NANCY ZAK

Nancy Zak, age 87, of Elburn, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Friday, June 17, 2022.

She was born March 6, 1935, in Chicago, to loving parents, James and Caroline Blaha.

Nancy grew up in Chicago and attended local schools. She graduated from Lindblom High School before pursuing a nursing degree.

Nancy met the love of her life, Rudolph “Rudy” Zak at SOKOL, a gymnastic organization.  Both gymnasts, it wasn’t long before they tumbled for each other and rolled to the altar. They were united in marriage in 1956 and began their new life together in Chicago. Later, they moved to Lombard for a time before making a home in West Chicago. In the early 1990’s they moved once more to Elburn where they continued to make memories with a now growing family full of grandchildren.

Although Nancy worked at Mt. Sinai Hospital as a nursing student before concentrating on raising her children. Later she worked as a secretary in the city hall of West Chicago before working for her husband in his commercial photography studio where she helped with marketing. In time, Nancy began working for the Mayor of Warrenville before retiring and moving to Elburn.

Nancy was a active in the League of Women Voters in Lombard, as well as the Gordon Setter Highlanders, a regional canine organization that supported both Rudy and Nancy’s passion of breeding dogs for show, obedience and companionship.

Nancy loved the Wizard of Oz and trips to The Clearing in Door County. Through Waubonsee Community College, she worked with LLI, the Life Learning Institute and dabbled in floral design. Her faith was strong and was fed by the Community Congregational Church of Elburn, where she was a member of the choir for many years, although her singing talent may have been questioned privately by her family.  Her garden always brought forth beautiful blooms year after year. She spent countless hours sewing holiday outfits and quilts for everyone in the family and had a creative spirit that reveled in many different arts and crafts, as well as writing a memoir. She loved animals of all kinds, but dogs found a special place in her heart for the many she bred and showed. In the eyes and hearts of her family, Nancy will be missed dearly but never forgotten.   

She now leaves her four children: Bob (Alice) Zak, Jean Zak, Bill (Tatia) Zak and Jim (Jessica) Zak; 8 grandchildren: Valerie (Brett) Amen and their children: Everett and Barrett; Andy (Jaimee) Schackmann and their son Chace; Katie Zak, Annissa Zak, Jimmy Zak, David Zak, Tyler Zak and Ryan Zak; one brother, Thomas Blaha; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends.

She is now reunited with her husband Rudy Zak, her parents, James and Caroline Blaha; one sister, Geri and one brother James.  

Visitation will be from 11-1p.m, with a funeral service to follow on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Interment will follow at Garfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Nancy’s name. Checks may be made to the “Nancy J. Zak Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.