March 13, 1937 — March 19, 2026
Nick J. Zahariades, 89, of Mason City, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service time. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Veterans Association.
Nick was born on March 13, 1937, in Mason City, Iowa, to John and Aspacia (Niarchos) Zahariades. Raised in a close-knit Greek family alongside his three siblings, with Greek as his first language, Nick learned early to rely on his intellect, resilience, and quick wit to navigate life’s challenges.
From those early years, Nick developed a lifelong love of family and the joy of coming together for good conversation, a gift he shared with everyone who knew him.
Nick stepped into responsibility at an age when most children are still learning to read. By 12, his remarkable work ethic had earned him the role of kitchen manager, with responsibilities that included ordering, training, and managing the kitchen of a large, popular Greek restaurant. Always humble, Nick later liked to joke, “I was still in school, so I had to use my time wisely — I mean, I was 9 — that was three years; plenty of time to move up to management.”
Nick had a deep and enduring love of learning, a quality that stayed with him throughout his life. He began his studies at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering while also managing George’s Pizza. This became a defining trait of Nick’s life: balancing hard work with a deep commitment to learning and whatever challenge was before him. Years later, after he and Rita moved to Minnesota, he continued that journey at Mankato State University, where he earned a Master of Science in Mathematics, reflecting both his determination and his lifelong curiosity.
On September 10, 1965, Nick married his one true love, Rita Ristau, in Merced, California, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and long conversations. To most, they were simply “Nick and Rita,” a couple so closely connected that it was hard to think of one without the other. Last year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Nick worked in several restaurants over the course of his life, including the Town House and Holiday Lounge, but he always knew he was meant to have a restaurant of his own. That dream was realized when he and Rita opened Willowbrook Café, followed by The Cornerstone Restaurant and Kansas City Steakhouse.
Each restaurant carried its own personality, reflecting Nick at different moments in his life and career. At Willowbrook Café, Nick and Rita became known for home-style cooking with the speed of fast food, along with an ice cream counter to top it off. And for the lucky few, there was even the chance of a spontaneous game of football with Nick in the mall.
Nick’s second restaurant, The Cornerstone Restaurant in downtown Mason City, became a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch, whether you were a businessperson in the city or simply out enjoying a day of shopping. Many returned for Nick’s daily specials of homemade soups, hot beef with potatoes and gravy, curly fries with a Reuben, and Spaghetti Thursdays. But for others, the real reason to stop in was simple: they wanted to see Nick, spend a little time in the kitchen, and leave with some advice, a story, or a smile.
Nick was a member of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Korea. He always believed strongly in the value of hard work and in looking out for people in need.
Many will remember Nick for Kansas City Steakhouse and the exceptional steaks that made it a favorite across the Midwest. Whether guests were gathering for a holiday party or enjoying a date night, Nick believed it was important that each person felt special.
Nick enjoyed deep conversations, playing pool, shopping for clothes, visiting his daughter, her husband, and grandson on the Oregon Coast, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and, most importantly, spending time with family. Those who knew him will remember his kindness, his smile, sly humor, generosity, strength, wisdom, loyalty, storytelling, and genuine curiosity. He especially loved his grandchildren and holiday traditions.
Nick is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughter, Didi Nicole Zahariades-Miller, and son-in-law, Jeff Miller, of Tualatin, Oregon; his sister, Lily Zahariades, of St. Paul, Minnesota; his sister-in-law, Barbara Ristau; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and Jim Read.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ian Lindell, Charlie Lindell, Kate Lindell, Cole Frazier, Kaia Frazier, and Niko Miller.
Nick cherished his relationships with his nephews and their families: Marc Ristau and wife, Stephanie, and daughter, Brinley, of Ankeny, Iowa; Keith Ristau and son, Dylan, of Mesquite, Texas; Derek Read of Des Moines, Iowa; John Frazier and wife, Chris, of Plymouth, Minnesota; and John Zahariades of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Nick loved to share a big hug with his nieces: Teresa Zahariades and husband, Chris, of Portland, Oregon; Jodee Kozlak and husband, Nick, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Suzy Schubloom and husband, Darcy, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sheri Hickey and husband, Ernie, of Mason City, Iowa; Amy Stapleton and husband, Sean, of Wayzata, Minnesota; Heather Faulkner and husband, Jeff, of Charles City, Iowa; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Nick was honored to serve as godfather to Kristie Frazier and husband, Brian, Makinzie Ristau, and Jared Galligan. His Greek Orthodox faith was deeply important to him, and he continued to receive Holy Communion in his home. In his final hours, Nick was comforted by the prayers and anointing of Holy Unction offered by Father Nick.
At 89, he often kept those around him entertained with stories of dear friends and extended family members who had passed. Nick was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, James Ristau; his brother, Gust Zahariades, and his wife, Carole; his sister, Franny Frazier, and her husband, Gaylen Frazier; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Bernice Ristau.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who became like family: Cindy Kephart, Lou-Ann Galle, Deb Milhan, and Phyllis Dunson. They also wish to thank Father Nick of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church for his spiritual support and comfort.
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