Michael Joseph Zoucha Jr.

Michael Joseph Zoucha Jr, age 89 of Hillsboro, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Mike, the eldest child of Michael Sr and Frances Liss, was born on May 10, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. Mike finished the 8th grade, attending the local one room school, before he began ranching and farming to assist the family (Mike received his GED in 1977).

At the age of 18 Mike joined the US Army as a track vehicle mechanic, where he worked on tanks & other heavy equipment. Recognized for his marksmanship skills, Mike was enrolled in the Army sharpshooter/sniper division. Mike often spoke fondly of the months he served in Germany (in Company B, 82nd Recon Battalion, 2nd Armored Division), telling stories of camaraderie and hijinks and repairing special US Army half-track vehicles around the German countryside to get his unit back on the road. He took great pride in serving his country.

Mike married LaDonna Humiston in August 1958 and later welcomed two children. In 1964, Mike packed up his family including son Dale and daughter Cindy and moved to Hillsboro, OR where he worked at Chapmans, Olinger & Heinrich car dealerships as their lead auto mechanic. Later, Mike opened Z's Car Care in Hillsboro, a full auto mechanic service company, where he managed the business until he retired.

Mike actively participated in his church and other local activities (Hillsboro Nazarene Church, Evergreen Christian, Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International and Promise Keepers). Mike was a regular blood donor, gave it very often. He also was very connected with the sports activities that Cindy & Dale participated in (softball, football & soccer).

In April of 1988 Mike married Mary Evers. Mike & Mary enjoyed working on their farm, where they raised sheep and chickens along with copious quantities of fruits and veggies, sharing the abundance with all who stopped by. He was recently reminiscing about their travels to go visit family in various countries like Austria, Brazil & Egypt; closer to home, he recalled time spent hiking, camping and walking the beach. Mike also enjoyed singing, played some guitar and amazingly could sing all the lyrics to the most obscure old Country Western songs.

Mike has three grandchildren and two great grandchildren but shares many grandchildren and great grandchildren with Mary, as they were married for 37 years.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary, brothers Donald and Jim, sisters, Mary Ann and Evelynn, children Dale and Cindy and many stepchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.