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Percy Zachary Obituary

Zachary, Percy J. March 7, 1927 - December 23, 2007 Age 80, of Inver Grove Heights Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to many, passed away peacefully at home from Lewy Body disease. Remembered by many as the first African-American from the University of Minnesota named to the All Big Ten footbal team in 1952. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay P. and Elizabeth Zachary; his son, Mitchell Zachary; his sisters, Hazel Stewart and Betty Zachary; his brothers, Cleo Zachary and Louis Zachary. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha Zachary; his children, Thomas Zachary of St. Paul, Minnesota, Sharon (Melvin) Freeman of Oakdale, Minnesota, Dr. Dennis (Rebecca) Zachary of Ackworth, Iowa, Attorney Steven W. Zachary of Mesa, Arizona; nineteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to Maxwell Ageman for your years of caregiving, Shawna Campa Wilson for always being there, and Dr. Steven Adamson for your friendship and medical advising. Visitation 5-8PM Thursday (Dec. 27) at ST. PETER CLAVER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 375 North Oxford, St. Paul. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Friday (Dec. 28) at the church. Interment in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers to the family, send a plant to your special friend or relative, make a memorial donation to St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, or donor's choice. Brooks Funeral Home 651-228-1935

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press from Dec. 25 to Dec. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Percy Zachary

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mitchell zachary

January 21, 2008

sorry for the lost wish i could have spent more time with him i do remeber meeting him when i was really young he was a really nice guy well i send my love to my loving family

June Aubuchon

January 12, 2008

Dear Zachary Family, So sorry to hear of our loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Mitchell Jr and June Aubuchon

Gail Ross

January 8, 2008

To the Zachary Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Sherman Harper's daughter,

Carol Tidwell

January 6, 2008

Steven, I am sorry to learn of your father's death. I hope his legacy and the memory of him will be a comfort to you and your family.

Carma Pearl-Ohimor

January 5, 2008

Martha, Sharon:
We send our condolences. I have given a copy of the obit to my sons. Percy was such an inspiration. We know he will be missed. I wanted to add that one of his best friends, my father Harold L. Pearl also passed away in December. 12/7/07. He was of sound mind, but could not withstand pneumonia.
Carma Pearl-Ohimor 781 344-0406

susan Friedman

January 3, 2008

Steven, You know how we feel about your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We go back a long way with your family and i hope we continue to go forward with the our children and there children thru the business and timberwolves games as well. If you need anything you know how to reach me. I will keep the sox on order for you.

Lisa Pearl

January 2, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We share your grief for Percy was a pillar in the community and will be missed.

Jeanine (and Ron) Nesbit

January 1, 2008

Sharon:
We send our love and prayers to you and your family. I never met Mr. Zachary, but his legacy is very much a part of the community. May God's Love embrace your hearts and raise your father up to his heavenly home. God Bless,

Neal Gosman

December 31, 2007

Percy was my supervisor when I was a young VISTA Volunteer with RAP in 1971-72 in St Paul. He was a great mentor and advisor. May his memory be a blessing.

Herbert Whitmore jr

December 28, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kathleen Reineke

December 28, 2007

Percy gave me my first job with Dakota County and allowed me the freedom to grow in my professional career. I remember those years fondly and think of Percy often. My entire family expresses our condolences.

Dee & Jim Hobbie

December 28, 2007

Our hearts goes out to the family in sympathy and friendship. When someone loses a loved one who has meant so much for so many years, it's hard to know how to begin expressing words of sympathy and comfort. We can only say that because Steven is important to many people in our family, your sorrow touches us deeply. We want you to know that we care much more than we could ever find words to tell you.

Geoff Jones

December 28, 2007

Dear Aunt Martha, Thomas, Sharon, Dennis & Steven-
Uncle Percy was a wonderful man with a huge heart and character. I will always remember him fondly and with love. God be with you all during this time.

JOHN COCHRANE

December 28, 2007

PERCY WILL BE SORLEY MISSED BY HIS OLD FRIENDS AND FORMER TEAM MATES
WE HAD A LOT OF GOOD TTMES AT THE WHEELS CLUB IN ST. PAUL.WITH DEPEST SYMPATHY AND RESPECT, I WILL MISS PERCY. JOHN A. COCHRANE

John and Cici Welsh

December 28, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Zachary family at this very difficult time. God Bless you all.

Marcia Hopp

December 27, 2007

I remember Percy when we both worked for Dakota County. He was so distinguished and had a great laugh. He was a nice man who seemed to love life. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I'm sure he will be missed.

