"Zip" Victor Arthur Zaragoza

“Zip” Victor Arthur Zaragoza age 76 of Richland, formerly of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, 2022, at Behner Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Behner Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Van Nyhuis officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family and mailed to: Dixie Zaragoza, 310 West Harrison Street, Richland, Iowa 52585.

Zip was born February 27, 1946, to Natividad “Nat” and Maria Luisa (Sanchez) Zaragoza.  He married Dixie Perian on November 25, 1978, at the Free Methodist Church.

Zip graduated from Fairfield High School in 1964.  He joined the Army and while at basic training injured his back and was honorably discharged.

Zip worked a total of 48 years as a pattern maker, 28 years at the Iowa Malleable, until they closed, and 20 years at H&H Molding & Tooling.  He was extremely smart, skilled worker in his trade as a pattern maker.   Zip was well known in the community and would go out of his way to help where ever he could.  He would help others in need and not expect anything in return.  Zip had the heart of gold, soul of an angel, always had words of wisdom and encouragement, would always put others first before himself. Zip’s giving continued by donating to Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Some of Zips other interests were playing cards, listening to classical music, riding motorcycles, wood working, dancing, muscle cars, attending car shows, camping, fishing, canning, cooking, grilling, watching St. Louis Cardinals on tv and attending live Cardinal games with family.  He loved making spicey chili for family and coworkers.  Winning many spicey chili contests between coworkers at the Malleable.  Zip also had a big garden and loved making salsa out of his fresh produce he grew.

Most important to Zip was his family.  He spent most of his free time with his kids and grandkids.  He loved making his famous popcorn for his grandkids, which they loved very much, while playing board games and cards.

Zip will be missed by his wife, Dixie of Richland; his children, Victor Zaragoza of Oklahoma City, OK, David Zaragoza of Utah, Leslie Allender of Washington, Heather Brumbaugh of Ottumwa, Aron Zaragoza of Fairfield and Amanda Lisk of Richland; 23 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Rene Zaragoza; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Zip was preceded in death by his parents, Natividad “Nat” and Maria; brother, Raymond; and sister-in-law, Hope.