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BORN
1986
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Zachary Rozelle Obituary
Our precious Zach's story sounds far too common and familiar lately. On October 5, 2016 Zach died of an accidental heroin overdose. We share his story in the hope that it might save others from the incredible heartache we are experiencing.
Zach was born on April 25, 1986 and was baptized at Bethany Lutheran in Appleton and confirmed at St. Paul, where his special verse was "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble"
-Psalm 46:1. He graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran in 2005 and went on to carry on his grandfather and father's legacy at Rozelle Construction.
His heart was as big as his beard, and his smile and laugh would light up a room. There was never a question where Zach's heart was—he was real. He was kind. He was generous. He loved eggs benedict, prime rib, techno music, and glow sticks. He struggled with anxiety.
Zach loved spending weekends at the deer shack with family, snorkeling with his dad and soaking in the beauty of Door County. Zach took amazing photographs.
He was a big movie buff and could rehash the story line from every movie he ever saw. Family Guy was his guilty pleasure and he would have rather pierced his own lip than miss the new episodes on Sunday nights.
Zach had a passion for riding motorcycles, and he was quite the poi ball expert. He was proud of his gun collection, and loved his little dog Roo.
Zach is survived by his parents Rhonda and Ben (Betsy) Rozelle, beloved girlfriend Rebecca Van Handel, sisters Starr Fecteau and Bree Schmidt (fiancé Justin Talbot), and nephew Antonio Fecteau. He is further survived by his grandmother Mooie Rozelle and grandfather Rolen Hartman, uncles Bard (Nan) Rozelle, Ned (Kelly) Rozelle, aunts Linda Hartman Shook, Brenda Cloughessy, Kathy Hartman, and Gina (Brad) Guyette; and his cousins Hunter Rozelle, Hannah Rozelle (fiancé Shane Grove), Hope Rozelle, Jake and Josh Guyette, Jenny Cloughessy, Heather Mier, Danny Shook; Sadie, Tyler, and Kylie Hartman; numerous step family, and countless friends. Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents Harry Rozelle and Charlotte Hartman, and cousin Michael Fultz.
An addict is fighting an uphill battle. As loved ones, we intervene and do what we can to show tough love and help them out of their agony.
If you are struggling, or know someone who is - please do not wait until it is too late. At Zach's funeral, we will be reminded that the Lord asks us to lay down your burdens, lay down your shame, all who are broken, lift up your face. Oh wanderer come home, you're not too far. So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart, and come to Him as you are.
The funeral will be held at Noon on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being set up in Zach's memory.
Very special thanks to the Grand Chute first responders and police, and RNs Mary Simo and Brandyn Behnke and the ICU staff and organ donor team at Appleton Medical Center and Madison who treated Zach with love, respect and honor.
Do not be silent. Winnebago Crisis Center 920-233-7707 Outagamie Crisis Center 920-722-7707.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online Condolences:
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Rozelle
Sponsored by Westgor Funeral Home - Neenah.
Raeleen Werth
November 22, 2016
Just heard about Zach!! My sympathies and prayers are with the family. Saw him not too long ago in Newald.We talked briefly. I am shocked and saddened. May Zach have the peace he was looking for.Love and Hugs to the family.Especially you Rhonda!!
susan wilde
October 19, 2016
I am sorry for your loss of zach. My mother Faith Pomerening Wilde is a 1st cousin of Mooie, sister of calvin, donald and james pomerening. Mooie was in my parents wedding .
My sympathy to your family at this time.
Janet Koerwitz
October 18, 2016
I did not know Zach but my soninlaw was related to him Fred Wilde and want to add my condolances also a dear friend of mine went through the same thing this week with a relative of hers also. I will be praying for the family and may God comfort you at this time. Janet Koerwitz
Robert Pomerening
October 16, 2016
My sympathy to the Rozelles and their family. My father Calvin Pomerening was a first cousin to Mooie. I'm quite sure that Mooie's mother was Ester whose parents were August and Augusta Pomerening.
I work as psychiatric RN in Behavior Health unit at a hospital in Milwaukee, WI. About 20 to 25 percent of our patients are addicted to Herion. It has become quite an epidemic.
