Zachary Taylor Grunder

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.