Michael Andrew Zech

Mike passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by Judy, his wife of 61 years, and his 3 children by his side.

Mike left a legacy rooted in faith in Jesus, devotion to family, and a lifelong connection to the land.

Mike attended Burke Elementary, a one-room schoolhouse, continued at Trinity Lutheran Elementary, and graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1961. He received his bachelor’s degree in Dairy Production from Michigan State University in 1965, and shortly after became a veteran, proudly serving 6 years in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War era.

Growing up on the family farm as the second of four children, Mike learned the value of early mornings, intensive farm work, friendship, and teamwork. Those formative years shaped a lifelong work ethic that guided everything he accomplished.

His lifelong deep respect for agriculture and community led him to excel in youth 4-H programs and later he became a Master Gardener.

Mike turned his deep knowledge of farming into a rewarding career in agricultural sales with Chevron and Valent, which took his family to five different U.S. states. He helped pioneer the concept of No-Till Farming; his father Andrew Zech was one of the first Michigan farmers to successfully test it.

Respected by colleagues and local farmers alike, he spent decades on the road building lasting relationships and offering steadfast service. His commitment to safety and diligence was recognized nationally when he earned the prestigious Million-Mile Safe Driver Award, a testament to his careful stewardship across countless miles.

Above all, Mike’s life was anchored by his strong faith in God and his boundless love for his family. He was a lifelong active Church council member of the WELS Lutheran Church, attending Sola Fide Lutheran for the past 46 years. Supporting Christian parochial school education remained a lifetime passion and priority.

He considered his role as a father and grandfather to be a tremendous blessing and an absolute joy in his life. He took every opportunity to share stories, offer guidance, and invest in creating unforgettable memories. An avid outdoorsman, Mike was happiest when immersed in nature. Whether he was waiting quietly in a deer stand at dawn, casting a line on a calm lake, spending a weekend camping under the stars with family, hitting balls across the tennis court, or enjoying a morning on the golf course with friends, he found deep peace and fulfillment in the outdoors.

Mike and Judy traveled extensively in Europe, particularly in Germany, where they enjoyed German food, riding the trains, exploring castles, and taking every opportunity to polka dance.

Mike’s warmth, integrity, wry sense of humor, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He lived a full life centered on faith, family, and hard work, leaving a lasting impression on everyone blessed to cross his path.

He is survived by his wife Judith "Judy" Zech, children: Wendy Zech, Tim Zech (Suzanne Truluck Zech), and Cary Zech (Nicole Wentker Zech). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Chase Zech (Rebekah Tillman Zech), Luke Zech, Ana Zech McDougald (Matthew McDougald), Andrew Zech, and Kathryne Zech Lynn (Jake Lynn), and four great-grandchildren; his sisters: Joyce Zech Scherer (Joseph Scherer) and Marilyn Zech Hurrle (Daniel Hurrle); brothers-in-law: Phil Dykstra and Lou Leiter, sister-in-law: Betty Valenzuela, his aunt: Alice Trautman, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In Georgia, Mike's Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Sola Fide Lutheran Church,1307 Webb Gin House Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 on Saturday, Sept 12th, 2026. The Sola Fide Sanctuary will host Visitation from 10:00am-12:00pm, followed by Mike’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service from 12:00pm-1:00pm.

Immediately following the Memorial Service, at 1:00pm a buffet meal will be served, followed by fellowship and a time of sharing memories of Mike. This will take place across the way in Sola Fide Academy's Great Hall.

Mike's Michigan-based Celebration of Life will take place in Summer 2027. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.nationalcremation.com, and consider www.griefshare.org for a sacred space to process grief.

Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the "Michael Zech Memorial Fund for Sola Fide Academy" via check, or via the following link: https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/solafide