Victor Zak
1928-2024
Victor Zak, born to Joseph and Julie (Sisczka) Zak on Oct. 30, 1928, peacefully departed this world on Oct. 11, 2024 to join the love of his life, Betty. Victor and Elizabeth “Betty” Mueller were united in marriage on Aug. 15, 1953 at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester. Their love story began at an Easter dance in Stetsonville, and together they embarked on a life journey, farming in rural Dorchester, and nurturing a growing family. Hard work, family and service to his country were the cornerstones of Victor’s life.
Victor grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Stetsonville where they sold eggs and dandelion wine to make ends meet. On his first day of school, he was sent home until he could speak English. His parents migrated from Czechoslovakia and spoke Czech at home. With the help of his sister, Margaret, he was able to learn English and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1947. Victor was always working and providing for his family. After graduation, he joined his brothers, Frank and Rudy, harvesting crops in the Dakotas and then his brother, Tony, putting in signals for the Soo Line Railroad.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1951, seeing active duty with the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels”. These years of service made a huge impact on his life providing mixed emotions for his actions yet proud that he did what his country asked of him. Upon returning home, he worked as a bobbin boy at Chippewa Woolen and a glass cutter for Pittsburgh Glass in Wausau. Betty and Victor then took over Betty’s parent’s farm in the Town of Holton where they lovingly raised their four children, Vicky, Gregory, Karla and Bonnie.
Victor and Betty enjoyed snowmobiling and were charter members of the Midnight Riders Snowmobile Club. Victor liked to be busy and was always working to provide for his family. His jobs after farming included Mr. B’s Gas Station, Meigs Asphalt Plant and mowing the cemetery for the City of Abbotsford. Attending the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. was a lifetime highlight, as well as laying a stone at the Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville and a bench at the Dorchester Veterans Memorial.
Victor is survived by his children, Vicky Kollmansberger, Gregory Zak, Karla (Joe) Feldbruegge and Bonnie (Lenny) Zawislan; 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty on Nov. 23, 2023; and his siblings, Frank, Rudy, Tony, Irene, Anna, Margaret and Mike.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at First United Church of Christ in Colby on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. Reverend Teri Hanson will officiate. Interment to follow at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Family and friends are welcome from 1 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in 1 west for the wonderful care Victor received.
Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com
Paid Obituary 159657
