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.
Scott, Deb, Katelin, Steph and Nick Fabry
10/06/2010
Bonnie & Nicole,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
We will pray everyday for God to give you strength
through this difficult time. We will miss Zach dearly.
Call anytime you need to.
ken mcdaniel
10/06/2010
jerry my deepest symphaty in the lose of your son.althought years have gone bye i still think of you often.please know my prayer and thought are with your loves ones.will call in the near future ! ken mcdaniel memphis tn
Mary (Kiener) Schwarze
10/06/2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I do know that Zach will live in your hearts forever and that he will not be forgotten.
Stephanie Abbott
10/06/2010
I'm so sorry for the loss of your son,brother,grandson,friend,father. Zach and my daughter Lindsea were great friends while at Dowling and continued their friendship beyond those High School years. Zach was a great kid and young man. So good with people. He taught my son Shane how to play the guitar 4 years ago and he continues to talk about Zach today.
My deepest sympathy's are with you and your family.
Stephanie Abbott
Dan, Tracie, Jaren and Macie Johnston
10/06/2010
Jerry and family,
My family and I want to express our sadness for your loss. We want you to know that you and Zach are in our thoughts and prayers. I know I am one that is grateful to have known Zach. He was a great man and will be missed by many.
Dan Johnston
Karen Niemann Penny
10/05/2010
Bonnie and Nicole,
Words can not express our sadness for you and your family. We know this loss is the hardest, and we would be there with you if we could. Know that your family in Wisconsin is here for you, and always will be; just let any of us know if you need anything.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Karen, Brian, Frances and Cole.
Joe & Shirley Kelly
10/05/2010
Bonnie and Nicole,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to both of you and all of Zach's loved ones. Words can not express our heartfelt feelings of sorry for you in your greatest loss of your beloved child and brother. Our prayers will be with you and Zach.
Love
Uncle Joe & Aunt Shirley Kelly
Mike, Kathy, Alexis & Jessica Panaro
10/05/2010
Bonnie & Nicole,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are with you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am sure Clarence and Nancy have wrapped their arms around Zach in heaven and he is at peace.
We love you!
Mike, Kathy, Alexis & Jessica Panaro
Deb Zika
10/05/2010
Jerry and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Hopefully, knowing you are all in our thoughts
and prayers will help you through this difficult time. Lean on each other, your friends and family for support. Take Care...
Heather Keiter
10/05/2010
Bonnie, Nicole and family
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of need. We will all miss Zach.
Heather
Bryan Weigel
10/05/2010
Bonnie,
Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow for you and your family. I am so saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry that I won't be able to attend the funeral to support you as I will be out of town.
Traci & Tom Lendt
10/05/2010
Bonnie, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Chuck Wolfe
10/05/2010
Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear about Zachary. My deepest condolences. I will be praying for you are yours.
Chuck