH Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

ZIBILICH, Michael MICHAEL KELLER ZIBILICH Michael Keller Zibilich, a loving son, nephew, cousin, and friend died on April 21, 2012, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An excellent student and accomplished athlete, Keller was first and foremost a devoted son to his parents and a loyal and caring friend to all who knew him. Keller was born in Atlanta, Georgia on February 21, 1993 and is survived by his parents Michael and Gayle Zibilich of Roswell, Georgia; uncle, Thomas Zibilich (wife Mary Beth) of Atlanta, Georgia; aunt, Mary Kay Zibilich of Chamblee, Georgia; aunt, Mary Beth Thompson (husband Phillip) and aunt, Jeannine Zibilich both of Roswell, Georgia; cousin, William Thompson of Roswell Georgia; uncle, Lionel Acy of Roswell, Georgia; uncle, Glenn Acy of Lacombe, Louisiana; cousins Michael Casey (wife Elaine) of Miami, Florida; Franz Zibilich and Gretchen Kane Zibilich both of New Orleans, Louisiana; Gayle Buhler (husband Bruce) of Houston, Texas; and Kim Toups, (husband Jerry) of Hammond, Louisiana. Keller is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Virgil Acy of Belle Chasse, Louisiana; Marjorie Casey Zibilich of Atlanta, Georgia; and grandfather, John Michael Zibilich of New Orleans, Louisiana. Keller was a freshman at Louisiana State University and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity where he was president of his pledge class and delegate to the Interfraternity Council. Prior to college, Keller was graduated from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School with the academic distinction of cum laude for all four years of his high school career. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Blessed Trinity soccer team. Keller lived life to the fullest, embracing it with enthusiasm and gusto. An avid outdoorsman, Keller excelled at white water sports including canoeing and kayaking on the Nantahala River and hiking and camping in the Western North Carolina Mountains. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 10:30 am at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, 11330 Woodstock Road, Roswell, Georgia with a reception to follow at the Church Hall. Burial services are private at the request of the family. Roswell Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 26, 2012.
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It has been 11 years since our boys were promoted to heaven. At times, it seems as if it was yesterday.

Kevin J Elders

Friend

April 19, 2023

I miss you my little one...please let me know you are okay and who Richard of Covington is...please call me Richard...we want to know who you are...Lord Jesus Keller 770-355-2371

Gayle Zibilich

Mother

April 17, 2021

Gayle Zibilich

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Our thoughts are with you and your family

Bryan,& Audrey Gross

April 21, 2019

Remembering you on the day you left us! Never forgotten!

Derrick Jordan

Acquaintance

April 19, 2019

My prayers are with your family. May you find peace and joy in the gift God you in your son, Keller. Blessings

June Bartholomew
LSU Parent

June Bartholomew

January 1, 2018

When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Love, Aunt Katie
LJK - JMJ

August 2, 2017

Keller...please help Mommy through this...I love and miss you beyond any further words...ljk

Mom

October 26, 2015

Oh my dear precious son Keller-bear...Mom is still dying a little more with each passing day. Dad and I are trying everything to keep going but it sometime feels almost impossible!
Dad and I just returned from LSU after visiting at your Sigma Chi House. We awarded your second Scholarship to a wonderful young man. We have now raised over $135,00.00 to honor you and keep your memory going. I don't care that Dad and I may not be remembered...but I pray that you always will be.
Your Father is also speaking publicly on suicide on many college campuses. I sure wish I would have known what I know now before you left us.
Sometimes I feel that you absolutely didn't mean to take your life that afternoon honey. I JUST KNOW that you didn't!
I think about it all the time...24/7, and I will try to understand until my last day on this earth... and I inhale my last breath...God how I love and miss you...You were so dear to so many Keller. It hurts so much not to have you in my life anymore. I know that I will see you again my love...living these remaining years alone without you will be incredibly difficult for us. Some days I feel like just giving up the pain is so terrible. Sometime I think if I knew I could be with you I would be ready to leave this very second! I know you wouldn't want me to hurt myself...so I am hanging in there for now.
Good night my little one...send me a dream...please? Dear God how Mommy loves and misses you...ljk xoxo

Mom

October 26, 2015

Hi James C....can you tell me how you knew my dear Keller? Are you from LSU?
Would love to know...thank you for your kind words....LJK

gayle zibilich

January 3, 2015

Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

January 3, 2015

Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

January 3, 2015

Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

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Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

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Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

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Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

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Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

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Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

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Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

January 3, 2015

Gayle (Mom) Zibilich

January 3, 2015

Keller...your mom is hurting so much....please help her!