Blessing to all of you.
Bob
Rose
October 13, 2016
Please don't let this beautiful mans story go untold. I know your pain, living with a addict is the hardest job any parent can have. I also have lived this. Your damned if you do and damned if you don't intervene. Its a 50/50 chance of keeping a loved one a live. Deepest respect and find peace your baby boy is with God.
Melecio Cendejas
October 12, 2016
Que descanse en paz amen.
Melecio Cendejas
October 12, 2016
Que décanse en paz amen..
Dave and Nancy Salzwedel
October 12, 2016
Betsy and Ben,
We have been traveling but our prayers have been with you. Remember that God has a plan for all of us and he needed Zach in his plan. Condolences.
October 11, 2016
I did not know Zachary, but wish to convey my sympathies to his entire family and his many friends. Thank you so much for sharing his story in such a beautiful way. Your openness and honesty of how your Zachary died, may very well save the life of another. Praying for peace and understanding to all of you as you adjust to your new "normal."
Glen/Joy Kulkoski
October 11, 2016
hi betsy/ben - joy and i pass along our deepest sympathies. i see these tragic situations in my criminal law practice. almost always very good, kind, educated people, but the addiction is so strong that it just takes over everything. Joy lost her brother stan several years ago to the same thing - his was crack. we had to watch it play out to his death so we sort of share your sense of loss, frustration, anger and hopelessness. but prayers help and so do the memories! stay in touch - you are in our thoughts.glen and joy
Gwen Casperson
October 11, 2016
Drew and Zach
Gwen Casperson
October 11, 2016
Halloween buddies
Gwen Casperson
October 11, 2016
Rhonda, Ben and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Zach. We were duplex neighbors on Ridgeview Dr. and our son Drew, then (2yrs.) and Zach (3)were sandbox and motorcycle buddies. That's when the battery operated drivable motorcycles first came to be. They had so much fun on the empty lot next door with those! I know we have lost touch with each other but wanted to share this with you. May you find comfort in the memories. Thank you for the beautiful obituary and your strength and courage in bringing drug awareness to the forefront. Please know we are keeping you in our prayers at this difficult time.
Jeff and Gwen Casperson
elaine breske
October 11, 2016
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You dont know me but I have a niece who struggles with drug addiction. She also said anxiety is bad with her. She moved to Florida to work with training horses. This addiction is such a struggle for so many. I am so sorry for your loss, I lost a brother to suicide as he couldnt take the mental pain anymore.....my heart and prayers are with you
Marti Maas
October 11, 2016
Betsy and family,
I am deeply saddened about the unexpected and tragic loss of Zach. I will pray for your family and others who are grieving. Marti and Kevin Maas
Fern Fuhrmann
October 11, 2016
Dear Betsy, Ben, and family, I send my deepest love and condolences. My heart breaks for you. May you feel God's presence with you and give you some peace.
Diane Richardson
October 11, 2016
To the Zach Rozelle family and friends, I do not you, or Zach. I want to say how sad and sorry I am for your loss of Zach. Thank you and I commend you for letting others know how Zach passed away. This seems to be more and more common right here in the Valley. I have seen it in my own family with a cousins son who died at 19 years old. He came from a good family, good neighborhood, good parents and was a good kid too, just like Zach sounded like. I do not have all the answers to this problem, but I think we, as a community need to get more educated on heroin and other debilitating/addicting drugs that ARE here in our own cities. Also, let me add, we need to address mental health issues that seems to get put on the back burner for many.
May God give you the love and peace you need now and in the future with Zach's death. Zach: Rest In Peace.
Diane Richardson
Jim Guenther
October 11, 2016
To the Rozelle Family: We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of Zach. When one is so young, it hurts even more. Both Ginny and I will keep you in our prayers.
October 11, 2016
Although I did not know Zachary, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. He is at peace, and will walk with the angels in heaven. Thank you for sharing his story. I can tell he was a great person, with a big heart. <3 <3 <3
Joseph Thompson
October 11, 2016
Yvonne and I were saddened to learn of Zack's death from the on-line Post-Crescent one day too late to attend the funeral, but we send your family our sympathies and condolences and hope that you find comfort and closure in the love and memories that you've shared.
