Zakery C. Haubrich

Zakery Charles Haubrich, age 21, of Quincy, died on Monday, December 14, 2015 in Peoria County, Illinois. He was born on July 12, 1994 in Quincy, a son of Timothy Leo and Kristie Ann (Bigelow) Haubrich.
Zakery was a graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School and a student at Bradley University, where he was a senior music business major. From a young age, Zak exhibited artistic flair, first as a visual artist but music became his main mode of creative expression.

Zak’s musical endeavors include performing with the Parochial Music Organization Band; Quincy Youth Orchestra; the Quincy Notre Dame Band, Quincy Notre Dame Jazz Band and Quincy Notre Dame Choir; the Bradley Jazz Ensemble, Bradley Symphonic Winds, Bradley Symphony Orchestra, and Bradley Trombone Quartet. Zak and his brothers, Justin and Aaron, along with Jared Holbrook, formed the rock band The Gentlemen, playing throughout the Quincy area. A gifted and talented musician, Zak played the trombone, bass, keyboard, accordion, guitar, mandolin, and virtually any instrument he picked up.

In addition to his passion for music, Zak was also committed to community service and spent his time helping others, indicative of his generosity and altruism. He spent summers volunteering with the Youth Corps at Blessing Hospital and Good Samaritan Home, as well as playing with the Quincy Park Band. He would have performed with the Park Band for their Christmas Concert this holiday season. Zak was also a founding member of the Bradley University chapter of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Zak enjoyed a good game of tennis and a round or two of golf. He had a genuine affinity for the outdoors and the beauty of nature. He was a rock hound and could be found quietly tumbling his spoils into beautiful gems. Zak loved to go fishing, whether it was with Grandpa Ron, Uncle Wayne, or when near water, he’d find a rod and head out on his own. In the springtime, when Grandpa Dick would put in a garden, Zak was by his side, carefully planting peppers and tomatoes.

His love of music, dedication to service, academic pursuits, and bond to the natural world were bested only by his love for his family and friends and his sense of humor. He knew that love and humor were intrinsically connected. For Zak, there was always something to smile about; every situation had a silver lining and he made it his duty to bring the light and love forward in every situation he or his loved ones faced. Zak made you laugh whether you wanted to or not.

A spirited and spiritual young man, Zak’s faith remained strong throughout his short life, which began at least at his baptism, as witnessed by his godmother, Sherry Haubrich Ellis, his godfather, Cliff Bigelow, and many faithful family members. Nurtured through his Catholic education at St. Peter’s School and Quincy Notre Dame, Zak carried the pillars of his Catholic beliefs with him to college, which informed his many acts of kindness and love.

In addition to his parents, Zak is survived by two brothers and their wives, Justin (Michelle) Haubrich and Aaron (Brittany) Haubrich; his nephew and godson, Elijah Haubrich; maternal grandparents, Richard and Sigrid Bigelow; paternal grandparents, Ron and Bonnie Haubrich; and his girlfriend Lacey Hagerbaumer, all of Quincy.

Also, aunts and uncles: Ann Haubrich (Art Dwyer) of St. Louis; Sherry Haubrich Ellis (Gary Ellis) and Mary Haubrich (Chris Livingston) of Kansas City, Missouri; Tony Haubrich and Karn Haubrich of Quincy; Wayne (Sharon) Bigelow of Bradenton, Florida; Cliff (Dianna) Bigelow of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; Jeff (Kathy) Bigelow, Mark Bigelow and Tammy Bigelow, all of Quincy. Many great aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends also survive. This recounting of Zak’s life would be remiss if it did not mention that his loyal furry friend, Sassy, also survives. She misses him already, too.

He was preceded in death by Kristie’s paternal grandparents, Arthur and Marguerite Bigelow; and maternal grandparents Wilhelm and Hedwig Brinkhoff; and Tim’s paternal grandparents, George and Anaise Haubrich; and maternal grandparents Tom and Viola Kelty; and Ralph and Ruth Pogue.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter with celebrant Father Roy Bauer. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Quincy Notre Dame Band or to the Bradley University Band.

30 Comments

  1. Jim & Susie Keller on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    So many family and friends understand the earth was a better place with Zak in it. This fine young man will be greatly missed. God Bless Zak. Our Thoughts & Prayers are with him and your family!

  2. Paul Kevin Patrick Geers on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Dear Haubrich Family,
    Tim and Kristie,
    My heart go’s out to you all. I will keep your son in my daily prayers,
    I will have a mass said for the repose of his soul soon at St. Rose.
    Paul Geers and my mother, Mary F. McDowell who swims with Bonnie

  3. Rick and Michele Binger on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Tim and Kristi and family
    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. Carol Mast Sheller on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Bonnie and Ron…What a great loss you must feel…..this makes me so very sad for you. Having lost a 21 year old grandson a year ago, I have a small understanding of how you are feeling….just a small understanding. My love and prayers….Carol

  5. Sheldon, Teresa, Ciara Robinson on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, praying for peace and hoping the memories of your beloved Zak will give you some comfort in the days to follow.

