Obituary of Zachary Thomas Roop
Zachary Thomas Roop was born in Monroe on May 4, 1992. He was the son of Joseph and Alice (Garns) Roop. Zach was a 2010 graduate of Monroe High School, and then attended Monroe County Community College earning his welding certificate.
Zachary loved the outdoors. He often went for walks in the woods to enjoy all that nature had to bestow (except spiders). He loved his cats, dogs, and birds actually caring for two finches that reproduced to become more than a dozen. Zach would create silly names for his pets and sing goofy songs to them. When he took employment at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle it seemed like the perfect fit. He enjoyed working with families, caring for the grounds, and appreciated the opportunity to assist with crematory operations. Zach also developed a bond with Craig Seidelman, a fellow Roselawn Associate. They worked side by side each day; and also enjoyed visiting Tennessee, camping, and four wheeling. Zach took great care of his Uncle William “Billy” Garns. He went to work each day and then came home to provide hands-on care of his uncle every night. His love and tenderness showcased the man he was.
Zach was generous, kind, and thoughtful. He had a heart of gold and a beautiful soul, and enjoyed sharing laughter with others. He supported the down-trodden, was always passionate for the little guy, and hated greed and selfishness. Zach wasn’t much for materialistic things. He liked to make his own jewelry and create things of value from the Earth. He enjoyed wood burning and had acquired a substantial knife collection.
Zach was intelligent beyond his years. He had knowledge on a multitude of subjects, very strong spiritual convictions, and of many random facts. Being a great story-teller, he explained things in detail to anyone willing to learn. Proud of his German-Irish heritage, Zach studied the German language in high school and continued learning after school often singing and speaking. He also liked to goof off in an Irish accent.
Zach enjoyed shooting bow and his Mosin Nagant, being the family grill master, and his prized foods including Reuben Sandwiches, Funyons, and Reese’s candy.
Zach Roop, age 25, of Monroe passed away at home on Saturday, August 5, 2017. His passing was preceded by his paternal grandfather: Carlisle Kroeger; paternal grandfather: William Roop; maternal grandparents: Lena Wild Orde and Elwood Garns; maternal uncle: William Garns; and best friend: Tyler McCormick in July of 2015.
To cherish his memory Zach leaves his father: Joseph Roop; his mother: Alice Roop (Bob Stockard) all of Monroe; paternal grandmother: Sandy Kroeger of Monroe; paternal great grandfather: Arlie Roop; two brothers: Jon and Brad Roop of Monroe; and his friend: Craig.
Friends may gather from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 7:00pm also at Merkle’s.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Zach’s memory may be made to the family. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.
"Moonlight Sonata. Looking at the night sky, the way the wind eerily blends tree branches into the moon. It's wonderful". -Zach Roop