Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Racine, with Father Juan Manuel Camacho Porras officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32. Visitation will take place at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and at St. Lucy Catholic Church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Tim, memorials may be directed to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (www.dsaw.org).
Timothy Joseph Zarzecki, 63 years young, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as the result of a heart attack.
Tim was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on May 6, 1962, to the late Thomas and Barbara (née Spinski) Zarzecki Sr. He attended St. Edward’s and St. Joseph’s Schools and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School. Tim went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Parkside while working full time, eventually earning a degree in Business.
Tim began his working career at Racine Cyclery. He later worked at the Piggly Wiggly on Spring Street before beginning his law enforcement career as a Wisconsin State Trooper. On January 17, 1988, Tim transferred to the Mount Pleasant Police Department patrol division. He was later promoted to Sergeant, supervising all three patrol shifts.
Well respected among his peers, Tim was eventually promoted to Chief of Police, a role in which he proudly led the department for 10 years. He retired on November 9, 2018, after 30 years of dedicated service. Never one to sit still, Tim also served as Interim Village Administrator for the Village of Mount Pleasant during the final year and a half of his police career, a position in which he excelled. With tremendous amount of experience, Tim also taught criminal justice at Gateway Technical College. In retirement, Tim continued his commitment to service as a fraud investigator for Educators Credit Union, a position he held at the time of his passing.
Tim enjoyed biking, golfing, bowling and camping, and he appreciated the occasional cigar. He was also a devoted dog lover who cherished long walks with his four-legged companions, Emma and Gracie. Above all, Tim was immensely proud of his three daughters and his beautiful granddaughter, Claira. In fact, Claira became the love of his life over the last four years, and he would drop everything for a chance to spend time with her.
He is survived by his daughters, Sara (Remy) Hilsabeck, Heather (Zach) Quever, and Rachel (Branden Newer) Zarzecki; his cherished granddaughter, Claira Quever; his girlfriend, Lorena Ruiz; his brother, Tom Zarzecki Jr.; along with cousins, other relatives, his law enforcement family, his Educators Credit Union family, and many dear friends—too numerous to name.
In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his sister, Deanna, and his brothers, Robert and Richard Zarzecki.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Racine, with Father Juan Manuel Camacho Porras officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32. Visitation will take place at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and at St. Lucy Catholic Church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
In memory of Tim, memorials may be directed to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (www.dsaw.org).
Wendy and Mike Younglove says
Tim was such a kind nice man. Always had the best smile! Tim was one of the first troopers I met and was so kind to me when I graduated from the academy. I never forgot that. He will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.
THE ROBERTS ON OHIO ST. says
So sorry to hear about Tim. God bless all
Linda says
Great officer , respectful and loved his smile. He was always educational helping us new officers. Brother /Sister of Blue.
The Cardio family. says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tim grew up next door to my family on Virginia st. Is Tommy still alive?
The Curcio family. says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tim grew up next door to my family on Virginia st.
Mike Aimone says
Tim and I go back more than 40 years — from working together at Piggly Wiggly in Racine, to college days, traveling, and many rounds of golf. He was genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve known, with a great smile and an unforgettable laugh. I’ll always be grateful for the friendship we shared.
RIP my friend !
My sympathies to his entire family.
Chris Unrein says
To the Zarzecki Family –
I am soooo surprised and so very saddened to have come across Tim’s obituary. Gone far too soon….😔
My sincerest condolences to all who loved and knew him. Know that he is rejoicing with The Good Lord in His Kingdom for Eternity, and that you will see him again. Prayers being sent….🙏🏻
Andre says
Good and faithful servant who loved his Children dearly and was very proud of them.
A Man who loved the Lord and will be missed. Happy to not just call him a colleague but friend.
Rest in peace brother
Andre OCPD says
Good and faithful servant who loved his Children dearly and was very proud of them.
A Man who loved the Lord and will be missed. Happy to not just call him a colleague but friend.
Rest in peace brother
Sonia Huber says
One of the best of us. Such an accomplished life lived, Tim was always kind. Taken too soon. So sad.
Good bye Tim,
Eric Balow says
Knew Tim in a professional capacity as a fellow Financial Crimes Investigator and retired Law Enforcement Officer. He was a tenacious individual who worked hard to protect and educate all he encountered.
Rest in Peace Brother! Until we meet again, we will keep watch and serve others as you would!
The Payne-Dennard Family says
I worked with Chief Zarzecki for many years at the Mount Pleasant PD. Chief Zar listened to his officers, cared deeply about their well-being, and consistently supported us in both words and actions. His passing hit me hard, and the loss is still difficult to put into words. I continue to pray for his daughters ( Sara, Heather, Rachel) and hope they are surrounded by strength and comfort in this time of loss. May God surround you with His Love.
