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.
Jerry & Darlene Woolsey
08/26/2014
Kurt & Patrice please accept our sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Teri Sheldon Reynolds
08/26/2014
Patrice, its been many years since I've seen you. I am so very sorry for your devastating loss of your sweet son. There are just no words at times like this. I understand, I lost my son 2 months ago. May you find strength and courage. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Sue and Tony Mozga
08/26/2014
Kurt and Patrice you are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and may you find peace.
Sy and Mary McCracken
08/26/2014
May God's blessings be with you and family at this difficult time. Please know that he is being hugged by Jesus. Our heart and prayers are with you. Keep all the wonderful memories close to your heart.
Jim n Phyllis Wheeler family
08/26/2014
Dear Patrice, It has been a long time since we last met but Phyllis n I have never forgotten nor will we forget you. May God be with you and the family, may he comfort and give you understanding as only he can. Your friends, the Wheelers
Tim & Amy Morrow, Wurth Baer Supply Co.
08/26/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Find peace in the wonderful memories of your son in the celebration of his life with your family and friends.
Kirk & Jo Stone
08/26/2014
Zach was a good kid with wonderful parents & family that loved him dearly . We cannot believe this has happened , but please try to find the strength to carry on . Your family & friends will always be there for you , We love you all so much , the Stone's .
Mary and Warren Riedesel
08/26/2014
Kurt and Family,
Our hearts are breaking for all of you. We are so sad for your loss and pray for your hearts to heal as time passes. Your wonderful memories of Zach will be with you always.
Ted Prine
08/26/2014
Patrice and family. May you find the strength and courage to go on after such a terrible loss. Accept that you cannot control what will go on in the court system or the media, but believe that justice will be done for your son.
Jack and Peg Michl
08/26/2014
Dear Paulsen Family, words cannot express the sorrow we are experiencing in your loss of Zach. Our hearts are filled with love for all of you and may God's blessings fill you with His Peace.
John and Kathy Michl
08/26/2014
Kurt and Patrice, Dean and Char, and the entire Paulsen family... Our hearts cried at the first word of your tragic loss. We were blessed to have met Zach a few times on the beach in Destin. In recent years, we listened as Kurt, Patrice, and Dean shared -- with much pride -- stories of Zach's adventures at WyoTech as he followed his dreams. Please accept our prayers and deepest condolences.
David Drey, Bishop Elec.
08/26/2014
Kurt & Patrice, just wanted express my most sincere condolence. I will say a prayer for you all.
Sally Lawson
08/26/2014
I didn't know Zach. However, I feel sad and I am shocked how his life was taken from him. You have my deepest sympathy and wish there was more I could do.
Moe and Mardi Russell
08/25/2014
Kurt and Patrice - Our hearts ache for you! We are so sorry to hear of Zachary's death. We both now have a son in heaven!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Moe and Mardi Russell (friends of Steve and Kathy Otterby)