The Funeral Service for Gary Zacher, age 72 of Elgin, will be held at 10:30am MT Friday, December 6, 2019 at Hope Congregational Church in Elgin with Pastor Ed Zimmerman, officiating.  Burial will be in Hope Congregational Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the George W. Snook American Legion Post #246 of Elgin.

Visitation will begin on Thursday from 1:00 to 6:00pm MT at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin and then the family will proceed to the Hope Congregational Church for a time of fellowship and sharing of memories.

Serving as casketbearers are Randy, Daryl, and Josh Tietz, Steve and Scott Rokusek, Tim, Tom and Josh Sprenger, and Del Weishaar.

Gary Lee Zacher was born on September 8, 1947 at the Lorenzen Memorial Hospital in Elgin, ND to Reinhold and Emilie (Weishaar) Zacher.  He attended Elgin Public School and graduated on May 27, 1965.  Gary enlisted into the Army National Guard and served with the Mott unit.  He was called to active duty during the Zip to Zap Riot in May of 1969.  He served his state and country for six years.

Gary was united in marriage to Doris Ann Tietz, on July 14, 1968.  They began their life together on the Zacher Homestead.  In 1969, they set up a dairy operation which they operated until 2001.

On January 3, 1970, they welcomed a son, Dennis Lee Zacher.  On June 8, 1971, they welcomed another son Douglas Gary Zacher.  A third son was born on November 29, 1972, Daniel Lee Zacher.  Finally mom got her wish on January 7, 1975 when a baby girl Linette Ann Zacher was born.

Gary worked the farm with his father Reinhold until 1975. At this time Gary purchased the family farm.  Gary worked the farm along with his wife and children until 2005 when his two eldest sons purchased the farm.  Gary continued to assist on the farm until the time of his death.  He had a very strong work ethic which he passed on to his children.

Gary served on various positions at the church including a janitor position.  Gary also served on the Cream Station Board.  Over the years he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He especially enjoyed Sunday afternoon visits or taking a long drive in the country.  Gary enjoyed collecting coins from all over the world.  He also collected key chains from various states that he and his family traveled to.  He enjoyed woodworking and making replica farm machinery and attending sporting events, especially his grandchildren's.

The week of Thanksgiving was a favorite week of Gary's.  For many years they butchered together with close friends.  This was hard work but also a great time of fellowship.  Gary passed away doing what he loved. Gary passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin.

He will be forever missed.  Gary was compassionate and the love of my life.  I will miss him dearly.

A memorial has been established.

Surviving family members include his wife, Doris, Elgin, ND; 3 sons, Dennis Zacher, Douglas (Nola) Zacher, Daniel Zacher, all of Elgin, ND; daughter, Linette (Jason) Raab, Carson, ND; 5 grandchildren, Emilie Raab, Weston Zacher, JaLyn Raab, Aidan Zacher, and Colter Raab; 5 step-grandchildren, Lexie Chapman, Nathan (Kylie) Chapman, Dallas Schaefer, Phoenix Schaefer, Dakota Schaefer; 2 step great grandchildren; Brayden and Newell Chapman; brother, Donald (Florence) Zacher, Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Evelyn Horst, Tucson, AZ; Doris (Eldon) Dahl, Huron, SD; Marcella Dahl, Fargo, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Ray Horst.