Zachary "Zach" Michael Paulsen
August 23, 2014
Zachary Michael Paulsen, 21, had his life taken from him on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Wednesday, August 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Thursday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Zach was born on December 18, 1992 to Kurt and Patrice Paulsen in Des Moines, IA. He graduated from Valley High School in 2011 and from WyoTech Vocational School in Larami, WY. He worked as a diesel mechanic and helped in the family construction business, Dean Paulsen & Sons Contractors. Zach loved to take things apart and put them back together. He was a huge fan of Snap-on tools and was rarely without a wrench in his hand. He was always working on a car or engine, his truck, or building something. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing, exploring and spending time at the family cabin in Canada. Zach loved spending time with his family. He was extremely generous and quick to help anyone in need. His passing leaves a giant hole for all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Kurt and Patrice Paulsen; grandparents, Dean and Charlene Paulsen; aunts and uncles, Dana Petrowsky, Kent and Kari Paulsen of Des Moines, IA, Kriss and Cliff Cochran of Woodstock, GA; cousins, Todd and Melissa Petrowsky, Joshua (Stacy), Joe (Nicole), Justin and Jordan Paulsen, Brooke (Ryan) Beach, and Bin and Lily Cochran; and his beloved dog and companion, Colby Sue Paulsen. Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothea Brown and Duane Brown.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Autism Society of Iowa – Des Moines Chapter, 4549 Waterford Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265 in honor of Zach. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Stephanie
08/30/2014
Offering my deepest condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. May " the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort and who comforts us in our trials " be with the Paulsen family during this most difficult time. 2Cor1 : 3,4
Alice & Paul Matthews
08/29/2014
We wish to offer our condolences to the Paulsen family in this tragedy. We especially know your grief because our 19 year old step grandson was murdered in June. Charlene & Dean were classmates in Audubon in 53.
Susan McCullough
08/29/2014
We had the pleasure of meeting Zach when he came to Colorado to visit Jason, our son. They were roomates in Laramie at Wyotech. He was such a great kid and we loved meeting him. We are so sorry about your tragic loss. You are in our prayers.
Jay Radcliffe
08/29/2014
My friend Kurt, I never had the good fortune to meet your son. That being said, I can't tell you how sad I have felt for your loss this last week. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As a father, I am deeply saddened by what you and your family are having to endure. Our prayers are with you in this incredibly difficult time. While I did not know Zach, everything I have heard sounds like he was a fine young man with a future without boundaries. My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and yours. Much Love, Jay Radcliffe and Family.
Jim Heger
08/28/2014
From all the Heger family to all the Paulsens, please know that we are deeply saddened by your loss.
Deb & Jim Meade
08/28/2014
We are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Zach, but he and your family have always been like family to our son Jake. Our prayers are that God will bring comfort to each of you in this dark time.
Brad and Nancy Campbell
08/27/2014
Kurt & Patrice and Paulsen family that we love - We cannot comprehend the intense loss that you are feeling. We will continue to keep the vibrant stories of 'Outback' Zach alive in our minds and will keep you in our hearts, prayers and lives. All our love and support! Brad, Nancy, Britt and Erica
Sam & Lois Kauffman
08/27/2014
Dean & Char - We did not know Zach and his family but it sounds like he was a wonderful grandson and our hearts go out to you and your family.
RON AND PHYLLIS ONNEN
08/27/2014
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, ARE WITH YOU, AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY. OUR LIVES ARE FOREVER ENRICHED, BY GETTING TO KNOW THE FAMILY, AND THE BEAUTIFUL WORK,DONE IN OUR HOME.
Gary Bagby
08/27/2014
I know Zach and Dean from the Donut Shop. He was a wonderful young man and taken from you too soon in his young life. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this time of sorrow and grief. May he rest in peace.
Gary & Barbara Bagby
Betty & Stu Schlievert
08/27/2014
Kurt, Patrice and Zach's loving Family, We are so sorry for the tragic loss of Zach. There really are no words to express how unbelievably horrible we feel for you and your Family over Zach's death. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers now and forever. We pray for all of you to be able to remember all of the wonderful, loving and fun times that you and all of us had with Zach. May he rest in peace. May you also find peace. Love you guys.
Brenda,Laddie Devine
08/26/2014
Our deepest sympathy to Zach's very loving family! Our prayers and thoughts are always with you.
Judy Anderson, Tom Leffler
08/26/2014
To Zach's loving Family, Patrice, Kurt, Kent and Kari and Dean's
We're so sorry to learn of your great loss. Please know we're keeping you all in our hearts. You are so much a part of our family because your artistry is in our kitchen, which we enjoy daily. We remember you all often. And darling Jorden at the Farmers' Market--such an addition. May you know peace eventually from love by many.
Sharon Lang Mayer
08/26/2014
I am so very saddened for your tragic loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bill Wheeler/ Teri Sheldon Reynolds
08/26/2014
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So very sorry.