Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1950
DIED
2025
David Zalewski Obituary
July 11, 1950 - April 26, 2025
David G Zalewski, 74, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away on April 26th, 2025.
Born in St Paul, Nebraska to Gerald and Ellen (Olsufka) Zalewski.
Dave married Anne (Micek) on August 21st, 1971.
Dave was a 1978 graduate of UNL College of Dentistry. He practiced dentistry in North Platte for 32 years. Following private practice, he went on to teach at UNMC College of Dentistry. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow colleagues and loved sharing his knowledge and passion for dentistry with all of his students.
He had a love for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was a dedicated husband, father and mentor. He enjoyed his early morning coffee, reading and planning the next meal.
He is survived by his wife, Anne (Micek) Zalewski; son, Mike Zalewski (Lincoln, NE); daughter, Jennifer (Zalewski) Farley and son-in-law, Shane Farley; (Denver, CO) and sister, Deann McKinley.
In lieu of a funeral, he donated his body to science for research and he requested a party at his home. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, July 12th, from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 7310 Birch Creek Circle, Lincoln, NE 68516.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Zalewski
Jeff and Deb Foote
July 15, 2025
Anne, Jennifer, Mike and family
I feel blessed to have worked at the dental office with Dave. He made work fun. Our family also enjoyed the get togethers at your house in NorthPlatte. Dave will be missed. Jeff and I send our sympathy and prayers.
Jeff and Peggy Orr
July 12, 2025
Fond memories and condolences from the Waechter family. May he rest in peace.
Debbie Maldonado
May 12, 2025
My sympathy to the family.
Ann Alexander
May 12, 2025
Such a wonderful man - always happy and an exceptional man to work with. I heard many stories about his vacations and he told them with such love for the people that were with him. He always made me smile - I am sorry for your loss, but he will be remembered as a generous man with his knowledge and heart!
Marlene Crosier
May 7, 2025
Best dentist ever..... such a nice man. My prayers to his family and friends.
Luis
May 7, 2025
Anne, Jenn, and Mike, my deepest sympathy and condolences to you all, even it was a short time for me to work with Dr. David and his nice family I recognized how they are a great and generous family, sending my prayers to you all.
Steve Hinze
May 4, 2025
Dr David Zalewski! Such a kind. Accomplished, gentle, principled man! He always did his best! Shari, Robby, Todd, Michelle and Monte all loved him! We all mourn his loss! Annie, Jennifer and Mike we are sorry for your loss! You are in our prayers!
Terry Kruse
May 3, 2025
So sorry for your loss!!! Having done Dr. Dave´s crown and bridge for for years I truly gained a great respect for his professionalism and his friendship !!!! Wish we could have had more time together later in our lives!!!
May God give you pease and understanding in the weeks and months to come!!!! God bless!!!!
Karen and Tim O'Connor
May 3, 2025
Anne, Jennifer and Michael, we are so very sorry to learn of Dave's passing. Dave was a great dentist, neighbor and friend. May the many wonderful memories you have bring you a sense of peace and comfort as time goes by. He will always be remembered. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Joyce McCraw, Carrie and Josh
May 2, 2025
Ann, Mike and Jennifer and families. Please accept our sincerest sympathies for the loss of Dave. Our times in North Platte and St Patricks High School hold very special memories ! Rest in Peace Dave !
Jen Kallio
May 2, 2025
My deepest sympathy for his family. I worked with him at the College of Dentistry as a fellow group lead. He loved his family so proud of his kids! Loved his vacations and I loved hearing about them! Dave started around the same time as me as faculty. I always had to remember to highlight in different colors on our assignment sheet because he is color blind We talked about retirement and how my Dad needed to retire. He was a good friend and always willing to help. He was a great teacher, friend, dentist, and mentor and he will be missed.
Taylor Maier
May 2, 2025
Dr. Z was a good man and mentor. It is a pleasure to have known him.
Vicki Rye
May 1, 2025
Vicki Rye RDH
Yes, Dr. Zalewski was a terrific boss! I was the first hygienist he hired and loved the crazy things he and Dr. Webb would do like bring a turkey call to the office the Friday before a hunting weekend just to practice while waiting for a patient. He was quick witted and dedicated to his staff and patients. My condolences to the family.
Dr. Chris Nix
May 1, 2025
Dave and I graduated together from the UNMC College of Dentistry in 1978. We were good friends for all our years in private practice with Dave in North Platte and myself in McCook. After private practice we both continued as colleagues and dental faculty members at UNMC. We shared countless hours at the school together, teaching our students, sharing our knowledge of Dentistry....all while laughing at our stupid jokes and thoroughly enjoying each other. I'll miss you greatly Dr. Z! Condolences to Anne and the rest of Dave's family!
Roy Burkhalter
May 1, 2025
One of the best instructors I had the pleasure of knowing and learning from. He will be deeply missed.
Benjamin Coenen
May 1, 2025
Dr. David Zalewski (Dr. Z) was a kind, thoughtful and dedicated mentor to me, my wife & the rest our dental school class. I´m very grateful to be trained by him.
Richard and Joyce Slusarski
May 1, 2025
Anne so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Luke Kaufman
May 1, 2025
Dr. Z was an amazing faculty member, he taught me so many lessons. He helped so many students including me!
Paul Hansen
April 30, 2025
Dave was a special friend. We worked together at the school for many years. Our offices were across from each other. We would often spend a lot of time just visiting. He had a great dedication to our students and their education. His loss hit us hard, he will be greatly missed by so many.
Jim Holz RDH
April 30, 2025
I appreciate Dave as a friend and mentor, even though l seldom saw him, when ever l did, we picked up right where we left off
I will miss him!
Amy White
April 30, 2025
Dave was the best boss ever!! I was so blessed to work with him for so many years!! He had the best sense of humor. Made me laugh every day. He will be missed by many. My sincere sadness goes out to his family. Thanks for all the great memories Dave!!
Bill Johnson
April 30, 2025
Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dave. His office was a couple doors from mine for years. I loved to go there to talk with him and did almost every day. Every Monday we would catch-up on the previous Saturday's Svengoolie show. I still have the plastic chicken he gave me which was a part of every show. I also had a great time working with him in our student clinics.
I will greatly miss him.
Bill Johnson
Dr. Tom Heuke
April 30, 2025
My condolences to Dave´s family and friends. Our paths in life crossed at the Nebraska College of Dentistry as students and as instructors. Our friendly conversations seemed to gravitate to fishing most often. We always said we should go fishing sometime but it seemed he was always working and I regret our fishing trip never happened. A missed opportunity for me. I´m sure he could have taught me something more.
Dr. Tom Heuke
Laurie Stadler
April 30, 2025
Annie, Jennifer (Shane), Mike
So sorry for your loss. Doc was a great Dentist, boss and mentor. I always admired how well he treated patients with dignity and respect, and they loved him!
May God bless and keep you in the difficult days ahead
Barb Wachtel
April 30, 2025
I am so sorry, Annie. Dave was the BEST boss I´ve ever had and also a friend. I´ve been thinking of you and the `kids´ with sincere condolences and love.
Mary Lutz
April 30, 2025
Anna- you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Lutz
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in David Zalewski's name
Memorial Events
for David Zalewski
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Zalewski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