James C

March 8, 2014

I would love to know who you are Roland M.?
Are you one of Keller's dear brothers from SigmaChi?
Thank you for your kind words....Lord Jesus Keller

Gayle Zibilich

January 1, 2014

I am so sorry for your pain. You are a beautiful person, Ms Gayle.

Roland M

December 29, 2013

December 25, 2013

December 25, 2013

December 25, 2013

December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas Eve to our sweet beautiful son Keller! Honey I think this year is just as hard as last year without you... We miss and love you beyond any possible words...
This is the cross I made for you...which I plan on making for you every year. Mr Kraig, Kollin's Dad made one for you last year,which was just beautiful! We don't buy Christmas trees anymore or really decorate the house like crazy like we use to. The Christmas season has taken on a whole new meaning to us now...
I'm sorry but I couldn't visit you today because Mom is home in bed very sick. I saw the doctor yesterday and I have strep throat. Please make me feel better soon if you can....okay?
Dad did visit you this beautiful crisp, sunny morning and he wrote you your little Christmas note in your book from both of us!
I still don't understand how you can be gone Keller...I really don't...you were so abundant with the desire to do so much with the beautiful life that lay before you! My heart is as broken as I imagine yours was. Why couldn't you have discussed the pain you were having somehow with us or with any of your incredible friends ? Lord Jesus, Keller this is killing us a little more each day!
Your crazy Mother wants you back so badly...rest peacefully my dear angel....Daddy and I love and miss you so much...I hope somehow you will be comforted by Jesus and his loving Mother Mary this beautiful Christmas eve, since I'm not with you yet...I still worry about you so much...LJK forever!

gayle zibilich

December 24, 2013

There is not a day that goes by without us thinking about all y'all. Please remember that we pray to Keller everyday to continue demonstrating his unconditional love to his Mom and Dad.
With his Mom and Dad's guidance, Keller's legacy will live on!!
To quote Jim Vavano, the late, great NC State BB coach, "Don't you give up, don't you ever give up!"

Tom & Lori Rocheford

October 10, 2013

KELLER, MICHAEL AND GAYLE,

YOU ARE IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS.

George an Marilyn Z.

George Zibilich

October 9, 2013

Mom is just up thinking about you...what your doing...if you miss me...when will we be together again...are you happy...how will I find you? Are you sending all of these amazing, beautiful dreams we are all having of you? I know you want me to be happy Keller...its just so hard to live and be happy knowing I cant talk to you,hold you,see you,smell you,help you with things you need help with,cook your favorite meals,watch you sleeping, watch you in your whaler on the lake so happy, pulling all of your friends around on skis,tubes, etc.,seeing your excitement when you paddle, washing your clothes, ironing your clothes, having you here at the house laughing with your friends, watching your kindness, your concern for others, your love of life!
How am I going to get through this? Dad and I go crazy sometimes when we realize your gone...forever...I don't know if I can do this much longer honey.
You are such an amazing person, gentleman and son...we cant imagine living many years longer with out you...Oh Keller...why did you leave? How did it happen? Does anyone know...please have that person talk to me...please!
I know it had to have been an accident...you loved your life and looked forward to continuing it for a long time. I know something happened that was not planned at all...were you trying to get back at someone you loved,that hurt you that much...was it that bad? I cant understand how this could happen after all of the things we talked about just hours before...why didn't you talk to me rather than try something so risky?
I feel if we understood this, if someone could explain more...maybe I could change and become a little more in control of my life. Right now I am just existing daily,making it through another day...day after day...hurting every minute for you...I love you more than life my dear beautiful son...Mommy misses you beyond belief...please help me...some kind of way...please do something to make me accept this horrific tragedy,that makes intirely no sense at all?
...good night my angel...how I wish I could kiss your ear and tickle you and make you smile that big beautiful smile...xoxoxo

gayle Zibilich

October 6, 2013

You are all always in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.

Frances DuChene

July 6, 2013

Gayle & Michael may the peace of God strengthen you.

Mia Snear

July 5, 2013

It has been a year & your memory is as strong as ever! All of your friends and family, especially your dear mother Gayle and father, Michael.
May The Lord continue to hold you in the palm of His hand & lookout for us all. We need your guidance!