Joanne Kennedy-Mancuso

December 27, 2007

Mrs. Zachary,

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. You and your husband influenced many people and changed the world around you in such positive ways. May the love you have shown others come back to you during this time. A grateful student-Riverview 1965.

Lisa Campa - Pierret

December 27, 2007

To Martha, Steven, and the entire Zachary family: I am saddened to hear of Percy's passing. I will always remember him as a big man with a big voice and, most importantly, a big heart. Please know that I am praying for comfort and strength for you and your family during this difficult time.

Lisa Jones

December 27, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time. Sharon - if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Love,
Lisa

Rev. Veronica Fuller

December 27, 2007

Sharon and Family,
We are saddened to hear of your loss. We are praying for you and your entire family. May the memories of your father and the legacy he leaves behind comfort and sustain you in the years to come.
The peace of God be with you all.
The Fuller Family

Pedro, Portia and Everett

December 27, 2007

Aunt Martha, please accept our sincerest condolences at the passing of Uncle Percy, you, Sharon, Steven, Thomas and Dennis are in our prayers...he was always there for us, as we will be for you.

Harvey Cain

December 27, 2007

Martha, I am very sorry to here about your loss. Percy and I go back all the way to 1974. He gave me my first job. I also know he was very proud of you and his family. He will be missed.

David Griggs

December 27, 2007

My thoughts are with you the Zachary's at this time of sorrow. I for one will always be indebted to Percy for changing my life for the better. He had a uncanny ability to read people and invest in their career growth. He took a risk on me early in my career and I am deeply appreciative. Only wish I could of told him this in person. Thanks Percy.

December 27, 2007

Dear Martha and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness.I have enjoyed the many conversations with you all, and will miss seeing you around in the clinic. God Bless You.

Tamara (HealthPartners)

Sheila Aubuchon

December 27, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies. We did not have the opportunity to ever meet, I am your grandson "Mitchell Zachery, Jr.s".Aunt. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

E. Craig Morris

December 27, 2007

To the entire Zachary family...Our thougths and prayers are with each of you. Percy was an inspiration to all. He and my father played football and shared stories about their time at Marshall HS. I will never forget the lessons learned from both. Our condolences from all of the Morris family.

Toni Cooper

December 27, 2007

To all of the Zachary family: I regret not having met Mr. Zachary but I know he was a great man as shown with all the love and support of a wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Randy Erickson

December 26, 2007

My prayers are with your family. I have nothing but fond memories of my time growing up next to your family. My hope is you can remember the good times as I do. Percy was a very special Man and quite the charachter. He left an impression on me I will always remember him fondly.

Seymour Loving

December 26, 2007

May we be left with a most thankful spirit of how God has allowed us to share in the life of one of his servants. In so doing he grants us the power to replace our fears with faith, our deepest worries to peace, and for our guilt to be replaced with an open door to forgiveness. Lean now ever more to God's precious and outstretched hands knowing that He is eternally present.

George & Johanna Samara

December 26, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Lona (HealthPartners)

December 26, 2007

Martha, we are very sorry to hear about Percy. You are such a strong, wonderful person & have done a great job caring for Percy. Our Prayers are with you and your entire family! We'll all miss him alot!

Cara Barnes & Derek Mick

December 26, 2007

Steven, you and your family are in our thoughts. We are sorry to hear of your loss.

Beverly Spence

December 26, 2007

Mrs Zachary my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It has been a pleasure serving you and your husband throughout the years here at HealthPartners SP Clinic.

Todd Lorenz & Family

December 26, 2007

Steven & Family,
As our Lord has taken his son, may your family remember the glorious times, our prayers are with you and your family.

Jack Craven

December 26, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Zachary family at this very difficult time. God Bless you.

Tisa White

December 26, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sadness. Remember all the good times that you all spent with your dad/grandfather. From my family to yours. The White Family

Hamilton & Jill Bell

December 26, 2007

Aunt Martha, Sharon and family,
We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers as you move through the process of grieving and healing. Please know there are many like us who are also thinking of you. Uncle Percy was a strong wonderful man and extremly blessed to have you in his corner.

Todd Wooldridge

December 26, 2007

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for you and your family. Todd and Shawnie Wooldridge

Mindy Aurich

December 26, 2007

Sharon & Steve & family- I will always remember your father at the Battle Creek & Jimmy Lee football & basketball games. He was always encouraging to our young athletes & a real gentleman. God's comfort & hope for your family. Sincerely,

Michael and Laurie Hankee

December 25, 2007

Tom and family, we are sorry to learn of the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you and your family.

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