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.
Annette Owenson Havens
10/07/2010
Jerry, Sandra, Noel, Sharon, Carroll, and Elaine,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Zach. I can't imagine the loss. My prayers are with you.
Annette Owenson Havens
Heather Hartung
10/07/2010
Braatz family-
Unfortunately, I was never able to meet the young man in which I'm writing about. I just wanted to let you know that I am deeply sorry for your loss, and that I know that Zach was going through a lot. I know friends of Zach's and also knew Bella's mother. I dont feel she deserves me mentioning her name at this time. You guys will be strong and can overcome this dark gloom and sad time in your lives. Please stay strong for Bella she is a gorgeous little girl and looks just like her daddy! Stay a big part of Bella's life...she will need you guys! You can bring Zach's touch and the great father than I heard him to be into her life just as he would love you too. Zach will live on in Bella...I can assure you of that. While Zach is in heaven cheering on the Packers with his grandma, i'll be here cheering them on too! I'll yell extra loud for him!
He's being taken care of, and Please stay strong. Go Pack!
With love,
Heather Hartung
(I wish I could have met him, again, I heard he was great!)
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
Jen Strain
10/07/2010
I would like to offer my condolences to Ashley Moore and Bella. They were Zach's world as he told me on many occasions as well as right before this terrible tragedy. Along with his family, I hope you all find a way to be at peace with this awful news and come together and grieve and rejoice for Bella's sake.
Sheryl Nichols
10/07/2010
Bonnie, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Words just don't seem like enough at a time like this, but please know that you and your family are in the hearts and prayers of many. I hope that in time you will be able to find peace and comfort in the memories you have shared over the years which may return a smile to your face and your heart.
Melanie Harmon
10/07/2010
Jerry & Family-
Im sorry to hear about the loss of your son although I didnt know him I knew you through working @ Kum & Go.. It sounds like he was a great guy to have around always having fun laughing smiling & making others days that much better sounds like he takes after his father :)..... I will be thinking & praying for all of you as you go through this tough time in your lives...
Hugs to you all~
Melanie Harmon & family
Randy Frein
10/07/2010
Jerry I am deeply saddened to hear of our loss of Zach. Zach was an enjoyable young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss Zach along with many others.
April Shindelar
10/07/2010
I am very sorry to hear about your son, my condolences to you and your family.
Carolyn Flynn
10/07/2010
Bonnie and Family,
The loss of a child leaves a void in your heart that can't be filled. I'm deeply sorry for what you are going through, as I can't even imagine the sorrow that you are experiencing. My hands are folded in prayer for you now and the Lord's arms will be folded around you in your time of need.
In Sympathy,
Carolyn Flynn
Val Hoefle
10/07/2010
Jerry,
I am so sorry to hear about Zach. I will be praying for you and your family to get through this difficult time.
Val
Tom Braatz
10/07/2010
Jerry and Sandra
I just got the message of your great loss when I arrived in North Carolina a moment ago. I am so sorry to hear about Zac's passing and I cannot begin to tell you the pain and loss that I feel from watching him grow up as a little boy. I am there for you Jerry and please call me when you are able to.
My prayers are with you and pray that Zachary has arrived in the arms that welcome so well in Michelle,and many more.
God bless you and God bless Zachary.
Tom
Judy LaFond
10/07/2010
To the whole family of Zachary Braatz:
May you have the strength to get through this difficult time. Embrace each other and the memories that you have of Zach. You will have these forever. We wish we could be there to give you more support, but know that we are thinking of you every day and praying for all of you.
Our Condolences, Andy, Judy, Olivia, and Madeline LaFond.
Deb & Tim Orness (Gumm Family)
10/07/2010
Bonnie and Family:
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Zach. Our family is thinking of you at this difficult time of your loved one. Prayers and thoughts from our family to yours. Take care and we will keep you in our prayers. The Gumm Family.
Kris Niemann and Mark Lawton
10/07/2010
Bonnie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We were so saddened to hear about Zach and you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Love, Kris, Mark, Fritz and Lucy
Autumn Mitchell
10/07/2010
Bonnie,
My family has you and your family in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.