Addis Hilliker
October 11, 2016
My heart aches for your entire family. Thank you for sharing your story in hopes it makes a difference. God bless you.
Connie (Center) Bhimani
October 10, 2016
I'm sorry for your loss, Rhonda. Too many families have gone through this same heartbreak, including my own. Hope you can find strength in your memories of Zach.
October 10, 2016
Dear Rozelle Family- You do not know me but I thank you for sharing your story.
I plan on sharing Zach's story on my FB page in hope it may help families I know that are struggling with this addiction. One thing I took note of was you mentioning your son struggled with anxiety, I have heard this from the other families as well. Addicts need help and therapy not shame and punishment.
May you find peace and healing in the coming days and know your dear son is at last at peace.
Kelly Bohman
October 10, 2016
May Zach find peace with the heavenly Father.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends who will have to walk without him by their side, until you meet once more.
October 10, 2016
Dear Rozelle family, we are so saddened by the loss of Zach. God be with you and your family as you face the days ahead.
Dennis and Julie Marten
October 10, 2016
Betsy and family,
I am deeply saddened about the unexpected and tragic loss of Zach. I will pray for your family and others who are grieving.
October 10, 2016
Betsy and Ben, So very sorry to read this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru the coming weeks. I prey knowing he lives in your heart and memories, bring you some strength to carry on. Peace and comfort to you and you family.
Cindy and Pete Weyenberg
October 10, 2016
Dear family, I am a stranger too. Our family just went through this a few days before you. So very sorry for your loss. Holly
October 10, 2016
Ben and family - So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Zach working on my dream home at Spring Lake Condo. He was always working hard and so easy to talk with. May God comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Zach. God's blessing, Molly Fischer
Karrie
October 10, 2016
So sorry to hear about your loss of your Son. Thank you for having the courage and strength to bring awareness of this horrible addiction to light. It effects so many people and I hope this will open the minds and hearts for anyone who is suffering to get help. God's blessing in your time of sorrow. No one is to judge but the greatest of all.
Satchel
October 10, 2016
I only met you a couple times but you were friendly and nice to chat with. Thanks for inviting to play music and one of your parties. You were a good person. My condolences to your friends and family. May your strength carry them forward.
Will miss you.
Jason Riehl
October 10, 2016
Doug Welter
October 10, 2016
May God's love shine brightly upon you and your family.
Karl Wunderlich
October 10, 2016
My deepest sympathy to your family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
mary
October 10, 2016
Thank you for sharing the truth.
Sheryl Bradac
October 10, 2016
My heart goes out to you as you endure the physical loss of your son by addiction. I pray Gods grace, comfort and healing power over you, your family and friends.
My son has suffered with heroin addiction and only God knows why his life was spared.
Zachary's memory will live on by your courage to bring awareness and his spirit will live forever in Heaven!
Carol Colrud
October 10, 2016
Ben and family....so incredibly sorry for your loss. God bless!
October 10, 2016
We are so sad for your heartbreaking loss. Thank you for trying to help others through your message. Our thoughts are with you through this terrible time.
Dave and Nikki Rust
Karla
October 10, 2016
My thoughts & prayers to the family. May God strengthen and bless you during this time of sorrow. Cherish all the good memories that you had. Zachary is with all of you in spirit. Thank you for writing this obituary as you did. It was beautifully written.
October 10, 2016
To Ben, Betsy & Family: My best friend called me today and told me about Zachary.Me and my sister are both so sorry for the loss of your precious son.I started to cry when I called my sister and she was shocked. The last time I saw him was in the Post-Crescent. Some memories came back to me.We are so sorry for your loss! Still cant believe it. The greatest gift he gave me was a piece of deer skin that he wanted me to have. HA HA ! He was quite unique in that way! He is now in peace. With a lot of Love, God Bless You Always, Janis A. & Lori D. I live in Oshkosh now. He looks just like you Ben!
