Michael John Zach

Mike Zach of Wallace, MI passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side on May 17, 2023 at the age of 75.
A native of Milwaukee, Mike retired after 23 years on the Milwaukee Fire Department. As fireman and EMT, he did it all – driving the engine, ladder truck and med unit, and served as union steward. Mike fell through a burning roof and was able to tell the tale. He delivered several babies and like many of his peers (our heroes) total lives saved is unknown. The part of the job Mike loved most was putting on his gear and teaching fire safety at local schools, and his long-standing role as fire house chef.
While being a fireman was his true calling, it was his encore career. Forever ready to challenge a norm, Mike proudly started as one of the oldest cadets to graduate the academy. Prior to that, having completed compulsory service in the US Army during the Vietnam War, Mike attended UWM and held several business leadership positions through Milwaukee's industrial boom, including working with that distinct orange of Allis-Chalmers industrial equipment, and Trent Tube which made industrial pipeline and components for the Apollo rockets. As Mike would say with a hearty laugh, he literally worked with rocket scientists. He was a teller of tales, some heard more than once, probably many more life experiences we wish we knew.
Above all, Mike was a devoted family man. In a word, a patriarch, whose driving force was to take care of his loved ones with everything he had. He loved staying in touch with his kids and grandkids through text and weekly calls. Mike was an avid sports fan, which started with his mother and their love of the Brewers, often catching games on the radio even though they lived only miles from the stadium. Mike loved anything to do with baseball, playing or watching family, years of coaching, and even baseball movies topped his all-time favorites (and Westerns). He was a hometown sports fan and enjoyed taking his kids to a game, even holding season tickets to the Admirals and the Mustangs for a while. He loved the Packers and college sports too, many family discussions have been had over what player is having a better season, and what moves the teams should make next.
After retirement, Mike filled his time cooking for his wife and family, chores around the farm, home renovations and repairs, riding ATV's and taking care of the dogs and horses. While born in the city, he was country at heart. Maybe it was meeting his wife of 50 years on a hayride, his love of hunting and fishing, or just keeping it simple that made him love life on the farm.
Mike fought his way through a few ailments over the years. In the end, the blazes of COPD, double-pneumonia and other complications surrounded him on all sides, and he was welcomed into eternal rest by his son William, parents Margaret and Robert, sisters Barbara and Renae (Thomae), brother Robert Jr, grandparents and other family.
Mike is survived by his wife Della (nee Stank), children Rebecca Krutina (Bruce), Michael Jr (Melanie), Kristine (Alan Dieringer), grandchildren Brandon (Cori), Justin, Ciara, and Dillan Krutina, Jasmine and Wyatt Zach, and Mason Dieringer, great grandchildren Zoey and Kai Krutina, as well as extended family, brothers in the department, and friends.
He was a presence in the room, his laugh would fill it, and his bright blue eyes would light it. We'll think of him when we watch a game, share a meal, stare into the fire or hear the sirens blare, but to be honest, when will we not? He will be truly missed.
As Mike's top priority is to take care of his family, in lieu of flowers consider a donation to the PKD Foundation - https://support.pkdcure.org/give/319374
At his request there will not be formal services. Feel free to have mass offered at your local parish, take your family to a game, or enjoy a meal together, just offer him a toast