Obituary of Walter Joseph Zaggy

ZAGGY, Walter Joseph of Saginaw, Michigan, faithful husband and dedicated father, passed away after a lengthy illness on December 21, 2011 at his home with his daughter Jeri at his side. Age 95 years. Walter was born September 16, 1916 in Youngstown, Ohio. He married Mildred M. Risher on April 30, 1941 while he was attending Ohio State University. They celebrated 53 years of marriage before she passed away on her 73rd birthday, November 30, 1993. Together they raised their six children. Walter was past president of the Reserve Officer's Association (ROA) Saginaw Valley Chapter. He was a charter member of the Saginaw YMCA's Y's Men Club, Chief of Sauk Tribe of the YMCA Indian Guide Program, and member of YMCA Retired Men's Fellowship Club. Walter was also a life member of Germania Town and Country Club. He served as Boy Scout Cub Master for many years and divisional chairman of the United Fund. Walt was past president of Masonic Retirees and Masonic Bowling League, and a life member of the Masonic Salina-Pioneer Lodge No. 79F and AM and 1996 Mason of the year. He was a life member of Valley of Bay City Scottish Rite Consistory and Elf Khurafeh Shrine Temple, past president of Shrine Ritualistic Cast and its other organizations, Caravan Club, Royal Order of Jesters Court # 74, Circus Club and Shrine Mariners. Walter was a charter member of Saginaw Steering Gear Alumni Club, member of Saginaw Valley Regional Chapter of AACA, Safari Club International and its Flint Chapter. Walter received a B.S Degree in Industrial Engineering at Ohio State University in 1942 where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, a proud O.S.U Cheerleader, past president of Quadrangle Jesters Engineering Dramatic Club and the Lens and Shutter Club. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1943, commissioned as Ensign, and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in l952. Walter then returned to Saginaw Steering Gear in l946 where he was employed for 37 years, retiring in 1979 as Executive Engineer. Surviving Walter are his four daughters and one son: Patricia (Gary) Grant, Mt Dora, FL., Kenneth Zaggy, Jackson, Jeri Zaggy, Saginaw, Karla (Dr. Karl) Hamel, Troy, and Sharon (Dan) Kingry, Saginaw. A special thanks to his three grandchildren, our angels on earth, that participated in his care the past 10 years and enabled him to live in his home, Kristen (Jeremy) Williams, Alison Kenel and especially his amazing grandson, Brandon Kenel; his other grandchildren include: Melissa and Jeffrey Hamel, and Nicholas and Wade Zaggy. Jace, Kalen, and Landon Williams, three of his great -grandchildren, always put a smile on his face. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Julie Zaggy, Youngstown, Ohio; and a brother, Ted (Lillian) Zaggy, Western Springs, IL; a former son-in-law, Tim Kenel; and a former daughter-in-law, Wendy Zaggy. A special friend , Don Gallant , together known as Frick and Frack, and his family who have been our extended family for over 60 years. Walter was predeceased in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Zaggy; brother, George Zaggy all of Youngstown, Ohio; his son, Walter J. Zaggy, Jr. in 1986; a grandson, Walter Jason Zaggy in 1987; and a former daughter-in-law, Clara Sue Clark in 2000. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., (off State). Rev. Paul R. Hinz of Peace Lutheran Church will officiate with interment to follow at Roselawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum. Military Honors will be observed at the Mausoleum under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post # 439. VISITATION: Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. The Masonic Salina-Pioneer Lodge #79F and AM will conduct a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. MEMORIALS: Those considering an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, Crippled Children's Transportation Fund, or YMCA Camp Timbers. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com