Zackariah J. McCarty, 33, of Galloway, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Mayo Clinic-Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by his family.
Zack was born Sept. 19, 1992, in Rhinelander, the son of Joe and Krista (Duellman) Filtz.
Zack graduated from Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School in 2011.
Zack attended Aurora Day Service in Wausau. He enjoyed cars and buses. Those who knew Zack remember him always carrying his favorite cars, pillow, blanket, radio and Blues Clues toy everywhere he went.
He enjoyed traveling with family, especially to Gulf Shores, Alabama, or up north to the cottage. Zack loved music, especially Lady Gaga or any music he could sing along to.
Zack had an infectious personality. When he laughed, you couldn’t help but laugh, too. He enjoyed playing with his many cousins and his nephew, Sterling. One of their favorite activities was playing cars or going on turbo rides.
Zack is survived by his mother and father, Joe and Krista Filtz; brother and sister, Kyle (Desseraie) Kotila and Cierra (Caleb) Petersen; nephew, Sterling Petersen; paternal grandpa, Karl Filtz; maternal grandma, Barbara Duellman; paternal great-grandma, Agnes Filtz, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Zack was preceded in death by his father, John McCarty; paternal grandma, Kathy Filtz; maternal grandpa, Robert Duellman; beloved dog, Darby; and many other loved ones.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Rev. Augustine Bentil will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, from 4-7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and again on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The family asks those attending the visitation and funeral to wear his favorite colors, blue or green, in honor of Zack.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff and nurses at Mayo Clinic-Saint Mary’s campus.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
