Richard Zack Obituary

Richard Edward Zack, age 90, of Holyoke, Minnesota passed away on July 12, 2025, at his home. He was born on February 11, 1935, to Erick and Alice (Mach) Zack in Bruno, Minnesota. Rich spent his earliest years on the family farm in Bruno before moving to Holyoke with his family at a young age. He began his education at the Holyoke Schoolhouse on the hill, and graduated from Wrenshall High School in 1953. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Anderson on February 19, 1955, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Scanlon, Minnesota. Rich entered the workforce during his school years working on the railroad. He later was employed at the Wood Conversion Co. in Cloquet, Minnesota (now USG). In the later 1960's, Rich moved his family to the twin cities, and furthered his education at Dunwoody trade school. He entered the Boilermakers Local 647 Union and worked as a boilermaker until 1998, when he retired and the couple relocated to Siren, Wisconsin. The town of Holyoke had remained in his heart and they returned in 2003, building a home there over the following years.
Rich loved the outdoors whether he was working in his garden, cutting wood, snowmobiling, fishing, or hunting deer. His grandchildren have many fond memories of rehashing their hunting adventures over his favorite peppermint schnapps and spending time together during their wine nights. Rich was a jack of all trades and had a knack for small engine repair; he could often be found tinkering on his latest project in the garage. He will truly be missed.
Rich is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Ronald (Lynne) Zack, Linda (Russell) McCuskey, and Susan (Paul) Neubauer; 12 grandchildren, Christopher, Amy, Peter, Alyshia, Joseph, Amanda, Katie, Joshua, Jessica, Daniel, Adam, and Ellie; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jorraine Zack and Dar Olson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Marie (Harold "Curly") Van Guilder, Kenny Zack, and Arnie (Jan) Zack; and several nieces and nephews.
Services in honor of Rich will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Holyoke Town Hall. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the 12:00 noon funeral service. Interment will follow at the Holyoke Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.
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