With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Michael Scott Tagart, age 69, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, Sept. 11th at St. Leo’s Catholic Church with Msgr. Mark Huber and Father Don Buhrman as the celebrants. Burial will be at 3 PM Friday, in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Scotia.

Visitation will be 5-7 PM on Thursday, with a Rosary to follow at 7pm at St. Leo’s Catholic Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Arbor Day Foundation. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Michael was born on September 21, 1956, in Tecumseh, Nebraska, the son of Robert and Patricia (Sherwood) Tagart. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1974 and continued his education at Central Community College-Hastings in business/ auto parts.

On June 9, 1979, Michael was united in marriage to Janel Roy. They lived in Doniphan for 3 years before making Grand Island their home. Michael was employed by Friends Motor Supply (Napa Auto Parts) before purchasing the business in 1997. He later renamed the business Tagart Auto Supply, where he became well known for his unwavering work ethic and memorable sayings Among his favorites were, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean,” and “Only you can make it a great day.” These words reflected his belief in hard work, personal responsibility, and choosing to make each day a great one. Following his retirement in 2013, he went to work for Nebraska Peterbilt as a warranty manager retiring again in January 2026.

Some of Michael’s enjoyments included hunting, fishing, metal detecting and 3D printing. On fall Saturday’s he could be found cheering on the Huskers or the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also loved helping his brotherin- law, Dan, on the Scotia farm. Above all, Michael was a man of deep and unwavering faith. Catholicism was at the heart of who he was and guided him throughout his life. He found strength, comfort and purpose in his relationship with God. One of his greatest legacies was the faith he passed down to his daughter and grandchildren.

Michael was known by many names throughout his life. At work, he was affectionately known as “NAPA Jack” or “NAPA Bob,” names that became part of his identity among those who knew him professionally. But of all the names he carried, none meant more to him than “Papa Mike,” the cherished name given to him by his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 47 years, Janel, daughter, Ashley (Todd) Lothrop of Grand Island, grandchildren, Michael Charles and Magdalene Marie. Tara Ruzicka and Kelsey Toms are two bonus daughters woven into his family. Survivors include his siblings, William (Marilyn) Tagart of San Diego, CA, Robert (Pam) Tagart of Lincoln, David (Linda) Tagart of Crab Orchard and Casey (Tania) Tagart of Ocala, FL, many brother and sister in-laws of the Roy family, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant sisters, Susan and Jacqueline, nephew Andrew Tagart, and his beloved dogs, Buddy and Mousse.