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Zachary Cuddeback Obituary
Airman 1st Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback, 21, of Stanardsville, Va., formerly of O'Fallon, Ill., born July 6, 1989, at Scott AFB, Ill., died March 2, 2011, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
Zac grew up an Army brat that called many places his home, but he had a special love for O'Fallon, Ill., and the St. Louis area and was a St. Louis Blues and Rams fan. He was a 2008 graduate of William Monroe High School in Stanardsville, Va., and attended Old Dominion University where he played on the ODU Monarch's Ice Hockey Team. Zac joined the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity and made lifelong "brothers." He joined the Air Force in 2009, trained as a vehicle operator at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., and in recruiting at Charlottesville, Va., before he was assigned to the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany, in February of 2010. His life was ended abruptly on March 2, 2011 while serving his nation in the Republic of Germany.
Zac's love of the Air Force, cars, hockey, ODU, and his fraternity were paramount in his life. Zac was escorted home from Germany by his cousin and best friend, A1C Neal Bevirt, of O'Fallon, Ill., who has been deployed and proudly serving his country in Afghanistan.
Zac was preceded in death by his grandfather, Cecil O. Loyet.
Surviving are his mother, Celia "De" Loyet; his father, Bob Cuddeback; his younger brother and best friend, Tim Cuddeback, all of Virginia; and his puppy Einstein. Also surviving are his grandmother, Lois "Tiny" Loyet of O'Fallon, Ill.; and grandparents Daniel and Barbara Cuddeback of Millerton, N.Y.; many loving and supportive aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A1C Zachary Ryan Cuddeback lived by the motto:
Honor Super Omnia"
Zac is best described and will always be remembered as
"Boisterous, Impulsive, Loving"
In lieu of cards, flowers, and other gifts, donations may be made to the Zachary Cuddeback Celebration Memorial, First Citizens Bank, www.firstcitizens.com. Donations will also be accepted through Wolfersberger Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended to the family by visiting www.wfh-ofallon.com. For information on community involvement, please contact the funeral home.
Visitation: Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2011, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O'Fallon, Ill.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the church with Monsignor William Hitpas officiating. Zac will be laid to rest with full military honors alongside his grandfather, a fellow military veteran, at St. Joseph's Cemetery, O'Fallon Township, Ill.
WOLFERSBERGER
FUNERAL HOME,
O'Fallon, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Cuddeback
Broadway Football Family
September 9, 2011
To the family of U.S. Air Force Airmen First Class Zachary Cuddeback,
I am the head football coach at Broadway High School, located in Virginia. Each week this season, our football team will play in honor of a fallen soldier. This week, we will be playing for Zachary. Our team considers this a great honor. His acts of bravery deserve a fitting tribute. Our players will play very hard tonight and we hope to make Zachary and his family proud. I hope you find comfort knowing that Zachary 's life continues to inspire others... even a small town football team in Broadway. Thanks!
Bob and Vicki Lockhart
March 25, 2011
Zach, I met you 11 years ago in Augsburg Germany where both of our families were stationed. You and Tim were so cute, young and carefree. I remember our trip to Andechs Brewery and what a great day we had. We took all you kids to swim at the lake. Hard to believe you are now an adult.
You have paid the ultimate sacrifice and words cannot express our gratitude to you for serving our country. Thank you. You will always be the adorable boy playing in the lake in my eyes.
God Bless.
CMSgt Glenda Ferrara
March 23, 2011
Please see tribute to Zac @ www.ops-talk.com under special issues. God bless this true hero and all that serve.
Patti Hayes
March 20, 2011
Zach, You are our hero and will be gravely missed. We love you and will keep you in our hearts forever. God Bless and keep De, Tim and Bob in your hands. Let them no You are always with them and Zach.
Love Always,
Patti, Ron, Andrew and Amy Hayes
March 18, 2011
A1C Cuddeback, Prayers to your family and your friends. May your soul find happiness in Heaven.
Adrian, Fellow USAF Vehicle Operator
Jody Timmreck
March 17, 2011
Zachary, we have never met but I feel compelled to say a fews words in your honor. "Brother, you will never be forgoten". My heart goes out to his family and everyone who knew him. God Bless.
