Albert John Zatkovich

Obituary Albert J. Zatkovich was born on September 21st, 1918 and for nearly all of his life he lived in Tacoma. After high school, he attended Business College where he met and fell head over heels in love with Ann Francis O'Loughlin, a petite young woman. Upon graduation, they married and for the ensuing 59 years devoted their lives to one another, their two daughters, and to their community. After the death of his dear ‘Annie', Al sold their home in Tacoma and moved permanently to their beach place a few miles from Shelton, where he spent the next 11 years with his loyal companion Booker, a golden retriever. Despite the joy Al brought to his family and friends, his vigilant Tuesday visits to the Kiwanis Club and his highly anticipated participation in their annual pancake fundraiser he seemed to wait patiently for his reunion with his beloved Annie. On the Morning of May 30th, Al died suddenly without struggle at the ripe age of 92. Blessed with a deep faith and robust health, he was both mentally and physically active until his death. Just a few days before, in between rain showers, he vigorously and diligently pruned and manicured his vast property, and only a week before he climbed onto his roof and pressure washed the long winter's remnants of pine needles and moss to the ground. Al was preceded in death by all four of his brothers - Milan, Joe, John and Tony - his wife and his oldest daughter, JoAnn Harold (husband Wayne). He is survived by his youngest daughter Judith M. Schwarz (husband Gene), his two grandsons, Stephen Schwarz (wife Teresa) and Michael Schwarz (wife Katherine), his two granddaughters, Beth (husband Howie Zelefsky) and Lisa (husband Tod Burres) and thirteen great-grandchildren: Alex, Connor, Katie and Landon; Giles and Victoria; Corrie, Julie, and Jonathan; and Nathan, Natalie, Nicole and Nelise. The Celebration of Al's life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6th in the Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel located on 1002 South Yakima Avenue. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7th at Holy Rosary with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Because Al was intensely allergic to the fragrance and pesky presence of pollen, for those who wish, donations can be made to their favorite charity or the Shelton Kiwanis Club at P.O. Box 477, Shelton, WA. 98584. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.