Geri SCHMIDT
October 9, 2016
I didn't know Zachary, personally , but I do know about that journey he was walking down that dark road of addiction, because I have walked that same road for over 40 years. I'm not sure why some people make it and some don't. I am so proud of how you shared his struggles publicly. The more light that is shed on this horrific disease, the better. Addicts are people who have an illness which is fatal without the right treatment. Treatment, NOT judgment or contempt . They are people who are good and loving...and sick, not worthless or bad. May God's strength hold you up now and forever. I cried as I read your touching tribute today to Zachary and I won't forget how grateful I am to be still walking that road of recovery.
October 9, 2016
Dear Rhonda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen Zach since he was about six years old, but I remember you always telling little stories about him. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless you all. Laurie Broeren (JC Penney)
Rose D.
October 9, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss and pain. Thank you for not leaving his death behind closed doors. I work with substance abuse victims and sadly it's often fatal. Bringing it into the light to raise awareness of this struggle is courageous of his family. If it helps one person it is worth it. This hidden epidemic needs to be revealed.
Mary RN
October 9, 2016
I am humbled by the courage and generosity of Zach's family to honor his memory through the gift of organ donation. Zach is a hero and has given the recipients and their families hope, transformation and new beginnings. Zach will never be forgotten.
Karen Wallenfang-Laedtke
October 9, 2016
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Mooie and family. Hold tights to all the special memories. May God's love surround you all
Cathy
October 9, 2016
I am another stranger who has been touched by the beautiful words that you've described your loved one, Zach. I'm sorry his life ended far too soon...I hope your kind words about Zach will touch someone else who really needs them...and then saves them. God Bless....
October 9, 2016
My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. I do not know you or your family, but I know the struggles of addiction with my own son. Thank you for sharing such a powerful message. God bless you and your family. May you be able to find peace and comfort
Kyle and Sarah Pihlstrom
October 9, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss! My husband has many memories with you all and of the kids when they were little. I pray your transparency helps the many that are hurting. You are in our prayers.
Kyle and Sarah Pihlstrom
Betsy Rozelle
October 9, 2016
Betsy Rozelle
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Theresa and Dale Pellett
October 9, 2016
Words cannot express how sad we are for all of you. Your honesty and bravery send a powerful message in Zach's honor.
Betsy Rozelle
October 9, 2016
Betsy Rozelle
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Betsy Rozelle
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Patti
October 9, 2016
Sympathy to your family at this difficult time.
I do not know your family, but my heart goes out to you. Even in your sorrow you reach out to anyone who is struggling with addiction or knows someone who is to get help. I pray you find comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Betsy Rozelle
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Bob Salm NLVHA
October 9, 2016
From all of us at North Lake Condo Association, we offer our support and prayers for the Rozelle family. The loss of a child can be one of the hardest things a family will ever be dealt. It takes a strong family and faith in the Lord to endure such a loss.
We offer our prayers for the Lord to give you the strength needed at this time of loss, and know that we feel your pain, and hope your loss can be turned into a positive for struggling men and women in the future.
May the Good Lord bless your family and give you understanding and faith, as life goes on.
October 9, 2016
Dear family of Zachary B.:Zach" Rozelle. May God lay his blessed hands on you during your grief and always. I am lifted up by your courage and honesty at this most difficult time, in hopes that this may help others that struggle with this horrible epidemic. I know firsthand your pain. I pray for you all. God Bless you and Keep you. Amen. Kelli Hoertsch and family.
Tracy Wydeven
October 9, 2016
Thank you for sharing Zach's story. God bless you all.
October 9, 2016
I didn't know Zachary, what a beautiful obituary. So sorry for your loss, he is no longer fighting his addiction and for that I am very sorry that he had to leave you so soon. May you find comfort in the coming days and know that he is with our Heavenly Father. Prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.
October 9, 2016
A flame burns bright and pure.
Fire cleansing the soul.
Burning out all too soon.
Darkness fills where once was light.
The deep abyss at the edge we stand.
Swaying faintly thinking to fall.
Then wrapped in arms pulling you back.
Into the love and light once again.
The cycle of life,
The cycle of love,
May God and family burn brightly,
Lighting the way.
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