Michael "Mike" I. Zych

Michael "Mike" I. Zych, 93, died peacefully Thursday, Oct 2, 2014 under hospice care at Benedictine Living Community of Wausau. He was born April 12, 1921 in Chicago, IL. His family moved to a farm in Mosinee when he was a young boy. At age 18, he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He spent time in the anti-aircraft artillery in Iceland, drove an ammunition supply truck in the famed Red Ball Express across Europe, survived both the siege of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. When he returned, he was instrumental in establishing the National Guard unit in Mosinee and served as the Unit Administrator. He retired after dedicating 36 years of his life to the military with 30 years in the National Guard. He was happily married to Betty for 62 years. He raised his family in Mosinee in the two homes he proudly built. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church until he moved to Forest Park Village in Wausau 21 years ago. He lived life large and embraced his many passions of playing cards, hunting, fishing, polka dancing, carpentry, gardening, spirited political discussions and playing his button accordion. He loved people. He loved talking, telling jokes and making new friends. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and his many accomplishments. Mike will be remembered for his loyalty, dedication and love for his family, especially his wife, Betty Zych, Wausau; children, David (Patty) Zych, Harshaw, Barbara (Jim) McGeough, Castro Valley, CA, Brian (Melody) Zych, Mosinee and Dona (Tom, Colonel, USAF, Retired) Kauth, Dover, DE; granddaughter, Christine (Jason) Budnik, Crystal Lake, IL; great-grandchildren, Stella, Sophie and Piper; sisters, Harriett Zych, Oakley, CA and Louise (Russell) Eifert, Winchester, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Rose and ten brothers and sisters. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 11:00 am, Saturday, Oct 18, 2014 at Salem Lutheran Church, 2822 N Sixth Street, Wausau. Family and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am, officiated by Rev. Richard Russow. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to Salem Lutheran Church or Homme Home Foundation, 604 S. Webb St, Wittenberg, WI 54499. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com