Joseph Wenceslaus Zachar Jr.

Joseph Wenceslaus Zachar Jr.

Cedar Rapids

Joseph Wenceslaus Zachar Jr., 80, of Cedar Rapids, entered his eternal reward on Friday, June 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on Sept. 30, 1942, to Edith (Stepanek) and Joseph Zachar Sr., a natural charmer with a mischievous smile. He attended St. Wenceslaus School, graduating in the second class at Regis High School, and received his B.A. from Loras College. He met Marcia Ward on a blind date in late 1965. On Aug. 20, 1966, they were married at Sacred Heart Church in Boone and enjoyed 53 years together. Joe spent his career at Iowa Electric (Alliant Energy) and Acme Electric.

Joe served his community through civic, faith, and fraternal organizations, including All Saints Parish, Cadets of St. George, First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Catholic Workmen, Knights of Columbus, Loras College, the Xavier Foundation and numerous others.

Everyone who knew Joe, loved him… and it seems like everyone knew him. Wherever he traveled, he met old friends. Joe loved playing sports, especially softball, golf and bowling. Joe always enjoyed the outdoors, especially his annual fishing trips to Red Lake, Canada. He was always ready for a game of cards, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and loyal fan of every team on which his kids and grandkids played.

Joyfully greeting Joe in Heaven are his loving wife Marcia; parents, Joe Sr. and Edith; brother, Tom; niece, Ann (Trcka) Ollinger; uncle, Rev. Monsignor Albert Zachar; and Sylvia Pecinovsky.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his children, Joe III, Paul (Yves), Jean and Jim (Linda); grandchildren, Devin, Brady, Jonathon, Zach, Cassidy, Madisyn, Anthony and Timmy; great-grandchildren, Parker, Leovanni and Leland. He will also be missed by his sister, Joanne (Jim) Trcka; and sister-in-law, Judy Zachar; the Ward siblings, Linda Rickertsen, Debbie (Don) Dogotch, Randy (Kathy) Ward, Daniel (Carol) Ward and Patty (Ron) Gade; many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at Teahen Funeral Home, with a vigil service at 4 p.m. Those not attending the vigil service may visit with the family from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church; family will be present an hour prior. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.

The family would like to thank all those who supported Joe’s health in his final years, including the many doctors and caregivers with kind hearts and skillful hands who made his days and nights easier.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to All Saints Catholic Church or any of the organizations that Joe served.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.