Tom Rocheford

April 24, 2013

Mom and Dad love you, miss you and think of you constantly...we still don't understand how you can be away from our lives forever...Oh Dear God I miss you beyond any words my beautiful, wonderful son....Lord Jesus Keller! We are trying so hard to understand why you are gone...please send us some answers...always in our hearts my beautiful angel!

Mom & Dad

March 18, 2013

Drove by you today and meant to stop by and say hey but was in a hurry. Hope to see you before I go back to Lexington. I can't believe that it's going to be a year soon, I want to come home for that. Miss you and love you.

Madison

March 16, 2013

Keller...you will always be the light of our lives...the child of our hearts...born of dreams and prayers...may the light of your Life continue to shine upon us forever...LJK

Gayle Zibilich

March 11, 2013

Richard please call me...I would really like to talk to you...love you son!!!
"Lord Jesus Keller" 770-355-2371

March 10, 2013

Keller,.to read your mother's.post sends shock waves throughout my body with grief for her. I have never read such a post from her before. To hear her in such pain breaks my heart. You promised me you were fine and loved your family. I will never understand how you could do this to the people you said you loved. I ask that you send some sign of comfort to you're mother. She deserves some peace.

Richard

March 9, 2013

As we come upon the one year anniversary of losing a dear sweet soul we stop and count our blessings. Count our blessings you wonder? Yes, of course. It was a blessing to have known and loved such a wonderful young man. It is a blessing to be reminded that no matter who we are when we are called to His home we must go. It is a blessing that we HAVE to be reminded to live our best lives in memory of and in spite of such a tragic event.
This young man has pushed us to a contemplative place. While we reflect on a life lived to its fullest and setting an example for us to follow we can only become better people. So from this strange incomprehensible event arises a richness of life and an opportunity to thrive in a confusing and often harsh world.
We will always remember Keller. As the years go by we will also appreciate that the hardest experiences teach us the most powerful and transformational lessons.

Love and Good Memories Always
Frances DuChene

March 8, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

Gayle Zibilich

March 7, 2013

My dear Keller...why did you leave us? Why?Why? Why...what took you away my sweet beautiful son?...you had so many plans...what made you leave on that horrible tragic day? I am so broken hearted for the pain you were feeling...I wish I could have done something to help you in some way... I miss your sweetness so much...you are such a blessing, even through all this pain....
I know this was something out of your control and I would never change a thing about the love I have for you and your beautiful soul....
I PRAY that I find some answers some how, some day...I just want an answer to help me heal through this loss of you.
You will forever be in my heart and thoughts...Lord Jesus Keller...Mom and Dad love you SO much!

gayle zibilich

March 7, 2013

Still think and pray for you, Keller! Help me stay strong!

Richard

January 31, 2013

My prayers are united with so many others for Michael and your family. May he rest in peace.

Paulette Newburg

January 14, 2013

What a glorious young man for the world to lose. Heartfelt condolences for this senseless and tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Virginia, David and Jameson Clifton Dougherty (Brisbane, Australia)

Virginia Clifton Dougherty

November 26, 2012

Robert and I, and all our Atlanta family, are forever blessed by having known Keller. From our first time with Keller at the hospital when he was one day old to countless other times shared, Keller was always the most amazing boy and later young man. He was intelligent, loving, kind and an exemplary credit to Michael and Gayle. His death remains a shock and profound loss. All of us who knew and truly loved this extraordinary young man are forever changed by his loss - he brought boundless joy and love to everyone in his too short life. What he accomplished and how he gave of himself in his 19 years remain a legacy for all of us to treasure. Keller you are missed more than even you could have imagined...we hold you in our hearts and thank you for the time we shared with you. We know you are in the loving arms of our Father...Lord Jesus, Keller. We pray everyday for healing and comfort for your beautiful, loving parents and family.

Patricia Sheehan

October 2, 2012

Prayers for u and uncle mike

kristy acy

September 22, 2012

Prayers for u and uncle mike

kristy acy

September 21, 2012

I'm so glad to have known Keller throughout my time at BT. Although I didn't know him for long, I had enough time in high school to realize what a great student, friend and athlete he was. I remember the many nights a bunch of us would stop at the top of the stairs to talk and wish him and the guys soccer team luck as we left after finishing our game. His friendship has made an incredible impact on me and so many of my friends. He's missed by many, but I know he's watching over all of us! He will always be remembered and I hope that comfort and healing comes to all of his family and friends.

