Zich, Walter J.

zich, walterDr. Walter, J. Zich, 91, of Galesburg, died at 11:35 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Heartland Health Care, Galesburg.

Walter J. Zich M.D. was born February 20, 1924, in St. Louis, Mo.  He was reunited with his loving wife, Veronica M. Zich on February 28th.  They had been married for 63 years.  Walter is survived by his seven children: Michael (Lynn) Zich of Dunn, N.C.; Jane Zich (John Steinhelber) of Fairfax, Calif.; Marianne (Kevin) McCarthy of Granger, Ind.; Margaret (Mark) Precup of Chandler, Ariz.; Walter (Nathenia) Zich Jr. of Peoria; John Zich (Anne Ryan) of Chicago; and Peter (Carol) Zich of Elmhurst. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; five great­-grandchildren; and one sister, Marie Lebron.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Veronica Zich; his parents, John and Maria Zich; his brother, Reverend John Zich; his sisters, Bernice Zich and Helen Thielker; and his daughter-in-law, Gynell Zich.

Walter was first and foremost, a loving husband and father.  He was patient, kind, gentle and wise.  Walter also had the best one-liners, playfully joking around with those who were lucky enough to know him. He had a tremendously strong faith.  Walter was very active in his church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and was involved in the development of Costa School.  A St. Louis University Medical School graduate, Walter worked as a physician at St. Mary’s Hospital for decades.  During his time there, he served as Director of the Radiology Department, a term as Chief of Staff, and was instrumental in the building of the new St. Mary’s Hospital.  His children remember fondly and with great appreciation, all the times Dad’s patients would tell of his kindness and compassion.  Walter proudly served his country as a navigator of a B-17 during World War II.

A visitation for Walter will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The funeral service will follow at 11:00. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg. Visit www.watsonthomas.com to share condolences. The family gratefully acknowledges the care and friendship given by the staff at Heartland Care Center. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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