Nicholas Zak Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of Dorothy (nee Carr) for 63 years. Loving father of Jeanne (Ron) Smith, Janet (Linda), David (Andrea) and Tom (Karen) Zak. Dear grandfather of Andrew (Sherise) Smith, Caitlin (Adam) Ivey, Anna, Nick and Alek Smith, Maria, Noah, Steven, Quin and Emma Zak. Great Grandfather to Layla and Cooper Smith, Samuel, Quinn and Luke Ivey. Survived by his brothers Frank Zak and Allen Thomas. Preceded in death by his parents
Rose and Stanley, sister Fran Absolon and brothers Stanley, Theodore, Fred, Joe Zak, and Lonnie Thomas.
Nick was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, The Chosen
Few, Knights of Columbus Council 9981 & Knights of Columbus Honor Guard.
Funeral mass at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017 on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11 am. Family will receive visitors at 10. Live stream:
https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-mass-nick-zak-le9g1fpddtvmyq17fzsx
Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, Incarnate Word St. Vincent DePaul Society, or the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.
Nick was born at home September 14, 1930 in St. Louis Missouri. He attended St. Mary’s High School and graduated in 1948. After attending 10 years of night school while working full time, he received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Washington University in 1969.
He joined the Marine Corps in November 1948. Nick was wounded in Korea, December 3, 1950 sustaining leg and head injuries, losing his eye as well as suffering severe frostbite of his extremities. He received a Purple Heart for his injuries. Nick was honorably discharged from the Marines in September 1951. His name is engraved on The Chosin Few Monument in Forest Park next to the Korean War Veterans Association Memorial. He spoke numerous times at various schools recounting his military service. He also was a friend to military veterans, shared common experiences, offered advice, lent an ear, and assisted them in securing benefits.
For 30 years, Nick worked at Wagner Electric followed by 12 years as a contracting officer for the U.S. Army Troop Support Command. He retired in 1994. Retirement was good to Nick, and Nick LOVED retirement.
As a teenager, Nick was a caddy at St. Louis Country Club and thus became an avid golfer. His love of golf continued throughout his life. His final round was played on August 21st. He was particularly proud of his Hole in One shot on May 10, 2010. He also loved to fish for trout, especially with his grandchildren, at Bennett Springs. The children were guaranteed to catch a fish when grandpa asked them to “hold his fishing poleâ€.
His strong faith provided direction and motivation in everything he did. Service to his parish was a major part of Nick’s life. While at Good Shepherd and Incarnate Word, he served in the Men’s Club, Athletic Club, Parish Council, and Knights of Columbus 4th degree honor guard. He was an athletic coach, lector, Eucharistic minister, and usher.
He was a kind hearted, soft spoken, man of faith. Nick loved providing, caring and nurturing his family. A part of him will live forever in each of us. Semper Fi |