Obituary: Raymond K. Zach - Class of 1954

MADISON - Raymond K. Zach, age 71, died unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 23, 2007. He was born in Madison on Oct.16, 1936, the son of Vincent and Olive Zach. Ray graduated from Madison Central High School in 1954, and apprenticed as a steamfitter in 1955. He was a proud 50 year member of the UA and a very active member of Steamfitters Local 394/60l. Ray served Local 394 as president, recording secretary, executive board member and was an apprentice instructor for more than 20 years. Ray was employed by Johnson Controls for 49 years, retiring in February 2005. In April 1958, Ray married Susan Bump of Madison. Together they raised four children, Peter (wife Linda) of Middleton, Cynthia (husband Jim Parsons) of Laguna Hills, Calif., Jill (husband Jeff Cossu) of Euless, Texas, and Amy (husband Todd Williams) of Bellvue, Colo. Ray and Sue are also the proud grandparents of Nathan, Amanda, Michelle and Nicole Zach, Michael and Amy Parsons, and Danielle and Allison Cossu. Ray is survived by his two brothers, James Zach and Richard Zach, their wives; and many nieces and nephews. An avid Packer and Badger fan, Ray loved sports of all types and for many years officiated WIAA High School Football. For more than 15 years, he patiently supported his three daughters in their equine endeavors, hauling them to horse shows around the state nearly every summer weekend. In later years, he was a very proud spectator at his grandchildren's athletic events. Since his early years, Ray loved cars, especially muscle cars, and shared this enthusiasm with his son, Pete and grandson, Nathan. He found great pleasure spending time in his garden, feeding birds, taking walks, and just putzing around his home. He will be deeply missed but forever loved by his family and close friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton. Msgr. Douglas Dushack will officiate. Friends may offer their condolences at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to The Salvation Army or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Wisconsin. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 26, 2007