Daniel Joseph Zacha (73) of Stewardson
Published on July 16 2024 6:39 am
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shumway. Following the Mass, burial will take place at 1 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, where he will be honored for his service to our nation. Visitation for Dan will take place from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shumway. Memorials may be given in Dan’s honor to the donor’s favorite charity. Brummerstedt Funeral Home in Stewardson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left by clicking here.
Born September 6, 1950, in Shumway, he was the son of Leroy and Leona (Feldhake) Zacha. Dan's life was a testament to his strength, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and his faith. Dan found his lifelong partner in Shirley Kline, marrying her October 10, 1970. Together, they built a loving family and shared nearly 54 years of devotion and companionship.
Dan proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving both in Vietnam and Germany. Upon returning to civilian life, he dedicated his skills as a diesel mechanic until his well-deserved retirement in the year 2012. A man of faith, Dan was a dedicated member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shumway, where he found solace and community. His interests included cherished moments with his family, whether it was playing cards, going on walks with his beloved wife Shirley and their fur baby, Polly, or simply enjoying the laughter and stories that came with family gatherings.
Dan will be remembered as a devoted husband by Shirley of Stewardson; a caring father by his children, Daniel J. Zacha Jr. of Stewardson, Joyce (Jason) Wells of Beecher City, Emily (Keith) Vahling of West Union, and Vincent A. Zacha of Shumway; and a doting grandfather by his eight grandchildren, Aaron, Hannah, and Isaac Wells, Ellie and Anna Zacha, Ben, Jazmyn, and Karsen Vahling. He leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by his mother-in-law, Fairy Kline of St. Elmo; siblings, Michael (Jocelyn) Zacha, Roger (Judy) Zacha, Marty (Cheryl) Zacha, Chris (Kim) Zacha, Merita Elson, Cheryl (David) Burns, Jane Heuerman, Mary Ann (Paul) Meyer, and Theresa (Jerry) Kollman; uncle, Richard (Donna) Feldhake; sister-in-law, Julie (Tony) Bible; brothers-in-law, Dave (Debbie) Rubsam and Dave Fuesting; sister-in-law, Kathy Miller and many nieces and nephews.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Delbert Kline; brothers, John and Ron Zacha; sisters, Barbara Rubsam and Diana Fuesting; brothers-in-law, Lee Elson and Rick Heuerman, and sister-in-law, Cheri Zacha.