Zachary Taylor Grunder

1989 - 2017

Zachary Taylor Grunder obituary, 1989-2017

BORN

1989

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory

1510 West First Street

Ankeny, Iowa

Zachary Grunder Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 7, 2017.

Zachary Taylor Grunder, 27 of Ankeny, Iowa entered into his eternal rest July 27, 2017 as a result of a fall at the Grand Canyon.

Zach was born December 31, 1989, to Connie Madden Grunder and Robert Grunder in Des Moines Iowa and received the promise of eternal life with his baptism on April 4, 1999. He attended Oak Park Elementary in Des Moines and in fourth grade moved to Ankeny and graduated from Ankeny High School in 2008.

From the moment Zach could walk he loved all sports. He played basketball, baseball, and football. Football was his passion and he got to play in the state championship held in the UNI Dome. Zach also was an avid runner competing in the Dam to Dam three times, the Des Moines Marathon, and the Disney Half Marathon.

Zach had a kind heart and a gentle spirit. He had numerous friends and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. Zach was a great big brother to Shelby and Kobe. He took pride in their accomplishments, supported them on their journeys, and adored both of them. He was a fabulous uncle to his nephew, Cencere. Zach loved attending his games and cheering him on from the stands. He was an amazing son! Zach and his mother had a close relationship and Zach always remembered to say "good night" and "I love you" to her every night.

After high school Zach attended DMACC. He had numerous jobs ranging from electrician apprentice to a landscaper. Zach loved to be outside and the thought of having a job behind a desk was something that he could not ever see himself doing.

In recent years, Zach struggled with a diagnosed mental illness. Because of this, he started to self-medicate. Zach's life seemed to be on a roller coaster between the mental illness and the addiction. No matter what the circumstances were, Connie and her family stood behind him and supported him and tried to get him the help that he needed.

Zach was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Madden, and his aunt Linda Rix. He leaves behind his loving mother, Connie Grunder; sister, Shelby; brother, Kobe; and nephew Cencere.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017, at the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W First St. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with Connie, Shelby, and Kobe present.

Also left behind to cherish his memory are his grandmother, Marlene Madden; uncle, John Madden (Bonnie); aunts, Nancy Inman (Lee), and Debra Newendorp (David). A special thank-you to Daryl Van Wyk for bringing Zachary home.

Zach also leaves behind his father, Bob Grunder; brothers, Robert Grunder and Christopher Grunder; and grandmother, Margaret Grunder.

Zach will always be remembered as a loving young man who was blessed with so much talent and spirit who was tragically taken to his eternal home too soon. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and will be directed at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Grunder

Sponsored by Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory.

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Not sure what to say?

August 21, 2017

Janet Hanson

Dear Connie and all of your family,
I"m so sorry to hear about Zach. My heart aches for you all. I lift you up in prayer and am thinking of you. Zach was a beautiful little boy, full of spirit. Your video was a wonderful tribute to him. Connie, know that you are a wonderful mom- I lift you up and pray that you are able to feel God's arms around. You are never alone. Janet

August 17, 2017

Andy Nollen

From Andy and all of us ( old guys) at tnt landscaping prayers go out to your friends and family u will b missed

August 14, 2017

To Zach's family, I want to send hugs & prayers to all of you. Zach was a friend of my younger son, and he's heartbroken, as well as all of us. I remember Zach had a great sense of humor, and I really, really liked him! I'll always remember him with great fondness. Again, we're sending hugs & prayers to all of you.

August 13, 2017

Friend

Ricky

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

August 9, 2017

Matthea Little Smith

Please know that you are in my prayers daily. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you much healing energy.

August 9, 2017

Matthea Little Smith

August 8, 2017

Connie and Bob I cannot imagine what it is like loosing a child...I remember Zach when he was little and saw him play ball once. Iam sooooo sorry for your loss. Dawn White

August 8, 2017

Debbie Scott

Connie, my heart aches for you , I know yours is broken. I specifically know that the "Mom" job description does warn you of sleepless nights, the terrible twos but not a word about losing your child. The bleeding from your heart will stop but there will remain a permanent "crack" always full of the love and memories that will make you laugh and sometimes cry. I know how much you wanted to see Zachary have a happy free of an illness life, so even though now it seems unreal he is at peace, his spirit is free, yet you as a mom carry a grief , you have to know how much love and support he embraced from you.
Debbie Scott
NAMI F2F

August 8, 2017

Dorothy Weyers

Connie-- you are ALL still in my prayers. You have all went threw so much in so little of time. Always remember those good thoughts as they can never be taken from you. Just think of Zack as an Angel Looking down on all of you. The Lord will help you thru all this sadness. I don't know your Friend but he has to be terrific to bring back Zack and his car for you. God Bless ALL of you

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

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Memorial Events
for Zachary Grunder

Aug

19

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

IA

Aug

19

Celebration of Life

11:30 a.m.

Ankeny Funeral Home

1510 W. 1st St., IA

Funeral services provided by:

Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory

1510 West First Street, Ankeny, IA 50023

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