(Former Vehicle Operator USAF)
DeeDe Gordon-Taylor
March 17, 2011
Zac, you will be greatly missed, THANK YOU and all the men and women that give theirs lives for our freedom. Keep strong, Tim, De and Bobby.
Love you Lots,
"Aunt" Dee
Dawn Corbier
March 16, 2011
My prayers and thoughts for Zac and his family. God Bless you and thank you A1C Zachary Cuddeback for your service.
Andrea Bissani
March 16, 2011
I´m so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lupe Medina
March 14, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss, I also have a Son and a Doughter serving the USAF.
You are in our prayers. God may bless you and your family.
TSgt Jeremiah and Kimberley McDonald
March 14, 2011
My heart aches for the loss of A1C Zachary Cuddeback. I pray for the family and friends that you may somehow find solace in your heart during this time of the tragic loss of such an outstanding young man. Zachary Cuddeback as well as countless other men and women have given their lives for each and every one of us. May Zachary Cuddeback and all the other fallen men and women always be remembered for their service and true Honor as American Heroes.
May God bless you and give you comfort. From everyone at Ramstein Air Force Base, our deepest condolences to all those who hold Zachary Cuddeback deep within their hearts.
TSgt Jeremiah and Kimberley McDonald
Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany
Wilcox
March 14, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of this brave man. Living near Quantico and seeing all of the funerals keeps all of these brave young men and women close to our hearts. My son did two tours in Iraq and we know firsthand the dedication and sacrifice they all make. I saw a personal home video of the funeral and the sheer amount of people was enough to move me. Makes me very proud to be an American, not only for this young man, but for my fellow Americans who take the time to show how compassionate we can be. God Bless the Cuddeback family and God Bless America!
Stacey Countryman
March 14, 2011
This is a great loss to our community and our nation. On behalf of the Countryman family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy. He will be remembered forever in our hearts.
James & Melody Sablan
March 13, 2011
As a veteran and the wife of an active duty airman, we've both been on that same bus dozens of time, headed to the Middle East. I can't help but know that it could of been so many of us. God Bless the Cuddeback family as their son has paid the ultimate price for our freedom. You will never be forgotten.
Rosemary Connolly
March 13, 2011
My sincere condolences to the friends and family of Airman First Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback. He will be remembered. Be proud.
Theresa Borges-a Miltary Wife
March 13, 2011
My heart & prayers go out to you & your family. Thank you so very much!!
Ron Zorko
March 13, 2011
My heart goes out to the family and friends. I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless Zac
March 13, 2011
May God Bless your family and Thank you for your sons sacrifice so that we may live free.
A military wife
March 13, 2011
He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Fellow Vehicle Operator.
CMSGT(Ret) Charles LEE
March 13, 2011
Thanks to Family of A1C Cuddeback for his Loyal and Dedicated Service. May God Bless each of You at this time of Sorrow. It is difficult to have this type of Loss. A 30 Year Career Air Force Veteran, who has had to attend more than one of these type of services.
A Mother
March 13, 2011
Your Zachary will be remembered always. Thank you for sharing him with our nation.
thank you for you service
paul shull
March 12, 2011
I am truly sorry your families loss, both my son and myself are visiting from canada and heard about the funeral today, and we were blessed to be in attendance.i wanted my son to see first hand what sacrifice truly looks like and what happens when a young man or women give there life for what so many take for granted.You are in our prayers and the prayers of thousands of your friends and allies to the north.
sharon cross
March 12, 2011
My son was a Marine who actively served in Iraq in 2006. I was a lucky mother whose son came home without injury to his body. I know how lucky I am. I feel a deep sorrow for you and all families who have lost a loved one. I am very sorry.
Jamie and John Smith
March 12, 2011
Thank you for your son's service and dedication. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace A1C Cuddeback.
March 12, 2011
God Bless Zachary and his family.
March 12, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray, you will feel God's love and peace through this time. I am thankful for all who serve our country.
Susie Ford
March 12, 2011
May God Bless the Cuddleback family and friends who has lost a Great Warrior. I am a new Mom of an Airman First Class who son is still at Tech School for 2 more weeks. I told our son David about the lost of your son and even though he did not know him personally, Our son was deeply sadden for your lost and wished he could of been here to shown his respect. He told me that your son will always be a Brother in Arms with my son and many others who are in the military. Your son death hit really close to home. Thank You Zac for your service to our country and for making the ultimate sacrifice. You will not be forgotten! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always.
