Jason “Jay” Andrew Zick, age 47, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly on February 1, 2026, after a lifelong battle with End-Stage Renal Kidney Disease. He was surrounded in love by his family and will be dearly missed.

Jason was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He loved Star Wars, the Flash, playing video games and cuddling with his dogs.

As a boy, Jason loved fishing at Lake Emily with his dad and was the proud founder of the Purple Spoons Bicycle Gang - biking the mean streets of Randolph until the streetlights came on and they were expected home! He played basketball in junior high, was Prom King his junior year at Randolph High School, and spent way too much time getting in trouble with “the Buds”

Jason started working at Piggly Wiggly during high school and continued into his 20s, under the management of Mark Verhage, his favorite boss. He was happiest as a stay-at-home dad extraordinaire to his adorable and curious daughter Ella. Their favorite activities were playing in the park, kicking the ball around the backyard, and more recently bickering over Fortnite Victory Royales! Jason and his wife Heidi love dogs and always have two or three pups in the house to cuddle and snuggle. His service dog, Flash, was his constant companion, and we’re sure those two are happy to be together again, frolicking in eternity. Jason was also an avid collector of vintage toys and enjoyed scouring thrift stores, antique stores, and flea markets to find them.

Jason cherished his time on the Chippewa Flowage with Mom and Dad Bergman, and the Michalsen family, going out on the party barge, fishing, swimming, playing board games on the deck, and going for day trips in the area. Jason had a sweet tooth. He loved the candy store in Hayward and couldn’t get enough of his blow pops, saltwater taffy, airheads, and tootsie rolls.

Jason is survived by his dedicated and compassionate wife Heidi, his loving daughter, Ella, his sister Erika Kellar (Jason), his brother-in-love “Buddy” Gordon Gossink, his parents-in-law Ron and Jan Bergman, brother-in-law, Josh Bergman, nieces Hannah Bergman (Melina and Tatum) and MacKenzie Bergman, his aunt Carol Albrecht, his uncle Gale Vogel, his niece Emma Clark, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jason was proceeded in death by his parents Terry and Gayle Zick, his aunt Linda Vogel, his uncle Sheridan Albrecht, his parents-in-love, Bob and Betty Fehl, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Jason had many friends due to his incredible spirit and his kindness. He was humble in every way and will be missed by many family and friends.

Jason’s Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, February 7 at The Bar – Lynndale, 2435 W Nordale Dr, Appleton, WI 54914. Remembrance of Jason’s life and visitation with family and friends will be open from 11:00 – 1:00, followed by a short service and luncheon. Casual attire preferred, and feel free to wear your favorite hoodie in honor of Jason.

In lieu of flowers, we are honoring Jason’s wishes to create an Education Fund supporting his daughter, Ella’s tuition at Fox Valley Tech in the Criminal Justice Program this coming fall.

Donations can be made by check to Heidi Zick or on Venmo@HeidiLZick (2762 to confirm) with the message: For Ella’s Education Fund

“We love you to the moon and back, Jason.”

“May the Force be with you, always.”