Roman Joseph Zach, 83 of Swisher, died on Thursday, December 22, 2016 in his home.  Celebration of life services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, where military rites will be conducted.  Burial will be in Dupont Cemetery, rural Swisher.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2016 at Brosh Chapel.

Roman was born October 18, 1933 at the family farm near Swisher, the son of George and Marie (Dietert) Zach.  He graduated from Shueyville High School.  Following he served in the United States Army, stationed in Korea and Okinawa.  Roman was united in marriage to Elaine Matyk on June 27, 1959 at Shueyville United Methodist Church. Elaine died November 30, 2001.  Roman farmed in rural Swisher on the Century Farm.  Roman was united in marriage to Peg Merta on June 3, 2006 at the Wedding Chapel in Cedar Rapids. In years past, he went fishing, collected arrowheads, and painted landscapes and wildlife.  He was a foster parent for many years and enjoyed spending time with his entire family, especially his grandchildren.  Later in life, he enjoyed baking pies and going on special trips with Peg.

Roman is survived by his wife Peg; three children George Zach and Todd (Nancy) Zach both of Swisher and Jeanne Zach (Joe TeKippe) of Holstein; a daughter Andrea Black Cloud of Tama; grandchildren Brett and Keenan Zach and Jordan Draper, Monisha Black Cloud and Anisha Hart; step-children RaiAnn (Bob) Stratton of Hiawatha and Kenny Merta of Solon; a sister Betty Ann Merta of Lisbon; a brother-in-law Kenny (Jan) Matyk of Longmont, Colorado; a sister-in-law Mary (Liness) Littrell of North Liberty; his nieces and nephews; and his special dog Woofie.

Roman was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elaine, siblings Robert (Geraldine) Zach and Elaine (Butch) Sedlacek, a brother-in-law Marvin Merta, a sister-in-law Kathy Klein and a granddaughter Jocelyn Draper.

Memorials may be directed to Unity Point Hospice or to Cedar Valley Humane Society in his name.