Michael Fitzsimmons

Michael Fitzsimmons, a percussionist, composer, deeply spiritual seeker and friend to many, passed away Friday, August 9, 2024, following a brief illness.

He was 73.

As news of his death reached his friends, they came together in community to share their loss on social media.

Kathy Janata's comment reflected the deep impact Michael had on those he encountered: "The world lost a great man to heaven this week...one of the kindest human beings I've ever met."

Michael performed with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s Freedom Choir and he traveled with the choir to perform at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. He also entertained people as a touring musician with the Nebraska Arts Council. He owned Dancing Man Music and released several recordings to critical acclaim. Music critic Bill Binkelman, who writes for the blog, Wind and Wire, described Fitzsimmons' legacy as "creative, affirming, and flat out beautiful."

A self-taught percussionist, Michael introduced many to the haunting sounds of the hang instrument, which is similar to a steel drum. It was at a drumming circle in rural Iowa that he met his life partner and wife, Nancy Dennis.

"A gentle soul" is how Nancy describes Michael.

Michael and Nancy were together 23 years and kept their relationship strong through their Friday "date days." Each week would find them doing something special, traveling to nearby towns and parks, going out to dinner or simply dressing up and staying in. Dennis said the ground rules were simple: No talk of work or outside issues.

"It was about listening and supporting, talking about our dreams," she said. "It's hard to take someone for granted when you have that."

Nancy said Michael tried not to take anyone for granted, even tipping the staff at fast food restaurants and, if he felt a connection for someone panhandling on a corner, he would provide them a meal.

"He liked the human experience," she said. "He was always willing to respond to a need when he saw it."

 In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by two sisters, Theresa Fitzsimmons Richardson of Highland Village, Texas, and Mary Fitzsimmons Lewkowski of Carmel, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents John (Jack) Robert Fitzsimmons and Elizabeth (Bitsy) Patricia Fitzsimmons of Omaha and his sister Cecilia Fitzsimmons Centretto of Novi, Michigan.

 "He was a fabulous brother, so caring," his sister, Theresa, said. "We were best buddies growing up."

 A South Omaha boy, Michael's family was devoutly Catholic, and Sundays would find them praying the rosary as they walked Spring Lake Park near their home. Michael attended St. Rose Elementary and St. Joseph's/St. Paul VI Catholic School as well as the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

 He developed a lifelong love of golf at Spring Lake Golf Course, where he played for free as a child in exchange for repairing divots. 

 Michael's early adult life was itinerant, as he sought a path forward. He began his quest in earnest, staying a few weeks with the monks at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque. From there, he lived communally in rural Arkansas before returning to Omaha, where he helped manage the Siena Francis House for the homeless. To better understand the plight of those who lacked housing, Michael lived for a month on the streets of Seattle, surviving on dumpster-diving and the kindness of others.

 His commitment to relationships could be seen in the time he set aside for family and friends, often spending time in nature or over a meal. Fitzsimmons co founded a men's support group that continues to meet, now 30 years later.

 "He was the kind of guy you always knew you could call," said his friend, Thomas McKnight of Fremont.

 A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday 8/17/2024 at Sacred Heart Church 2218 Binney St., and a celebration of life is planned for later this year.

 Memorials can be sent to the Heart Ministry Center https://heartministrycenter.org/donate/