Arthur Zache Sr., 84
Feb. 15, 1928-April 18, 2012
Niles Daily Star, Published Online 10:08pm Thursday, April 19, 2012
- Zache
Arthur Adolf Zache Sr., 84, of Niles, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Lakeland Community Hospital in St. Joseph.
He was born Feb. 15, 1928, in New Troy, Mich., to the late Adolf and Matilda (Stopple) Zache.
On May 14, 1949, Art married Beverly P. Miller at a ceremony in Benton Harbor.
Art retired after many years as a pattern maker working for both Torrington and Dodge Reliance; he was also a co-owner of A & V Construction with his best friend Verlin Carpenter.
He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Niles. He was a gifted craftsman and a jack-of-all-trades. Art was always willing and able to help family and friends with any building projects. He started working at a very young age, leaving high school to work on his family farm. He helped organize the Fireman’s Youth Park, where he coached the Braves for many years. He had a love for cars and motorcycles. Art also knew the value of family and friends. He purchased a cottage in Allegan, where the family spent a great amount of their summers that filled their lives with wonderful memories. Art loved the family getting together, especially on Christmas Eve. He was a devoted husband, still caring for his wife, spending time with her every day.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gary Zache; brothers, Alto, August, Gustav and Edward Zache; sisters, Alvena White, Tillie Pallas and Helen Petznick.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Beverly; two sons, Art Jr. (Judy) Zache and Rick (Debbie) Zache, all of Niles; a brother, Henry (Lydia) Zache of Benton Harbor; a daughter-in-law, Chris Zache (Freelen) Gowen of Niles; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A time of visitation will be held Sunday, April 22, from 3 until 6 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore St., with Pastor Carl Bassett officiating. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Arthur’s memory to the Berrien County Cancer Center or to West Woods of Niles Nursing Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.