Van Wyk, Zachary Ryan 1983-2007

VAN WYK, ROMICK

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2008 at 19:44:00

Zachary Ryan Van Wyk was born April 28, 1983 to Marvin and Tammy (Romick) Van Wyk in Pella, Iowa. He passed away in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, May 18, 2007 at the age of twenty-four.

Zac graduated from Pella Community High School with the class of 2002 and Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, May 2006 with a degree in Sports Management and Health Promotions. He worked as a Sports Turf Specialist for the Iowa Cubs, assigned to the Cownie Soccer Complex.

Zac was definitely an outdoors person. In his youth he enjoyed being on the farm with Grandpa Van Wyk and as he grew older, school athletics were his main focus.

He achieved many accomplishments in sports and received several state honors in high school football and soccer. He loved spending time with his friends and family, whether it was boating and tubing on the lake, vacationing, or just taking a road trip. Zac enjoyed hunting with his dad, especially deer hunting. Even though he did not get to meet his new nephew, he was proud to be an uncle.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his girlfriend, Kalen Eastwood of West Des Moines; his father and step-mother: Marvin and Nancy Van Wyk of Pella; his brother and sister-in-law: Nathan and Jennifer Van Wyk, and nephew, Dylan, of Houston, Texas; his sister: Jenna Van Wyk of Pella; his step-sister: Jessica Senn; his step-brother: Andrew Senn; his paternal grandmother: Tunnet Van Wyk of Otley; and his maternal grandparents: Larry and Marcy Romick of Monroe.

Zac was preceded in death by his mother, Tammy Van Wyk, October 19, 2001 and his grandfather, Marion Van Wyk, November 17, 1992.

When asked what people remember most about Zac, the first thing said is his caring, nurturing attitude. He had a very kind heart and was always the first to help out. Zac will be missed by his family and many friends.

The Pella Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

The Pella Chronicle, June 18, 2007