Zach, Gene A.

“Did I not tell you if you believed you would see the Glory of God?”         John 11:40 

On Christmas Day, 2009, Gene A. Zach's faith became sight as he entered the majesty that is heaven to behold his Lord and Savior in His full glory.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at New Covenant Bible Church, led by Pastor Bob Westfall. The family will greet friends from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service and a time of fellowship will follow the service. There will be a private burial.

Gene was born April 19, 1935, in Hamburg, Iowa, to Alfred and Martha Zach. He attended Iowa State University from 1952-1954. He served two years in the armed forces stationed in Germany. He attended the University of Iowa where he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1962 and a master's degree in oral diagnosis in 1967.

Dr. Zach was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Lee and Jimmy; a sister, Helen; and his mother and father. 

He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 50 years, the former Karen Bean, who he married in June 1959 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He leaves four married children, Scoot (Atiya) Zach, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Melissa (Kraig) Ceynar, Swisher, Iowa, Julie (Bill) Gernett, Hopkinsville, Ky., and Amy (Ron) Noelting, Franklin, Tenn. He also leaves 13 cherished grandchildren, Allison, Zachary, Bradley, Katie, Isaiah, Jonathon, Lydia, Zoe, Gabby, Elizabeth, Melissa, Tori and Zane. His beloved siblings, his sister, Shirley (Marvin) Oakes, Hamburg, Iowa, and brother, David (Karen) Zach, Virginia Beach, Va., remain.

Gene was on staff at the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa for 30 years, attaining his professorship in 1973. During his tenure at the university he established the General Dentistry Residency program at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and was the director for 18 years. He was a member of the American Dental Association and it constituents, American Association of Hospital Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Associal of Clinical Hypnosis, American Association of Dental Schools, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Perhaps Dr. Zach's greatest professional accomplishment was the warm, caring guidance willingly given to his residents, students, and patients.

Upon medical retirement in 1992, Gene turned his attention to creative writing, golf, and volunteer work. His first work of fiction, “An Instance of Justice,” was published in 1995. His children's book, “Harvey the Ugly Little Hippopotamus,” was published in 2002. He never achieved one of his greatest desires, a hole in one, though he thoroughly enjoyed trying. Gene participated in the Pet Therapy Program, the Rock and Read Program, and volunteered at the Linn Community Food Bank. He was an ordained Elder at Christ Presbyterian Church, where he and Karen taught the Adult Sunday school class for 30 years. Later, he became a member of New Covenant Bible Church and was a member of Bible Study Fellowship for several years.

Gene was known for his gentle, kind ways and quiet wisdom. He was a courageous man with great inner strength, who ran with endurance the race of life - pressing on to overcome the challenges of his disability, but accepting with grace and dignity what he could not change. He always focused on his blessing instead of adversity. Our lives will never be the same without him, but will always be better because of him.

Gene's family would like to give a special thanks to our Hospice friends: Kim Miller, Lisa Fortune, Joe Kane, Rachel Willeke, Sara Case and Angie Batcheler. You traveled with us on this incredible end of life journey, and you brought kindness, encouragement, laughter, support, and love to our home. Gene loved each of you in a special way and you will not soon be forgotten. Thank you also to the staff at Hospice House who took such good care of Gene, especially Jody, Christa, Barb and Tammy for their compassionate care in Gene's final hours. Thank you to Mercy Home Health for their support, especially Jennifer Aarni, whose capable care and quiet companionship provided confidence in times of respite. We would also like to express our appreciation to Dr. Glanzer for her dedication, compassion and wise counsel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gene's honor to Hospice of Mercy or New Covenant Bible Church Embracing Faith Building Fund.

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