May 6, 1962 – Feb 1, 2026
Timothy Joseph Zarzecki, 63 years young, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as a 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 a 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 (
