Arnold J. “Buck” Zahratka

, age 99 of Montgomery, passed away on Thursday, January 9th, 2025, at Traditions of Montgomery.

Born on August 31, 1925, in Montgomery to Tom and Bessie (Lestina) Zahratka. He attended St. Raphael Catholic School and Montgomery High School. He was drafted into the US Army in October of 1943 and sent to Camp Blanding Florida for basic training followed by specialized training in Camp Butner North Carolina. He was then assigned to the 106th Infantry division in Camp Atterbury, Indiana and shortly after sent to LaHarve, France. Once ashore the 106th set off the confront the Nazis in the winter of 1944-45. Facing some of the worst winter weather in decades, the 106th went on to fight in the “Battle of the Bulge”. With many of the 106th ending up captured or killed, Buck fought on with a small contingent of the 424th regiment. Buck ended up being separated from his unit and was left alone in the Ardennes with no ammunition and very few provisions but eventually found his way back to his unit.

Buck was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Bronze Star, European Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Medal, Fidelity and Honor Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the French Legion of Honor Medal.

After returning home Buck maintained his service and love of country by becoming a charter member of the combined VFW and American Legion Honor Guard. After working as a mechanic he opened “Buck’s Cities Service”, then “Buck’s Tavern” in the early sixties followed by 30 years as a heavy equipment operator for Alexander Construction. Hobbies included fishing, snowmobiling, travel and driving his motorcycle and Model T.

Family was very important to him, married to his wife Gladys (Kennedy) for 73 years and blessed with three children. Six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Buck is survived by children Keith “Zeke” (Cindy) of Montgomery, Linda (Dale) Stadstad of Prior Lake and Arnold (Tom) Zahratka of Howard Lake.

Buck is preceded in death by his wife Gladys, brothers Leonard and Martin, sister Loraine, parents Tom and Bessie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM on Monday, January 20, 2025, and continue until the time of the service at thec hurch.