Michael Leon Zornes

Michael L. Zornes, 55, of San Francisco, California, died on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

He was born on July 25, 1970 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the son of Russell Leon and Linda Lee (Ash) Zornes. While living in Olive Hill, Kentucky, Michael graduated from West Carter High School in 1988 and then enrolled at Morehead State University, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity; a three-year cheerleader for the Eagles and also served as a Resident Advisor.

Following his graduation in 1993, he was hired at Cigna Insurance, in Columbus, Ohio, starting his career as a Client Service Specialist. In 1999, he advanced to an Implementation Manager. A position opened in the San Francisco office, and Michael jumped at the opportunity to move to a warmer climate. He remained with the company until 2008 and a short time later, was hired by Mercy Housing San Francisco. He primarily served as president of the Pine Street Tenant Council and had served as treasurer of the City Tenant Council. Michael loved planning activities for the residents and always coordinated a monthly meal for the entire building. These folks were his second family, and a big reason for Michael to smile.

Outside Michael’s life with the tenant association, he enjoyed spoiling Squinch, his Chiwawa, who offered him years of companionship. He often phoned his family back in the Ohio/Kentucky area and always looked forward to Christmas, a time when he’d return home for a face-to-face quality visit.

Michael loved doing good for others and will be deeply missed by his mother, Linda Zornes; brothers, David Zornes and Jonathan (Shawn) Compton Zornes; niece, Gabriella Grace Compton Zornes; cousins who were more like sisters to him, Kimberly Danner Richeson and Angi Danner Moore.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Zornes; brother, Jason Todd Zornes and his four-legged companion, Squinch.

His family will receive friends from 4-7 pm on Saturday, April 25 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, where his funeral will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday with Pastor George Lore officiating. He will be privately laid to rest next to his dad and brother in Oakwood Cemetery. Memories and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.