Roger and Mary Munie
March 12, 2011
To the family of A/1 Cuddeback, our sincere sympathy and prayers for this wonderful young man and his loving family. May God bless you all, and our prayers go with you. Mary and Roger Munie
Michael Stivers
March 12, 2011
May God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.
Sgt M Stivers U.S.M.C 02-06
Chris Bailey, Maj, USAF
March 12, 2011
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, A1C Cuddeback, you stand relieved. Rest in the Peace and Grace of God and know that we who remain continue to proudly serve our country in your honor and memory.
Colonel D. Matarazzo, USAF (Retired)
March 12, 2011
Rest in Christ, my brother. May God bless and comfort your family always.
March 12, 2011
God Bless the Cuddeback family. Rest in peace, Zachary. Thank you for your service to our country and for making the ultimate sacrifice.
Camille McGee
March 12, 2011
I'm the mother of a Security Forces Airman and I want to offer my sincere condolences to A1C Cuddeback's family. He made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country and has my undying gratitude!
Margie Lusher
March 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of A1C Cuddeback. Thank you for your service. You will be missed.
Margie Lusher, MSgt (ret)
Brenda Taylor
March 12, 2011
May God bless you and your family at this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Morris
March 12, 2011
May God bless you and your family today and know that we are all thinking of you guys.
Steven and Cora Gracia
March 12, 2011
May God bless A1C Cuddeback and his family. We thank him for his service to our country.
Mettille Family
March 12, 2011
God Bless all of you. Zac is an angel in heaven. He will always be with you!
You will always be in our prayers. Our heart's go out to you and your family!
March 12, 2011
My thanks to the Airman and my heart to the family. My sons and daughter are/were Air Force. No one knows the heart of a military parent unless you live it. I am sorry that I have no other words to express my sympathy, pride in our military and my thanks. Jennette Cox - Akron, Ohio - Air Force mom
RON HOLLINGSEAD
March 12, 2011
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ZACHARY,AND YOUR FAMIY.
Dawn Raisanen
March 12, 2011
My sincere sympathies to the family and friends of A1C Cuddeback. I appreciate the service and sacrifice of your son. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you.
Dawn Raisanen, CMSgt (ret)
Gary and Yvonne Meckfessel
March 12, 2011
Thank you so very much for your service and sacrifice. Our sympathy to all of the family.
March 12, 2011
Thank you AIC Cuddeback. Your service to your country will always be remembered. My gratitude to you and your family. May God bless you and your family always. Chris Gallup
carmen wilson
March 12, 2011
Thank you for your service to our country. My sincerest sympathy to your family and friends. god bless and keep you.. Never forgotten..
Tammy
March 12, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. Know there are many people in this country who will never forget his sacrifice.
Tim Snyder
March 12, 2011
Thank you Sir for your service to OUR country. May God bless you and your family.
March 12, 2011
Thank You so much for your service to our great country. You made the ultimate sacrifice. To the Cuddeback family, our sincerest sympathy and may God bless you.
March 12, 2011
My son knew your son and is stationed at Lakenheath also -they were friends-so sorry for your loss-Linda Guelker-Collinsville, IL
Aaron Rogers
March 12, 2011
A1C Cuddeback, Thank you for your Service. May God richly bless you and your family! Know this community honors and respects your devotion to duty.
~ AARON D. ROGERS, MSgt (Ret) USAF
Lynn Carroll
March 12, 2011
My sincere sympathies, from an 80 year veteran
Jenn Mersinger
March 12, 2011
A1C Zachary Cuddeback you are an American Hero. I may not have met you but have met your brother, mother, and other family members. Thank you for serving our country. You will never be forgotten. RIP. We will forever love and miss you.
Vauna
March 12, 2011
No words can take away the pain you are going through, but sometimes a few words help you cope. Just know that even though you do not know me, I will have you in my thoughts & prayers that God will help you through this time, & that Zachary is now your specail angel, & wrapped in the arms of God. God Bless you & your's .
(formally of Granite City, IL)
March 12, 2011
God bless the family of this precious young man...please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of thousands of us who will not forget his sacrifice.
