Walter “Wally” Zenczak

Walter “Wally” Zenczak, 78, of Beaver Dam passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.

Walter was born the son of Alex and Janina Zenczak on January 2, 1944 in Poland.  He served his country in the U.S. Army.  Wally received his master’s degree in business from Marquette University in Milwaukee.  He was employed as a regional sales manager for Cooper Tools for over 30 years.  Wally was married to Anna M. Duwirak on September 30, 1972 in Illinois.

Wally was an incredible husband, tato (father), and dido (grandfather) as well as, a living piece of history. Born in Poland, Wally’s father was wounded on the front lines when the Nazis invaded in 1939. His family would eventually immigrate to the United States shortly after the end of WWII. Wally, his younger brother Michael, and his parents arrived at Ellis Island in 1952 and were given $20 and a bag of groceries. From these humble beginnings, Wally and his family would settle in Chicago and begin their life.  Wally would go onto serve his country in the Vietnam War, attain his master’s degree from Marquette University, and work tirelessly with the Ukrainian Congress, Committee Relief Fund to bring over countless families to the greater Milwaukee area.

Wally was fiercely loyal to his family his faith, and his country.  Wally worked all of his life to provide for his wife, children, and grandkids.  He loved dark chocolate, plum wine, ABBA, his Chicago sports teams, crown royal, fishing, spending time with his family, watching old westerns, going to casinos, a good rummage sale, wearing his sweaters and dress pants, viewing the natural wildlife around his south Beaver Dam home, and his Ukrainian heritage. Wally always seemed to be carrying with him a hanky, or had a tooth pick in his mouth, or some cash in his pocket to give to a grandkid or family member without being prompted.  He was a kind, giving, thoughtful, intelligent man who loved to travel, seeing much of the US and visiting places like Auschwitz Concentration Camp, family in Ukraine, and of course the nations of Vietnam and Laos.  Wally was married to the love of his life, Anna, and would have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on September 30^th.  Wally arrived in this country with his family, $20, and a bag of groceries, but leaves this world so much richer with the family he created, and tireless work he put in to make this world a better place.

Wally is survived by his wife Anna of Beaver Dam; three children: Sheri (Marc) Valencia of Round Rock, TX, Daniel (Ginger) Zenczak of Pensacola, FL, and Christina (Joel) Kamrath of Watertown; seven grandchildren: Kayla, Krista, Alexus, Braedyn, Paxton, Marena, and Ender; his brother Michael Zenczak of Chicago; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Zennon and Lew.

A visitation will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m.  Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam with military honors to be conducted.