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Zachariah “Zach” Fontaine

May 11, 1986 - Dec 16, 2021

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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

Visitation

Date: Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home [map]

Service

Date: Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home [map]

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Guestbook Entries SIGN GUESTBOOK

Michele M Radi

I will miss you forever, you were so loved and cherished, not just by me, but many, whose lives you touched. I was always proud of the man you were, I love you, my sweet boy.

John Puchalski

I met Zach in college at Whitewater, the depths of his compassion and patience have never left me. His spirit was truly indominable. We could all use a little more of the hurricane.

Jeff Pentek

My deepest condolances to family and friends, especially not being able to make it to the rememberance service. I've been close friends with Zach since 7th grade and his sudden departure has come as a shock. Even now I'm still trying to process it. Although he may no longer be with us, I will always cherish the memories I have of him through schooling, Trees for Tomorrow, Sheboygan Youth Band, D&D parties, standing up in Brad's wedding, and more recently through our online gaming. He will always be remembered as an amazing DM and storyteller. I will miss you buddy but I wish you the best in your next adventure.

Jennifer pentek

Thinking of you Zach. I'm sorry I couldn't be there today. You are an amazing person and are missed.

Jeffrey P Radi

I hope you knew how special you were to your mom…..she never gave up on you…….Zach-man, you were such a gentle and caring human being……..I enjoyed speaking with you, although not as often as I would have liked………I am glad I got to talk with you more the last couple times I had to be up there……you were a great speaker……..your mom said you were an amazing oldest brother……..your legacy will show in them……..your presence will be dearly missed……love you….. Uncle Jeff

Alicia

I didn’t get to spend much time with my Cousin Zach…but recently back in July & September is when I got to have back & forth conversations with him. From those conversations he made me laugh & showed how kind he was. Aunt Michele I am terribly sorry for your loss & you can always call or text if you want to ever talk or need inspiration. Love you

Kenzie Radi

I am glad I got to meet you and I wish I had more time with you and I love you and I am going to miss you Kenzie Radi

Colton Stewart

Zach and I were only roommates for a semester at UWW but I can honestly say he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. My deepest condolences for his family. Rest in Peace Hurricane.

Sharon Pentek

We always enjoyed being with Zach. He marched with all our kids in the Sheboygan Youth Band playing the bass drum. When not with the band, Zach hung around with our son Jeff and Brad Mervyn. They were all in the neighborhood. Many hours were spent at our house playing video games or just hanging out. Zach was so full of life when spending time here. We all loved Zach dearly and will miss him terribly. We are keeping you all in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. God bless.

Paul Delvaux

I will always remember how much Zach enjoyed the Fontaine-Delvaux game days and Lord of the Rings premieres. So sorry he left us so soon.

Michele M Radi

Voodoo, lol

Michelle Radi

You always played "Voosoo" by God's mack for me, I love you, Zachariah

Laura Fingerson

I am so sorry for this deep, deep loss Michele. I did not know Zach, but I know you and as your child, I know he was amazing and brought so much to you, your family, and this world.

Todd Spoden

There are no words to describe the huge hole left without his presence. Zach was larger than life with his ability to do very quickly have the perfect quote. He truly loved with his while heart and the world is a whole lot emptier because of his passing. At least you are a star in the night sky now. Rest easy big man. Love you lots

Karen Moore

My heart goes out to you and your family. What a profound loss for you, Michele, as his mother. I hope you will take comfort together with shared memories of this wonderful young man and the knowledge that his spark lives on in all of you.

Craig Allen Radi

My heart felt condolences go out to my niece Michelle and all of her family as they deal with all of this in front of them. What a wonderful story of Zach that you all shared. Thank you.

Michele M Radi

My sweet punkin, I will miss you forever, I live you so much, the pain is so intense, the loss and grief will always be too near. I will look after your siblings, I promise. Love, Mom

Kathleen

I cannot imagine how you are feeling. You know how much I care for you and your family. Wish I were closer to share a hug and some tears. Your family is in my daily prayers.