Zachariah (“Zach”) Luke Lee Fontaine, age 35, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Sheboygan on Thursday, December 16, 2021. He was born May 11, 1986 and became his mother’s first and best Mother’s Day present.
His heart beat strong for those he cared about, and he saved little for himself. He cared for and loved his younger brothers Cameron J. P., Brayden D. P., Jardin C. M., Paris T. V., sister Anastasia E. N., and step-sister Tayler who return his love. He is loved by his mother Michele Marie Elizabeth Radi, father Christopher Lee Fontaine, and step-father Todd Alan Spoden. He is also survived by his grandmother Judith Ann Fontaine (Effenberger), his aunt Lisa Lee Gilbertsen (Fontaine), his uncle Jeffery Radi, great uncle David (Linda) Boers, several cousins, and his good friends Branden Bacon, Jeff Pentek, Bradley J Mervyn, Joseph Temby, Andy Kapellusch, and Johnathan D. Reis. He was preceded in death by good friend Justin Wieberdink (“Dink”), his grandfather Vaughn Frederick Radi, grandfather Gary Lee Fontaine, grandmother Patricia Elizabeth Radi (Boers), step-grandfather Frank Spoden, step grandmother Sonja Spoden, great grandmother Laverne Boers, great aunt Barbara Johnson (Boers), and great uncle Donald Johnson.
Zach breezed through school with little effort. He enjoyed his job at the North High radio station as a sports commentator. After high school he attended one year of college at U.W. Whitewater. Deciding to enter the work force he began working at Johnsonville where he worked for several years working his way up to become a leader. He was devastated when he lost his good friend and co-worker “Dink.”
From a young age Zach harbored an enthusiastic love of games of all kinds. He especially enjoyed board games, video games, and watching sports. He attended the local gaming convention, Fire and Ice, to share his love of board games with others that shared his passion. He would frequently attend “game days” with his friends or family to play the latest game or continue an exciting game of D&D where he would enjoy being the DM. Zach also enjoyed video games, he played many consoles but his favorite games were on the PlayStation and PlayStation 2. Later he discovered PC gaming playing games like Age of Wonders and Warcraft over a local network and eventually developed a love for MMORPGs starting with WoW (World of Warcraft). His face would light up as he explained the gameplay or strategies of each game which he was happy to share if asked. Zach was also an avid Packers fan. He enjoyed watching the games, discussing strategies, and rattling off stats that were pertinent to the players and teams playing.
Zach realized one of his strengths was watching and caring for younger children. As the oldest he accrued a lot of experience caring for his five siblings. He helped friends when they needed help caring for their children. He continued caring for his autistic brother Paris until his last moments.
Zach had a sarcastic sense of humor and a quick wit which he used to brighten up the darkest of days for his loved ones and friends. He often made the best of a tough situation with a simple witty response. His wit and genuine enthusiasm for his hobbies were infectious. Always humble and compassionate he touched and improved many lives, likely more than he realized. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Open visitation will be held at the Reinbold Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan, on December 29, 2021, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A remembrance service will be held for friends and family to participate starting at 4:00 PM. Donations can be made at worldbuilders.org in Zach’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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