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lfred J. Zacher, a prominent figure in Fort Wayne's business and nonprofit communities, passed away on Saturday at the age of 96. His son Steve described him as "healthy" until just before his death, when he took a turn for the worse after four months of 24-hour care at home.

    Zacher was a successful entrepreneur who founded The Zacher Co., and also made significant contributions to Fort Wayne's economic development through numerous commercial real estate transactions. He served on several nonprofit boards over the past seven decades, including SCAN – Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, Vincent Village, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

    Friends and colleagues praised Zacher for his kindness, energy, and commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Mayor Sharon Tucker remembered him as "one of the kindest people" who cared deeply about the children at Vincent Village, while Chuck Surack described him as a "mover and shaker" with a finger on the pulse of what was happening in Fort Wayne.

    Zacher's friends also spoke to his dedication to staying current and knowledgeable, whether it was through reading nonfiction books or participating in community activities. He was married for 61 years to Hannah Frankenstein Zacher, who passed away in 2017, and is survived by their two children and six grandchildren.

    As a mentor and role model, Zacher inspired many people, including his son Steve, who described him as "my mentor and my role model." Friends like Ben Eisbart remembered him as a renaissance man with a sharp mind and a kind heart. "He saw the best in people," Eisbart said, adding that Zacher's death is a loss for Fort Wayne and humanity.