Madison – Wayne Vincent Zach passed away suddenly after a brief illness on Monday, November 20, 2017 at St. Mary’s Care Center. Wayne was born October 31, 1926 in Madison, the son of Charlie and Jane (Coyle) Zach. Whenever Wayne was asked about his last name, he was always proud to say that he was bohemian and Irish, and that he grew up on a farm in Cross Plains with his kid sister, Ramona, and baby brother, Skip!

On October 5, 1944, Wayne enlisted into the United States Navy. Wayne served his country honorably while holding the ranks of Apprentice Seaman, Apprentice Seaman Second Class, and finishing his career with the rank of Seaman First Class. After Wayne was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, Wayne enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Not long after, Wayne began dating the true love of his life, Dolores. Wayne and Dolores were married at St. Raphael’s Cathedral on April 18, 1953, and were married for 64 years.

Wayne retired as a food service sales representative with Kraft Foods. Wayne was a life member of the American Legion (Wisconsin Dells Unit), and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight and Honor Guard. Wayne was a charter member of St. Dennis Parish and worked for decades as a Saturday 5:15 p.m. Mass usher, a position and responsibility he did not take lightly as Wayne made sure everyone was seated in Church!

Wayne was an honest, hardworking family man who enjoyed the outdoors. For over 25 years, camping was a true labor of love for Wayne, as this was Wayne and Dolores’ way to get away from the “rat race.” After retirement, he was a mall walker and water exercise enthusiast.

Though Wayne was hearing impaired, caused by his time in the Navy, this was rarely if ever viewed as a handicap for Wayne. Like everything else Wayne did, he worked through it, adapted and overcame. Most who came to know Wayne will always remember Wayne’s loud, distinctive laugh and a sense of humor.

Through good times and tough times and until the very end, Wayne always had his pillar of emotional strength and true love at his side, Dolores.

From numerous family vacations to South Carolina to charcoaling chicken on Sunday afternoons, Wayne was always about family, grandchildren and his love of all the dogs in his life. Wayne loved life and was a shining example that if you work hard, good things will come.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Dolores; five children, Jodie (Jim) Zach-Royce, Charlie (Laurie), Dennis (Tracy), Tom and Tim (Andrea); and five grandchildren, Kayla, James, Cody, Koltan and Sam.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison. Full Military Honors will follow. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Wayne will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona.

A very special note of gratitude to the St. Mary’s Care Center and all those who took exceptional care of Wayne. As a family, we are very grateful for all of you and your extraordinary efforts during Wayne’s stay. Thank you very much!

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Ave.
608-249-8257

Wayne Zach

October 31, 1926 - November 20, 2017

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