Zacharias J. Wollmann

Zacharias, or Grandpa Zach, was born in Rose Isle, Canada, to Pr. Jacob and Sarah Wollman. He had 10 siblings. In 1936, when he was 5 years old, his family moved to Jamesville Colony, South Dakota in the back of a truck. In 1945 at the age of 14, he moved to Huron Colony.

Zach met Rachel Waldner when she was just 16 years old while he was helping with the harvest in Pearl Creek. Four years later, June 28, 1953, they were married and shared 72 years together.  They were blessed with 11 children and 87 grandchildren.

Zach served as carpenter and schoolteacher many years before he was appointed Minister in 1965.

In 1974, he and his family moved to Fordham Colony, where he was instrumental in building the new community. Then again in 1996, he moved to Minnesota to establish Altona Colony, where he served as Elder for many years.

Zach was devoted to serving and loving his family and community. He loved summer evenings, playing lawn games with his grandchildren, or driving around with his Chevy or golf cart with Grandma Rachel, checking what everyone was up to. He enjoyed doing lawn care for the community while his health allowed. Zack always enjoyed company. You could usually find him in his corner chair when you came in, ready to be a listening ear, or give his wisdom. He was a wonderful storyteller, with a great sense of humor. Zack loved fishing, and many of his sons and grandsons share fond memories of fishing trips with him.

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, friend, a champion of the faith. He was principled, and noble. His faith was an inspiration to all of us.  He was a man of integrity and stood for truth even when it came at great cost. His advice was practical and honest. He left his mark on all our hearts, and by God’s grace we’ll carry on the legacy he left us.

Zach Vetter, you memory is a blessing. Services will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 at Altona Colony.

Left to mourn his passing, and cherish his memory;

Beloved wife Rachel

Sisters Emma, Maria

Lydia & David: Lisa (Richard), Janet (Travis), David, Rhoda (Dwayne), James (Renae), John (Monica), Linda (Stephen), Jared

Zach & Linda: Randy (BeckyAnn), Phillip (Carolyn), Jacob (Amy), Conrad (Melissa), Rachel (Samuel), Miriam (Kevin), Ben (Chanel), Ruth (Josh)

Jerry & Sara: Matthew (Janelle), Jeremy (Paige), Renae (Joseph), Stanley (Joy), Daniel (Yolanda), Kelsey (Zac), Kevin (Janelle), Alex, Timothy

Gary & Esther: Cheryl (Jordan),Kathy (Wayne), Tara (Kenny), Phoebe (Wayne), Garett (Shanna), Mariah (Brandon), Paulette (Christian), Hadassah

Michael & Rebecca-Julia (Phillip), Michael (Kathy), Sylvia (Moe), Trenton (Cheryl), Zack (Krista), Michelle (Ben)

Betty & Henry: Hank (Rebecca), Jesse (Debbie), Zane (Naomi), Rachelle (William), Pamela (Johnny), Jeffrey (Sara), Zachary, Brittany

Janet & Moses: Dallas (Bethany), Chrystal (Caleb), Nolan, Janna (Andrew), Cyrus, Evan, Dawson, Aiden, Nadia, Dinah

Levi & Rosa: Nathan, Kayla (Jacob), Megan (Dave), Adam, Silas, Samuel, Autumn (Jeff), Vanna

Mark & Delia: Marcus, Morgan (Rebecca), Myra, Keith, Abigail, Charity

Peter & Kathryn: Cameron (Laura), Wesley (Vanessa), Roman, Karrie, Priscilla, Andrew, Serene, Adria

Frank & Janice: Samson, Jaime, Damaris (Joe), Joshua, Isaiah, Titus, Janae, Elise

and 218 great-grandchildren

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Jacob & Sarah, his son Zach Jr, granddaughter Rachel, three brothers and five sisters.