MADISON - Doris (Schultz) Zache, age 98, died peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025. She was the daughter of Herman and Gertrude (Steffen) Schultz, and was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 27, 1926. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Arthur R. Zache, who died in 1993.

Doris married Art in 1947, was a homemaker for 21 years, and was a Girl Scout leader as well as being deeply involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She then worked in the research department at Credit Union National Association for 25 years, until she retired in 1992.

After retirement, she became an active volunteer in her church (Messiah Lutheran) and was a docent at the Governor’s Executive Residence for 20 years. She loved to travel for CUNA and continued this in her retirement.

Doris dedicated her life to the people around her and cultivated many true friendships. She was a warm, loving lady whose generosity and spirit touched everyone she met. Christmas was her favorite time of year. For 25 years, she delighted in playing Mrs. Claus at the annual CUNA Christmas party. She baked thousands of Christmas cookies to gift to friends and loved ones, and her home was adorned with her handcrafted “Christmas Santa” ceramics. Doris took immense joy in hosting gatherings, whether they were for friends, family, or neighbors, and she was truly the glue that held us all together. She was deeply devoted to her church, adored her entire family, and served as a great inspiration to us all. With her beautiful smile and giving heart, Doris left a lasting legacy. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Doris is survived by two children, Sharon (Peter) Calder and Rob (Terese) Zache; along with three grandchildren, Melissa (Joe) Biller, Kristin (Jason) Vroman and Nate Calder; and five great-grandchildren, Cameron, Owen, Stella, Caden and Brycen. Additional survivors are brothers, Bob (Judy) Schultz, Dick (Nancy) Schultz and Dan Schultz; sister, Diane (Jeff) Schweitzer; as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her special friend, Amos Johnson.

A funeral service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. A private burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone at Attic Angels Community and Agrace Hospice for their loving care of Doris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Messiah Church or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Doris Zache

May 27, 1926 - February 01, 2025

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