Zackary Mitchek

Zackary Ryan Mitchek was born November 6th, 1984 at St. Joseph of the Plains Hospital in Cheyenne Wells, CO. He is the first of three sons born to Casey and Judi Mitchek. Zac was a happy, loving, and fat baby, who took his time getting here but was well worth the wait. Zac was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Cheyenne Wells, his Godparents are his uncle Sam Mitchek and family friend Julie Austin-Maxwell. Zac was joined two years later by his brother Justin. Zac and (Hoot) were always close and his parents can remember them having only one fight in their lives. As a child Zac enjoyed collecting Sports Illustrated’s and was known as a trivia buff when it came to college and professional sports. His favorites were football and baseball. Zac also took a special interest in the Olympics and followed them faithfully every four years. Zac’s parents remember Zac taking an early interest in books as he insisted they read to him constantly sometimes wearing out the covers of some of his favorites. As he grew older and could read himself, he read all about the U.S. Presidents. His uncle Brian Rehor remembers that he knew all of their names, the years they were in office, and many personal and interesting facts about them. In the summer of 1989, the family moved from Cheyenne Wells to their farm south of Bethune. In 1991, baby Abe completed the family. Zac and Justin were thrilled to have a little brother and took special care in teaching Abe the ways of the world. Zac went to school in Burlington, starting at the Wee Blew Inn Preschool until his graduation from high school in 2003. During his school years Zac had many interests. He played saxophone in the Junior High band and played baseball in the summer time. He was most active in the high school drama club, pee wee and high school wrestling, and 4-H. He played many roles in his school plays and surprised his parents that he could actually sing. He loved to wrestle and competed for the Burlington Cougars for four years, qualifying for the State tournament 3 of those years. He was a member of the State Championship football and wrestling teams in 2002. His Uncle Sam Mitchek has fond memories of Zac at the wrestling camps he took him to. He was well known as a prankster and had a lot of fun playing practical jokes on his fellow campers. Zac was well-known in the 4-H circles as he raised steers, rabbits, pigs, and sheep. He also entered rocketry, gardening, farm safety, and even home décor. He received special recognition and a pin for being in the Rural Route 4-H club for 10 years. Family vacations were a special time for all. They took many trips to New Mexico to visit family and once to see the Grand Canyon. For several years, they made an annual trek to Dallas, TX for the Cotton Bowl where they spent special time with Uncle Kelly Mitchek. At least once a year, they took trips to the mountains where Zac skied at a young age and advanced snowboarding as he got older. Zac went to his first concert at the age of 16 and has been hooked ever since. He went to concerts and punk rock shows with many friends but Tyrell Duell was always at his side, and Hoot too when he got old enough. His favorite memories were annual trips to the Warped Tour. Zac was well known for his individuality. You never knew what color his hair or fingernails would be. He learned tolerance for others because of the prejudice he experienced for being different. After graduating from high school, Zac moved to Gunnison to attend Western State College for a year. He then moved back home and went for a year at Morgan Community College. Zac had recently moved to Greeley to live and work with his cousin Dustin Steelman and friend Rob Kliesen in the oil field. Zac was called home to be with his Lord on November 25th, 2005, forever leaving a void in his family’s lives. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Zac was preceded in death by his grandmother Viola Carr, great-grandparents Ivan and Wilma Smelker, a cousin Holly Jo Mitchek, and a cousin Jennifer Wells. Funeral services for Zac were held on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 10:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington with Pastor Bill Viergutz officiating. Burial followed in the Claremont Cemetery in Stratton, CO. Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington. Memorials may be made in Zac’s name and may be left at the Kit Carson State Bank in Burlington.