Omaha Deacon Dies Suddenly After Police Respond to Homicide Call

Archdiocese confirms death of Deacon John Zak, who served at St. Peter's Catholic Church for over 25 years

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:05am

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The Archdiocese of Omaha has confirmed the sudden death of Deacon John Zak, who served at St. Peter's Catholic Church for over 25 years. Zak's death comes just hours after police responded to a homicide call at his home in Omaha, Nebraska. Authorities have taken one person into custody after a vehicle pursuit, but the homicide investigation is still ongoing.

Why it matters

The death of a long-serving deacon in the community has shocked parishioners and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his passing. The ongoing homicide investigation adds an element of mystery and concern for the safety of the local neighborhood.

The details

According to the Archdiocese, Deacon John Zak "died suddenly" and his "death is a great shock to his family and to our parish." Police were called to Zak's home on Wednesday night, where they found a man dead. Authorities later spotted a vehicle of interest and pursued it, leading to the arrest of one person. The church praised Zak's decades of service, noting he assisted at the altar, proclaimed the Gospel, and supported parishioners through both joyous and sorrowful times.

  • On Wednesday night, Omaha police responded to a homicide call at Zak's home.
  • On Thursday morning, police spotted a vehicle of interest and pursued it, leading to an arrest.

The players

Deacon John Zak

A deacon at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska who had served the parish for over 25 years.

Archdiocese of Omaha

The Catholic archdiocese that oversees St. Peter's Catholic Church and confirmed Deacon Zak's sudden death.

Omaha Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the homicide at Deacon Zak's home and the subsequent vehicle pursuit that led to an arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Deacon John Zak "died suddenly. His death is a great shock to his family and to our parish.”

— Archdiocese of Omaha (St. Peter's Catholic Church website)

“During those many years he assisted at the altar, proclaimed the Gospel, preached the Word of God, baptized our children, witnessed marriages, and accompanied parishioners in times of both joy and sorrow.”

— St. Peter's Catholic Church (St. Peter's Catholic Church website)

What’s next

The homicide investigation at Zak's home is ongoing, and Omaha police are waiting to officially identify the victim.

The takeaway

The sudden death of a long-serving deacon has left the St. Peter's Catholic Church community in shock, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his passing and the ongoing homicide investigation in the neighborhood.