Richter "Rick" Zacharias

Richter Harold Zacharias, age 85, of Markesan, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Barrett House in Markesan.

Rick was born on the family farm in the town of Green Lake on Hwy 44 on August 25, 1939, son of Harold and Lucille (Laper) Zacharias. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater. Rick was a graduate of Markesan High School, class of 1957. He was united in marriage to Jeanette Williams on November 12, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church. His commitment to service is notable, as he joined the National Guard’s 32nd Division out of Ripon, WI, in October 1956. Rick served until 1959 and was then called to duty again in Lewis, Washington, from 1961 to 1962. Rick was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church of Fairwater.

Rick dedicated much of his life to farming. He worked alongside his dad until he was able to buy the farm, where he built a home in 1975. After living there for many years, he moved to Markesan in 2000, where he enjoyed the last 24 years of his life. Rick was known for his fun-loving personality. He loved to joke around and make others laugh, often finding joy in the simplest moments. In his younger days, he enjoyed hobbies like bowling and dancing, and he was known to partake in a party or two, bringing his infectious energy wherever he went.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Jeanette Zacharias; two sons, Michael (Imelda) Zacharias and Mark (Shel) Zacharias; eight grandchildren, Kay (Peter) Andrews, Andy (Lindsay) Zacharias, Brooke (Adam Machkovich) Herwig, Ben (Amanda) Rau, Karina (Connor) Bell, Alan Zacharias, Mason and Macy Zacharias; thirteen great grandchildren, Austin, Dominic, Josh, Maddie, Zeke, Victoria, Gabriel, Rose, Jonah, Kendal, Haisley, Bruer, Henrick, with another great grandchild due in May. Sisters-in-law, Diane Zacharias, Faye Zacharias and Beatrice Gudex, further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gerald and William Zacharias; brothers-in-law, Sam Gudex, Richard (Joanne) Williams; nephew, Tom Zacharias.

Visitation for Rick will be held from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25 ,2025, at Zion Lutheran Church 100 Church Street Fairwater, WI 53931.

A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at church with Pastor Kimberly Stowell officiating. Burial will take place at Fairwater Cemetery with Military honors provided by Abendroth Connolly American Legion Post 282.