ZEGARAC, Mike 1913-2000

ZEGARAC, SALTZMAN, BAUER, EVANS, LICHTY, PENLY

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 4/30/2013 at 21:39:21

[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, September 27, 2000]

Mike Zegarac, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, in Mesa, Arizona.

Mr. Zegarac was a longtime resident of Waterloo, Iowa, before moving to Mesa, Arizona, in 1993.

He was born May 17, 1913, in Waterloo, Iowa. His parents, Joseph and Mary Zegarac, brothers Dan, Ralph and sister Mary Saltzman, all preceded him in death.

Mr. Zegarac was a graduate of East High School in Waterloo, Iowa. He was a WWII veteran, serving as a tank commander with the rank of sergeant. Wounded in battle, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

His longtime civic involvements in Waterloo included the following positions: vice commander of the AMVETS, president of Gates Park Improvement Association, president of Byrnes Park Golf Club, president of Porky's Red Carpet Club and president of Solicitation Review Board. He was an active member of the YMCA, where he served on the board of directors and also chaired the Health and Physical Education Committee. He was chairman of the Health and Athletic Club. In 1963, he was named YMCA Layman of the Year for his service to youth. He was also awarded the YMCA National Council Certificate of Merit for excellent Policies-Plans Program and organization of Physical Education and Lay Leadership. He was membership drive chairman of the YMCA. Mr. Zegarac was a member of the "Y'"s men's club. He conducted YMCA golf classes for 27 years on a Lay Leadership basis, donating fees to the YMCA. Mr. Zegarac was actively involved in United Appeal and Community Drives for 50 years. He was an Elks Club member and a member of the UNI athletic club. He was instrumental in developing an irrigation system for Byrnes Park, Gates Park and South Hills golf courses. He held the position of Waterloo Park Board Commissioner for several years. For 27 years he officiated football, basketball and baseball games. He played a key role in the development of the tennis complex.

He was employed at Palace Clothiers for 44 years in Waterloo, Iowa, before moving to Arizona.

Survivors include his wife, Francies, of Mesa, Arizona; daughter, Sandra Bauer, Kansas City, Missouri; granddaughter, Stacey Evans of Mesa, Arizona; great-grandsons Morgan and Peter Joseph Evans of Mesa, Arizona; sisters Kathryn Lichty, Waterloo, Iowa, Ann Penly, Dubuque, Iowa; brothers Nick Zegarac, Waterloo, Iowa, Steve Zegarac, Oelwein, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

A family service was held in Mesa, Arizona, on Sept. 16, 2000. A memorial service will be held in Waterloo, Iowa, on Sept. 30,2000, at 10:30 a.m. at Garden View Chapel, 3655 Logan Ave., with interment following in Midwest Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waterloo Park Board to establish a memorial in his honor and sent to Francies Zegarac, 425 S. Parkcrest, No. 328, Mesa, AZ 85206.

A luncheon will be held for family and friends at the Elks Club in Waterloo following the service.