Raymond C Rorek says
I would like to pass on my condolences to Tim’s family on his passing as he was a friend and a great person. I got to know him as l was on the Mt.Pleasant fire department,may he rest in peace.Raymond C.Rorek and family’s
WKPD says
Tim was an amazing man. We are deeply saddened by his passing. He pray for his soul and for his family during this difficult time. God Bless.
Cathy Montijo says
Chief Zarzecki will truly be missed. I will always be grateful for all he has done for me, the community and the education he taught me as one of my instructors in the Criminal Justice program. Chief went above and beyond and was always willing to give direction and help when you needed. I will never forget how he helped my daughter and I through a scary home invasion, we will forever be thankful to him. My condolences to the family during this tremendous loss.
Christopher Schuster says
Tim was a great person and a great cop. He was influential in my career and personal life. He will be missed.
Mel Yasick says
Tim was a classmate during State Patrol Cadet Training. He quickly became my friend. A super guy who would drop whatever he was doing if someone needed help. Prayers and Love for him and all of his family and friends. 😢🙏❤️🇺🇸
Gary & Laurie Bauer says
Tim was a fellow classmate with me and 29 others graduating from the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy 33rd. Recruit class. We were both from Racine, and both returned to Racine for our first assignments. He was a great guy, we had a lot of laughs together. To this day I remember is nick name in the academy, “The 10–39 man”. Great guy.
Gino Modesti says
To my wonderful friend and brother in Jesus Christ! I will always remember our times we spent together especially the bike rides to Pets! I will especially remember our talks we had about our lord and savior Jesus Christ and how it always made us feel good to quote scripture to one another. I look forward to being reunited with you in heaven the day god calls me home. Rest easy my brother in the paradise god has made for us. Love you brother!
Rita Garrison says
Had a wonderful Messenger conversation with Tim in July, about our classmates, and much about our love for our dogs. I’m sure Gracie met him at the Rainbow Bridge. I hadn’t seen him since the Academy but it was like no time had passed. I complain about being 75 and he told me that wasn’t old anymore, people live to be 100 these days. Little did we know. You will be missed my friend. I guess GOD needed a good cop by his side. Say hi to Willie and Russ. See you when I get there.
Dan Thielen says
Thoughts and prayers to Tim’s family. He was a great man who truly cared about people. RIP my friend!
FOP Cream City Lodge 8 says
Timothy was a true brother and a dedicated member of our FOP family. His service, friendship, and camaraderie touched all of us, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
David Voss says
Tim was instrumental in the building of the Mt. Pleasant Cop House while he was chief.
Enjoyed working with him.
Kristine Hilsabeck says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to know Tim for very long, but he was kind, thoughtful, and compassionate whenever I was around him. My favorite memory of him is when “The Beer Barrel Polka” played at Sara and Remy’s wedding. Tim immediately jumped up and dashed to the dance floor! He was so excited to hear that song. May he now dance with the angels.
John Garner says
Chief… Brother…
I’m going to miss you more than words will ever reach. You weren’t just my Chief — you were my friend, my confidant, and one of the rare people in this world who always had my back. Your leadership, your heart, your loyalty… they changed my life forever.
My deepest condolences to your family and everyone who loved you. We’re hurting, but we’re also standing proud of the incredible legacy you leave behind, Timothy J. Zarzecki.
RIH, Brother.
Thank you for every conversation, every laugh, every lesson, and every moment of brotherhood.
You’ll live on in my heart — always.
Deb (Toth) Velicer says
I am so sad to hear of Tim’s unexpected passing and my heart is breaking for Sara, Heather, Rachel, Claira, Tom, Lorena, and their families. Tim was my cousin and also a close and trusted friend from the time we were small children throughout our adult lives. We enjoyed talking and texting about our families/lives and he always relayed how incredibly proud he was of his amazing girls and their families. He was truly one of the best humans I have known in my lifetime…definitely a role model for all of us. I will miss him and carry him in my heart forever. Remember…he is always with each of you as you continue your lives…love never dies.
Perry Smith, Mt. Pleasant FD says
Many of the firefighters who started around the same time as Tim called him Zar. I seen Zar help many people during his career and it was always reassuring seeing him on scene of calls. I remember towards the end of our careers, Zar as Chief was working patrol on a hot Saturday night. He was still answering calls helping people as the Chief of the department.
Phillip DeHahn says
Tim we sat at the same lunch table through out St. Cat’s. Our lunch table we signed up for intermital basketball as freshman.
We beat the Sophmores in the semi finals and almost beat the Seniors.
Through out our lives we always seamed to see each other as time moved on.
Always a good friend , respectful, kind and happy! Sorry you couldn’t stick around longer. You are dearly missed by many!
Stacy (Timo) Drier says
So sorry to hear about Tim’s passing. I have known Tim for many years through family and used to babysit his girls many years ago. Prayers to the whole family, gone too soon!
Carolyn Milkie says
Sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for his family.