Zachary Luke Braatz
October 03, 2010
Zachary Luke Braatz of Pleasant Hill passed away at home on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at the age of 22. Zach was born in Ames on March 5, 1988, the son of Jerry and Michelle (Lovig) Braatz.
Zach was employed by Doll Distributing since 2002 where he worked as a delivery driver. He enjoyed being known as “The Budman” and loved his co-workers and customers very much and was equally as proud to call them friends.
Zach graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2006 and attended Iowa State University. He approached everyday with a tremendous zeal and the inherent ability to make others feel better about themselves with his tenderness, compassion and sense of humor. He had a steadfast love of music and playing the classical guitar. His favorite past times were playing the latest video games on his big screen TV with surround sound, his multiple guitars, golf and singing to his beautiful daughter, Bella Marie.
He was also a devoted Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan, which he acquired from his paternal grandmother, Joan. Zach thought this would be the year to win the Super Bowl because his grandmother would be their cheerleader from heaven. She passed away in January, 2009. Now she has her first grandson to help lead the cheers.
Zach will be incredibly missed by his daughter, Bella; son, Grant; parents, Jerry (Sandra) Braatz of Waukee and Bonnie Braatz of West Des Moines; brother, Erek Wright of West Des Moines; sisters, Nicole Braatz and Jenna Ottoson of Waukee; paternal grandfather, Leo Shinsky of Milwaukee, WI; maternal grandparents, Carroll and Elaine Lovig of Story City, Noel and Sharon Owenson of Huxley; and many other close relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his biological mother, Michelle (Lovig) Braatz; grandmothers, Joan Shinsky, Nancy McCambridge; and grandfather, Clarence Kurszewski.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The visitation will be on Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bank of America for Bella Braatz. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. If sending flowers, please have them delivered to the Sacred Heart Parish Center.
Som Baccam
10/09/2010
Jerry, Carroll, Elaine, and Lori,
My deepest condolences to all of Zach's family and friends. Words cannot describe this painful loss. I was good friends with Zach's mother Michelle. The last time I saw Zach was @ his grandparent's (Lovig's) house when he was 2 years old. Eventhough I didn't know Zach I am sure he was a lot like his mother who was incredibly kind and so beautiful both inside and outside. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
God Bless,
Som Baccam
Alice Singh
10/08/2010
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Alice and Roger Singh
Southside Liquor and Tobacco
Shanel
10/08/2010
God bless you Zach, You are in my thoughts along with your family.
The Benna's
10/08/2010
Dear Sandra and family, We were so saddened to hear the news of Zach.
We know how much love your family has always shared and to loose a precious
son if more that one can understand. We are thinking about all of you.
Love, Burt, Marcia, David and Jodi
Lindsay Weigel
10/08/2010
Ashley, Bella and Zach's Family-
We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Eric Doust
10/08/2010
Jerry & family,
From all of us at Crown Imports we send our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eric Doust
Krista Mullenger
10/08/2010
Bonnie & Family-
We want to extend our deepest sympathies in regards to Zach. He sounds like an amazing young man and was obviously loved by many. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.
Krista Mullenger & Chuckie Russell
Mark Castillo
10/08/2010
Jerry,,
Words cannot describe the way I am feeling right now. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish I could be there in person but Know that I am with you and I will be there when you need me. You are a true friend and a Man that I look up to. I pray for your heart to mend and your mind to be at ease during this hardship. May God be with you and your family and I will talk to you soon.
With love and respect,
Coach
Lyle Fry
10/08/2010
Jerry and family, The thoughts and prayers of myself and my family go out to you and yours during this time of sorrow. Zach was the greatest and will be missed all
Patty Consolver JCS"S Corner Store
10/08/2010
Jerry,
I can't express how much I feel for you.I never met your son but he sounds like he was a wonderful son and father.
I have 3 son's myself and can't imagine the heartbreak of loosing one of them.
Zachary is with Jesus now and will live forever. I hope that somewhere in that thought you can find comfort!
My prayers are with you and your family.
Patty
Annette Owenson Havens
10/07/2010
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear about Zach, I heard you talk about Zach over the years and finally got a chance to meet him in April. I can't imagine the loss. My prayers are with you.
Annette Owenson Havens
Deb Sween Burnett
10/07/2010
Jerry and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
DaQui Davis & Desiree Leach
10/07/2010
To the family of Zachary Braatz
We dont know each other but it sadden us to read about your love one. We are no older than Zachary and it touches us to see someone our age departing to a better place so soon. As long as you keep him in your hearts and soul you can never say he left. Our hearts are extended to your family. Much love to you and yours from us. If there is anything you need or anything that we can do, dont hesitate to contact us at dkdavis@coastal.edu
DaQui & Desiree
Kim Salgado
10/07/2010
Dear Jerry and Family: You would think I would know what to say right now since I have been through the same loss just 8 years ago. There really isn't any words to say, just know that the pain will ease, and you will learn to talk and you will learn how to laugh and cry while speaking of him. Zack was a wonderful young man, who touched so many, with his smile, kind words and his true zeal for life. The large amount of people tonight show's just how many people he touched. Seek out family's that have been through the same, they can help you through the loss. Remember it is okay to go forward, that is what Zach would want.
All my prayers,
Kim Salgado (ex TOP Manager SW 9th)
Ray Preston
10/07/2010
Jerry, Sandra, and family,
I just received notice of your loss and Jan and I are terribly saddened by this news. Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May your faith embrace you during this trying time.
God Bless,
Ray & Jan Preston