Lauren O'Donnell

September 13, 2012

Keller, you made such a wonderful impression on everyone you met and you are still in our hearts today and always. I love to look at pictures of you on my iPad and simply cannot believe you are gone from us here. But I do know that you are in God's loving arms now. We all love you and will forever keep you in our prayers. We will wrap our loving arms around your parents until we all see you again one day. Lord Jesus Keller.

Laurie Marchuk

September 13, 2012

Gayle and Mike,
I think of you every single day. I pray that you are healing and getting stonger.
Love you both,

Dianna McShane

September 12, 2012

Keller,
We have a digital frame in our kitchen and occasionally the memory card gets changed out with yet another group of picstures. for the past 3 weeks we have seen the 2011 prom and 2011 homecoming pics over and over. It seems every time I glance over, there you are with your beautiful warm smile and expressive eyes. I smile at you and you smile back. then I am filled with grief once more. We miss you so much.

September 12, 2012

From time to time, I keep trying to fit in my schedule a time to go visit you at GreenLawn, but I keep forgetting that I can't until I go home....But I can't wait for that! Ive missed being able to go there and sit with you in that beautiful place. Even though you are gone, you are still at the forefront of my heart and mind. You've always had that quality: being able to stand out from the crowd. You were one of a kind: genuine, courageous, faithful, whole-hearted, level-headed, and loving. You carried out each of those qualities every day. All those days at school, especially in unassigned, are so vivid. That period, spending time with you, Matt, Ryan, and Jess, lit up my day, and I looked forward to it all the time. I knew I could go in there, having a bad day, and come out of it the happiest in the world. It was days with "the gun book" that were so vivid. Or the time I hit my head on the lamp because I was laughing so hard. Even the time that I had to help you pick out which bathing suit to buy, even though you probably didn't listen to me! Those days are in the past, but those memories are still in my mind - every day. I know everyone that came in contact with you loved you, even if it was a brief meeting. You had that capturing quality about you: to be able to encompass someone's full attention. We all miss you so so much. And we are all wondering what the purpose of you leaving was. Maybe it was to bring us all closer and closer to our faith; maybe it was for some other strange reason. All I know though is that we all loved you, still love you, and will forever love you..and miss you. Please keep sending us all the blessings you can! We need them:) And please keep watching over your sweet mom and dad. They are so strong for going through what they have been. They have been hurt so badly, and you are the only one that can restore their full happiness. I can't wait to come visit you, Keller, in October at GreenLawn. And I can't wait to see you, Mr. Mike and Mrs. Gayle, when I come home <3 Much love, Cammie

Cameron Schott

September 12, 2012

Hi this is Keller's mother and I am very interested in knowing who Richard of Covington La is? His entry was right before this one. He has written such beautiful words about his friendship with my precious Keller Bear
I miss my sweet angel so so much. If you would like Richard I would love to talk to you...770-355-2371 Bless you!

gayle zibilich

September 10, 2012

I never thought 5 months after that tragic day I would still feel the same pain, if not worse, that I feel today. My life is empty and filled with nothing but sorrow and loneliness. I ask and pray for the strength to go on but it is so difficult. I considered myself a strong person until you left me. I miss you so much!
I can't find anything that interest me anymore. I keep looking at my cell phone hoping to see a text or a missed call from you. GOD please help us get through this...it is so hard!

Richard

September 10, 2012

Keller,
One great memory I have with you is at your lakehouse in Nantahala. We were swinging on your rope swing, but it was dark, and it was our first time, so you steadied us on the way down and caught us when we swung back. I will always remember how safe your arms felt when you caught me. You were and are so strong and trustworthy, and I knew that you wouldn't let me get hurt. You were such a great friend to so many, and I know you still are. I know you're still watching over us and keeping us safe, just like you did that night at your lakehouse.
You are such an amazing guy, and I hope you know how highly I think of you because I never really got a chance to tell you.
lord, jesus, keller, you are missed.

Allison Moyer

September 9, 2012

Keller was my very first buddy. Ever. It is no wonder that as the years went by, we kept a strong friendship. I owe Keller a thanks. I owe him a thanks because he introduced me to so many people I would have never met. These people all became close friends of mine, all very dear to me. Keller, I wish we could joke around again and update each other on one another's lives. It kills me that the time has passed to do so while on this earth. I know you can read this, and I know the comfort all the loving words and thoughts your friends still have for you are able to give you and your loving parents. Keller you are with every person who thinks about you and we all await the day to see you again.

September 2, 2012

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