March 12, 2011
To the Cuddeback Family I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Only God knows why. I don't know you but I am proud to have soldiers like Zachary defending my freedom, my life and the lives of my family. May God comfort you through these difficult times.
Proud American
Kellie Jarrett
Denise
March 12, 2011
There just aren't any words to express our appreciation for your son. Our love and prayers are with you.
gene smith
March 12, 2011
GOD bless all of you. your family has made the greatest sacrifice. your loved one is another example of americas best. this country needs more like him. thank you!!
March 12, 2011
Thank you AIC Cuddeback for your time in service. Our love goes out to all of your family. The procession last night was so moving. Rest in Peace.
Todd Poynter
March 12, 2011
God bless our military. We will miss our fellow teammate from his hockey team, KMC Eagles. Cudde is in heaven, Westboro where it is hot.
Proud American
March 12, 2011
Thank you Zach and the Cuddeback family for the significant sacrifice you have made in order for me and my children to be free. I am so sorry for your loss, may God keep you and protect in this time of sorrow. America weeps with you!
rita david
March 12, 2011
prayers are with you and your family
Julie
March 12, 2011
God Bless your family, your young man is a hero and is now an angel. Your special angel now serves God, an angel watching over your family. Peace be with this family in their time of mourning.
Sandra
March 11, 2011
Sleep in heavenly peace Airman 1st Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback. We have never met, but I was in the crowd of your procession. This was my way of saying thank you for serving your country. Prayers to your family and friends.
March 11, 2011
I remember thinking O'Fallon looked like a nice place to live. Rest in peace|
Blue Bus Rider
DON DRUMMOND
March 11, 2011
our thoughts and prayers with you all , peace be with you and god bless you all
Ana Fife
March 11, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuddeback family.
The Fife family
Belleville, IL
Deborah Hembree
March 11, 2011
My heart breaks for this heroe's family. My prayers are with you and I know this Airman is sitting with our Father and still watching over us. We will never forget you A1C Cuddeback and thank you for the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in a free world. May God bless you and your family always. Love and gratitude, An Air Force Mom
The Kimble Family
March 11, 2011
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. May God bless you and be with you in your hour of need. We are profoundly grateful that your son was willing to give his life for our freedom. May Zach rest in peace.
Carol Biggerstaff
March 11, 2011
Zac has given his todays for our tomorrows may we never forget his sacrifice. God Bless the him and his family.
A A.
March 11, 2011
I saw the story on the news. I didn't know Zach, but please know that I am praying for him and your family. May peace be brought to his family during this difficult time. God bless.
Sandy
March 11, 2011
May the love of family and friends help you find peace during your time of sorrow. I did not know your son, but I thank you for his service, it is because of young men that are willing to serve that the rest of us enjoy our freedom.
God Bless
Sandy
Richard Rocha
March 11, 2011
Airman Ryan Cuddeback thank you for your service to your country. God has a brave warrior sitting next to him. This entire nation is so proud of you, and for my family it touches us as if we knew you for I know you were on your way to allow some other airman to come home to their familes for you see one of those airman is my grandson Airman 1st class Marc T. Rocha USAF Security Forces. I spoke with him and he is honored to have been your brother-in-arms. From our entire family God Bless you Airman, and may God hold you close.
Peggy Hardt, Proud AF Mom
March 11, 2011
You are, and will always be a hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to protect and defend this great Country. You and your family are in our prayers. God bless you.
Patricia
March 11, 2011
Rest in peace sweet angel.
March 11, 2011
May your memories bring you peace during this sad time. In your heart, this hero will live forever. You now have a special angel watching over all of you from heaven. Thank you for allowing him to serve. Rest in Peace young soldier. You will never be forgotten.
Proud Army Mom
March 11, 2011 Procession in O Fallon
March 11, 2011
We are so proud of your son and your family. We appreciate everything that you are going through and want you to know that his death is not in vain.
March 11, 2011
God Bless You Zac.You made the ultimate sacrifice.You will never be forgotten. Forever you will be an American Hero.God Bless your family in this time of sadness.Thank you for your service.
Donna Bristoe
March 11, 2011
May God Bless you and your family and give you strength through this terrible time. My heart and prayer's go out to you and everyone in your family. Thank you Zach for your selfless service for our Country. It was great seeing everyone in O'Fallon lining up to give you praise for what you have done for our Country. Thank You, you will always be in our hearts.
