Journal entry by Jim Radermacher —
Zach's struggle has come to an end peacefully this morning. He has taught us all what it has been like to be a truly wonderful human being. Zach was always amazed at how many people cared about him and were praying on his behalf. He was always worried more about the rest of us than himself through all this. The last two weeks of Zach's life were very meaningful for him. I will never be able to thank Malea and Nicole enough for being truly dedicated to Zach and being at his side these last two weeks that allowed Zach to spend his last two weeks at home surrounded by Family and Friends that truly loved Zach. Malea and I can not express how thankful we are for our Families support over the last few years. Chris, Joleen, George, and Brooke Schlegel have been here every step of the way supporting Nicole and our Family through all of this. Zach has been blessed with a very loyal group of Friends who have been stopping over to watch football and visit Zach as much as possible. Even the days they were not able to see Zach they spent time with Simon and Maddie and our Family just to be near Zach. Zach has always been a huge fan of Christmas. He admitted to me he was listening to Christmas music in the tractor quite early this year. When I was able to spend a little time alone with Zach at the Mayo clinic after his diagnosis he told me something I will remember for the rest of my life. "Christmas is my favorite time of year. Everything just makes sense. It is a time when we are all granted Hope." We are all going to miss our Number 10. Once again we cannot thank everyone enough.
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