Thomas Zech Obituary

Thomas Luke Zech (Tom) was born on February 14, 1960. He passed away on July 7, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. He was the beloved son of Ralph and Bette Zech. When the family moved to a farm in Enumclaw, Tom joined the inaugural classes at Westwood Elementary School and later graduated from Enumclaw High School. He was active in the 4H and FFA dairy programs. Tom continued on to Washington State University’s animal husbandry program and was a proud WSU alum. Tom had very strong mechanical and mathematical aptitude. He graduated from the Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix. He continued his education, eventually earning a Grade 2 Boiler Supervisor rating. He used these skills as a head custodian and steam plant engineer for the Seattle School District. He retired from the District in December 2024 after a 30 year career.

An enthusiastic dog dad, Tom owned and showed Pekingese. He was very proud when Os’o made Grand Champion. Tom is survived by his most recent pup, Nem’o.

Tom’s lifelong love of trains extended from N scale models to Union Pacific’s huge steam engines. He enjoyed riding on vintage rails and once traveled around the United States by train. He also built model train layouts and enjoyed being “Engineer Tom”. In addition to his train travels, Tom enjoyed visiting his siblings scattered around the country. One of his favorite trips was a 3 week driving adventure around New Zealand. So many sheep. Tom was quick to lend a hand to family and neighbors. He enjoyed using his mechanical skills to fix just about anything. Tom was also a 100+ pint blood donor. Tom was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302, Knights of Columbus, the Evergreen Pekingese Club, the Enumclaw Cemetery Board, and of course, the WSU Cougar Alumni Association. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bette Zech, his sister Theresa, and brother Edward. He is survived by Dr. Ralph Zech (Leslie) Camano Island, Dr. Jean Zech-Manhart Grants Pass,

Joan-Marie Gerth USA (ret) (John) Whidbey Island, Charles Zech (Deb), and Katherine Kioshi, USN (ret) (Pat) , Sister-in-law Deborah Zech (Bethesda) and many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on August 22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Enumclaw, Washington. Inurnment at Evergreen Memorial cemetery to follow at 11:30 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, we invite donations to The Washington State University Alumni Association. Go Cougs!

Arrangements with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.

Please share a memory of Tom in the guestbook~