Ana Tame
March 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cuddeback family. Thank you Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddback for your selfless act of protecting our family. I thank you for protecting our country.
March 11, 2011
May GOD Bless you and your family. You have given the Ultimate Sacrifice for MY Freedom
Diann Shepard
March 11, 2011
May God bless your family and give you strength and peace. Thank God for men like Zach. May his loving memory shine down from Heaven and give you all comfort and peace. God bless you Zach and God bless America.
Larry, Ruth, Matt & Emily Chodzko
March 11, 2011
Our heart felt prayers go out to your family from former team members of Zak's with the KMC Eagles Hockey Team At Ramstein AB Germany
From the Chodzko Family
Karla Reeder
March 11, 2011
God Bless you young soldier. My heart and prayer's go out to all that serve our country. God Bless you and your family and God Bless America. You will be missed.
Lorraine Lee
March 11, 2011
Thank You, God has a special place for you.
Julia Gile
March 11, 2011
God bless you and your loved ones. Thank you for your selfless service to our country. We need more like you.
Bonnie & Tom Tucker
March 11, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family today and always. Thank you Zac
for the ultimate sacrifice , because of you and many young soldiers we the people of the U.S, have so much to be thankful for.
T. and S. Gugliotta
March 11, 2011
To the Cuddeback family;
We will keep you and Zachary in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our thanks for his service to our country, and for his sacrifice on behalf of others. We won't forget him.
March 11, 2011
Hero to our country,
May you rest in peace.You put yor life on the line for us and there is no way we can pay you back, but we do want you to know that we respect you,love you, feel for you, and we will never forget what you did or who you were. To the family, I hope you know that he was a hero and hero's will never be forgotten. You all are in my prayers
Rachel Walker
March 11, 2011
Tommorrow will be a great day of sadness as you will be missed, but you will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service because of you our world was a little better. To your family may my prayers and thoughts be with you.
The Shields Family
March 11, 2011
From a former Rhein-Main AB transporter family, our hearts reach out to you in this time of sorrow. We know and understand he was your sweet boy! The angels will hold him dear.
rhonda whitlock
March 11, 2011
rest in peace great warrior, thank you for your service & your ultimate sacrifice...heaven has received another angel..
Jo & Wayne Neeley
March 11, 2011
We are truly sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
E Garavalia, USN Retired
March 11, 2011
May God bless you and your family in your hour of need. We are grateful your son was willing to give the ultimate gift for our freedom.
Robert Dilworth
March 11, 2011
To the family. May god bless you and give your peace and strength during this time of sorrow. Thanks to Zack for his service to our nation
Kourtney Dudley
March 11, 2011
What a brave young man!!! Joining the Air Force at a time of war. It takes a lot of courage to join the military during a time of war. Thank you for your service to our country.
As I watched the memorial service on tv, I cried. My son, Private Joshua Dudley attended the memorial service and saluted Zac. He will be in our hearts for a long time as he made the ultimate sacrifice.
My heart breaks for your family. Please know that many are out here praying for you. I hope as time passes, your heart will heal. Zac is doing all he can in heaven to bring you comfort.
March 11, 2011
Thank you for serving your country. May God wrap his arms around you all in your time of sorrow. As a military daughter and wife, your son's sacrifice will never be in vain. Thank you for your son's service. Spread your wings and fly Airman!
Angie M
March 11, 2011
May God bless you in your hour of need and thank you for being brave enough to let your son protect our country.
March 11, 2011
Dear Zack,
Though we never met, I want to thank you for the greatest gift a person can give another - freedom. May your parents be comforted by the fact that you were doing what you wanted, though your death leaves a big hole in the family. You gave your life preserving the American way.
My prayers are with your family and friends. Thank you once again, Zack.
A very grateful American.
Ty Worthington
March 11, 2011
May God bless this family and hold them up in this time of loss. I will be with O'Fallon FD today and tommorow with you every step of the way.
Walter Worthington
March 11, 2011
God bless the friends and family of A1C Cuddeback. From a very greatfull nation.
MSgt Worthington USAF.
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Wolfersberger Funeral Home - O'Fallon102 West Washington Street, O'Fallon, IL 62269
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