Zachary J. Wasendorf

WHITEWATER - Zachary James Wasendorf, age 23, of Whitewater, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021. He was born on April 1, 1998, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Debra Earnest, Kurt Frey, Russ Wasendorf, Jr. and Amber Wasendorf. Zachary graduated from Middleton High School in 2016, was currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin and was proudly serving as a Sergeant in the Wisconsin National Guard since 2017. He served our country on multiple deployments including a long deployment in Afghanistan. Zac was a strong advocate for the care of returning soldiers from active duty. He worked at Gallagher Tent & Awning for three summers. Zac loved his dog, Echo, like a child. His person and “one of the best things in his life” was his girlfriend, Sydney Aruta, who is also a University of Wisconsin Whitewater student and fellow National Guard member. He was proud of and loved his brother Erik and sister Audrey immensely. Zac was an organ donor whose donations made lives better for many. His sense of humor and passion for making a difference touched many around the world. Zachary is survived by his parents; brother, Erik Wasendorf; sister, Audrey Wasendorf; grandparents, Connie Wasendorf, Susan and Ed Tjarks, Kathy Earnest, Carol Frey, Bill and Judy Schwarz, and Bev and Elwood Moser. Zac was loved by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, James Earnest, Roman Frey and Robert Marsh; and grandmother, Margaret Brandhorst. A public gathering will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2021. The Wisconsin Army National Guard will conduct Military Funeral Honors at the funeral home at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761