Daniel Leon Zacher

Daniel “Danny” Leon Zacher passed away at his home on October 18, 2021.  Danny was born in Rugby, North Dakota, July 23, 1944 to Dan and Barbara Zacher.  Danny leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Jorja, his children, Paul (Gayle), Suzanne Wood (Frank), Jason (Kim), Jeremy (Jamie), 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  Danny had six siblings, brothers, Gerry and Bob, and sisters, Darlene, Linda, Barby and Pam. 

Danny was a farm boy at heart. He loved that he was from North Dakota and would have stayed there forever, but the family moved to Washington in 1960.  A Lincoln High School graduate, Danny met his wife in school and the two married in July 1965. The family spent weekends camping and boating during the summer, often finding their own spot somewhere down a bumpy road.  Danny loved cars. He had several classics that he kept and worked on at the family’s home in south Tacoma.  He could fix anything, sometimes to his wife’s chagrin. The only way Jorja could get rid of the brown washer and dryer set they bought after they were married was to move to Puyallup – which they did after Danny’s retirement from Active Construction in 2001. 

Danny’s second career was spoiling his grandchildren. The kids share memories of their parents dropping them off on the way to work and being greeted by freshly baked cookies and rolls from Papa’s oven.  Pancakes with whip cream and chocolate chips were the perfect send off before school!  Halloween and Christmas were marked with amazing decorations and great family parties.  German sausage, hooch and Kuchen were Papa’s specialties. Danny was a consummate perfectionist and whether he was building a multilevel deck on the house or setting up an easter egg hunt with golden eggs for the grandkids he did everything with care and love. 

In his later years, Danny could be found snuggled with his beloved dog, Zack who he spoiled with chicken nuggets. Danny left his family with a lifetime of wonderful memories. While they already miss him already, the lessons and traditions he imparted will live on in the next generations. 

A service will be held Thursday, October 28th, 1pm at All Saints Parish in Puyallup.

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