Zach - William Albert
Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 22 Nov 2003 p 2A
William Albert "Bill" Zach, 82, of Crawfordsville, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2003, in Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.
He and his wife had owned and operated the B-K, the Toot 'n Tell and A&W drive-in restaurants in Crawfordsville, and he had served as president of the A&W Operators Association. They had been in the restaurant business for 33 years when they retired in 1994.
Born April 14, 1921, in LaPorte County, he graduated from Isaac C. Elston High School in Michigan City in 1939. He completed a degree in engineering at Purdue University in 1959. He married JoAn Kritz on May 31, 1945, in Michigan City, and she survives.
Mr. Zach had been an active member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, and the Lions Club, formerly serving as president. He had been a basketball coach at the old St. Bernard's School. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer and enjoyed playing euchre and bridge.
Surviving with his wife are a son, James (wife: Karen) of Waveland; two daughters, Becky Hurt (husband: Brad) of Crawfordsville and Barb Jackson (husband: Terry) of Lafayette.
Memorial given by his granddaughter, Suzie Zach Baldwin (at his funeral)
"When my children found out I was going to give a speech about Babu today, they wanted to put in their two cents. Here is what they had to say. AJ: I loved Babu a lot. He took me fishing three times. I loved fishing with him. He was nice. I am sorry that Babu went to Heaven." Dane: Babu, I wish you wouldn't have gotten sick, but you can watch us play soccer from Heaven. Reilley: I love you Babu, Amen." So, what do you say about a stubborn German who had a zest for life? Behind that grumpy old man facade, you had a husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, neighbor, and loyal-friend who loved with all his heart. You can remember him as a fisherman, hunter, dictator, card partner, a sports man, or the coney man, the white headed guy who was always tinkering or cantankerous, hitting golf balls in the yard next door, or an avid yard sale junkie, an e-mail forwarder, a shelf or table maker, a restaurant owner, a radish sandwich eater, a crazy driver or the lawn mower, or you can just remember him as my special Babu, the 29-year-old great grandfather of 10. A few Saturdays ago, I spent the morning with my grandfather at Methodist Hospital. That day he was still as sharp as that 29-year-old he always claimed to be. We watched Purdue football, worked a crossword, and had some important and memorable conversations. We discussed my future and how he was thankful I was becoming a teacher. He was happy I finally was losing some baby weight (due to a lot of prodding by him). But, the best part of the time spent with Babu that day was I could feel how much he loved so many things - whether it be Purdue - Crosswords - his beloved dog, Stanley - his family and especially his Mary JoAn. I'll never see my grandfather on the craved and much enjoyed Sunday afternoons, Holidays, and sporting events again. I'll never be taken to another Purdue or Cubs game by my grandfather. He won't need to buy tickets for the game, listen to the grandkids ask, "How much farther" need coffee at half time to ensure the fact there is still feelings in his fingers ... now ... he has the best seat in the stadium!