August 30, 1932 – May 25, 2018
Walter T. Zych, 85, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Friday, May 25, 2018 at his home. Per Walter’s wishes, he has been cremated.
Walter was born on August 30, 1932 in East Chicago, IN to Walter and Dolores (Ostrowski) Zych. He served in the Navy during the Korean War in the early 50’s and served on the USS Tarawa. He raised his family in Lake County, IN and later moved to Benton Harbor, MI in 1983. He retired from the Teamsters Union after 36 years. He was a Deputy in the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and a project manager for Michiana Land Services working on projects including transmission lines, pipelines and windmill farms.
Some of his hobbies included flying his Taylorcraft airplane, fishing on Lake Michigan, hunting in Nebraska, and riding his motorcycle. He was a member of the NRA, Experimental Aircraft Association, American Legion, Lest We Forget, FOP #100, and Michigan Sheriffs Association. As a volunteer, he helped to create the Community Restorative Board for Berrien County Juvenile Court in 2000 and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Victims Services Unit in 2009, served as a member of the Public Safety Committee for St. Joseph Township, and volunteered for several years as president of the Berrien County Neighborhood Watch.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; sons, Joseph of Valparaiso, IN, and Edward of Hohenwald, TN; granddaughters, Kristin Zych and Brianne Zych; and sister Dorothy of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor with Fr. Ben Huynh officiating. Committal with Military Honors will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating Walter’s life with the sharing of memories will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 7:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the above organizations or SS. John and Bernard Catholic Church. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.