Helmut Zacharias

HELMUT "HAL" ZACHARIAS, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. Born in Poland on Dec. 8, 1943, he was the son of the late Heinrich and Alwine Zacharias. His family moved to Germany while Helmut was still an infant, later immigrating to Canada where they joined other family members who had settled in Morris, Manitoba. Hal graduated high school and, with the goal of becoming a certified accountant, worked as a bookkeeper at Morris Welding, a small business established by his mother's family. There he met a welder who had recently moved from Morden, Manitoba with his wife and two teenage daughters. Because Hal's accountancy program required an additional credit, he enrolled in a physics class at Morris Collegiate where he met the elder of the two daughters, Lynn Wessler. They were married on Dec. 23, 1967.

Hal's 30-year career with North American Van Lines began in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Star Storage and took him and Lynn twice to Ontario, Canada, overseas to Munich, Germany, and twice to Fort Wayne, Ind. In 1991 Fort Wayne became their permanent home. Hal enjoyed his work and the many fine people he met along the way, including his friends-for-life, Tom Brabin and Dan Robertson. Hal was a gentle, kind man known for his dry wit, and, as recently described by someone who knew him well, a "one-of-a-kind" sense of humor. He loved family, friends, music, gardening, birds, and all creatures great and small, especially dogs.

Hal leaves behind his wife of 53 years and soulmate forever, Lynn Zacharias; devoted sister-in-law, Judy Wessler; nephews, Alan Marx, Gary Marx, Robert Zacharias, Michael Zacharias, Ed (Kim) Zacharias; nieces, Sonja (John) Russell, Linda (Bill) Hansen; brother-in-law, Herbert Marx; sisters-in-law, Annelore Zacharias, Marga Zacharias; and many extended family members and dear friends.

"We are comforted in knowing that Hal is now in God's care and surrounded by loved ones who preceded him in death"; Heinrich and Alwine Zacharias; Adolf and Helene Zacharias; Herta, Albert and Richard Scheirer; Julius Zacharias; and Linda Marx, who passed away three weeks before Helmut in Fred Douglas Lodge in Winnipeg; Clarence and Berta Wessler; his beloved tail-wagging doggies, Sammy, Toby, Mariah, Beau and Teller; and many other friends and family.

"Heartfelt thanks to all the healthcare heroes and angels who cared for Hal as he struggled with dementia in his final years. To the staff at North Woods Village (Inverness Lakes), Hal's home for the last four months, where he thrived under their loving and compassionate care, giving him some of his happiest times in recent years. To Elos Hospice Care for the loving comfort they provided. To Keepsake Village at The Hearth at Sycamore, where Hal enjoyed feeding the birds and puttering in the courtyard garden. A special thank you to nurse Dottie Rayford who oversaw Hal's care at Keepsake, shared her love of dogs with him, and appreciated his unique sense of humor, which he retained until the very end. To the many cousins, friends, neighbors, Alzheimer's support groups, and Peace United Church of Christ, for their unfailing support and prayers, we are forever grateful."

No services will be held at this time. Hal's final resting place will be in Canada. Memorial contributions may be made to Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne (IN 46808) or by visiting kidszoo.org