Betty J. Zych

Betty J. Zych, 95, died peacefully on February 4, 2026, under hospice care at Stone Crest Residence. She was born February 27, 1930, in Stetsonville, WI.

Betty graduated from Medford High School in 1948. She went on to attend beautician school in Wausau and later managed her own beauty salon. She married Michael Zych in 1952, and together they shared 62 years of devoted marriage until his passing. In 1974, she completed Waitress Training NTC 1 and worked in various local restaurants, ultimately finishing her career many years later at The Palms. Betty was a dedicated homemaker and loving mother who enjoyed polka dancing and traveling with her husband, Mike. She took great pride in her marriage, in raising her five children, in creating a warm and welcoming home. Her strong Lutheran faith brought her comfort throughout her life.

Betty will be remembered by her children: David (Patty) Zych, Sun Lakes, AZ; Barbara (Jim) McGeough, Lincoln, CA; Brian (Melody) Zych, Kronenwetter; and Dona (Tom, Colonel, USAF, Retired) Kauth, Dover, DE; granddaughter Christine (Jason) Budnik, Chandler, AZ; great‑grandchildren Stella, Sophie, and Piper; and her sister, Kathleen (Wayne) Stark, Gig Harbor, WA, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Zych; her daughter, Patricia Rose; and her brother, Don Richawlski.

A private family memorial will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Homme Home Foundation-Forest Park Village, 604 S. Webb St., Wittenberg, WI 54499, or St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church-Wausau Campus.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

We want to thank the Interim Health team/Hospice nurses as well as all of the staff at The Gardens and Stonecrest for their compassionate care over the past year.