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.
Randy Wright
10/06/2010
Jerry / Sandra,
Michele and I's thoughts and prayers are with you. We are here for you if you need anything.
Randy Wright
Rebecca Falk
10/06/2010
Bonnie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Nichole are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Gates
10/06/2010
Jerry and family,
I'm sorry for your loss and want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Gates
Charity Chapman
10/06/2010
So very Sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking thinking of the pain your family is going through. Zach was such a GREAT GUY. I knew him through my employment at the Short Stop stores. I would always look forward to seeing Zach because he was so much fun and he would always make my day better. He spoke of his daughter every time I would see him and his face would light up. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with your Family in this time of need.
Charity Chapman
Bob and Etta Niemann
10/06/2010
Dear Bonnie, Nicole and Family,
Our prayers and our thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Love,
Uncle Bob and Aunt Etta
Chris and Jen Benda
10/06/2010
Jerry, Carroll, Elaine, and Lori,
Chris and I are so sorry for your loss. Words seem so small. Jerry, Chris and I have such good memories of spending time with you and Michelle way back when!
Peace and comfort,
Chris and Jen
Jenn, Blake and Kaelyn Cruikshank
10/06/2010
Jerry
Im so sorry for your loss. Zach was funny, wisecracking and loving just like you. I wish I had the words that could make your pain less. But at least know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve.
Stephanie Segal
10/06/2010
Bonnie,
I am so deeply sorry for you and your family. Know that we are all here for you and available to support you in any way we can.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stephanie Segal
Jim Galpin
10/06/2010
Jerry,
I was saddened to hear about the loss of your son. I believe I only met Zach one time and I still remember how friendly and professional he was. Jerry, when he smiled he reminded me a lot of you. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and may God bless you.
Jim Galpin
Pat Byrne
10/06/2010
Bonnie,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Skylar and Heather Rawlins and girls
10/06/2010
Jerry and Family,
We are sorry for your recent loss. Zach was a great man with unlimited potential. I am greatful for the opportunity to know him and work with him. My family and I send our prayers and thoughts to Zach's entire family.
I know his will be missed tremendously by his C-Store Family
Scott, Deb, Katelin, Steph and Nicholas Fabry
10/06/2010
Jerry and family,
So sorry for your loss. Zach was
a great guy and he will live in
our hearts forever.
Meredith Jameson
10/06/2010
I just want you to know that your family is in my prayers and that of all of our classmates from Sacred Heart and Dowling. We will all miss him and will never forget him and his smiling face. He's been a wonderful friend to everyone he met. God bless you all during this time of confusion and grief.
Alan & Andrea Wilmes
10/06/2010
Jerry,
Alan and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself.
Erica Bennett
10/06/2010
Jerry-
I can not begin to express how sorry I am. Zach was an amazing person, always happy and always had something positive to say. He reminded me of you in a lot of ways. My family and I are thinking and praying for you and your family in this trying time.
-Erica, Richie and Turner Bennett