  6. Rich Helmer on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Bonnie and Ron and family,

    You have my deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of such a brilliant young man.

  7. Tammy John Rupp on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Words can not express the sorrow
    we feel for the families. Our hearts will be heavy for many days. I have lit a candle in my window for Zak’s soul. It shall shine for eternity.

  8. Alice and Dick Butler on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Our love and sympathy are with all of you at this most difficult time. We are the grandparents of Alice, Nikki and Gretchen cousins of Zak. God be with you all.

  9. Arlene Peter Brocksmith on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Bonnie, Ron & Family
    What can a person say at such a sad time in our lives. My heart reaches out to all of you and pray our Almighty Father has wrapped His loving arms around all of you. May you feel the love and prayers of all who care. Peace be with all of you.

  10. Julia Gilstrap on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    I am so sorry for the loss of your, son Zakery. Uplifting your entire family in prayer for Gods’s peace, comfort and strength to surround you all.

  11. David Cole on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Thinking of you.

  12. Mary Dierkes Cary on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the entire Haubrich family. May God Bless and give you strength.

  13. Ed Best on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Our volunteer fire department responded to accident. Our community & friends were so saddened. We heard the call on scanner radio. People were texting me for prayers for your family. Our prayers are with all the family & loved ones. God Be With all.

  14. Rich and Cindy Archer on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    May God’s peace eventually rest with you. In the mean time, we are heartbroken at your loss. Zak was such a great friend and trombone challenger to our son, Michael. They played some beautiful music together and mostly just had fun. Such a priceless joy to any parent to know the high caliber of their child’s friend. Zak made a difference in Michael’s life, and for that we are forever thankful. It is small solace, but he will always have a special place in Michael’s heart and ours as well.

  15. Colin O'Donnell on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Haubrich family. Zak always had a smile on his face and he was a joy to be around at QND.

  16. Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity - Bradley University Chapter on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We were blessed with the honor of calling Zak a beloved brother and a dear friend.

  17. Diane Ericson Abbott on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Dear Tim & Kristie, Words cannot express how sorry I am for you and all of your family. Although, I haven’t seen you in years, nor ever had the pleasure of meeting Zak, he sounds like an amazing young man thT you will always be proud of. You have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. May God bless and comfort you.

  18. Judy Graham on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Kristie, TIm and all of the Family – Our hearts go ahead to you. Please know we are keeping you in our prayers. God has his loving arms wrapped around your son and your entire family. God’s blessing to all of you to help you with this difficult time.

  19. val Hayes on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    So, So sorry for the Loss of Zak. My prayers and thoughts are with you..

  20. Kathy Garrison on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    The Benedictine College community extends condolences to the loved ones of Zakery. May God wrap you in His loving and comforting arms and provide you with peace. You are in our prayers.

  21. Jeanette K. Bohne on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Tim, Kristie and family, I was so sorry to learn of Zak’s sudden passing. Can’t help but think the Lord wanted/needed a polished musician to play for the Christ Child on His birthday this year. Know the family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time of Great Loss. God Bless!

  22. Larry Fenton on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    To The Haubrich Family– So sorry for the loss of Zak,he was a great young man,talented & with a good future. May God be with you all to help bring peace & comfort.My prayers are with all of you.

  23. Michelle Field on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. May you find strength in your love and memories of Zak that you hold in your heart.

  24. Kathy Garrison on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    The Benedictine College community sends condolences and prayers to the loved ones of Zakery Haubrich.

  25. David & Crystal on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    W have a son and daughter that are seniors at BU; as parents, our hearts are breaking for you in your loss. Our prayers are with you.

  26. Suellen & Doug Clarke on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    So very saddened to hear of Zakery’s tragic death. May your happy memories help you to get through. Our prayers are for him & all who loved him. I’m Dick & Sigrid’s 2nd cousin. God bless you all

  27. Dwain Preston on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    To the Haubrich Family– Please accept my condolences on the death of Zak. He was a great kid with a great future. I will miss him. I am sorry that I will be out of town for the visitation and funeral.

  28. Sherri and Tim Valentine on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Tim and Sherri Valentine

  29. Tanner Kline on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    My deepest sympathy and prayers for your son and family during this tragic time.

  30. John Badamo on November 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Please accept our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. No words can ease your loss, so we lean on the only one we can trust and be at peace with at a time like this. May God’s Peace find you and wrap you in His love. Terri and John Badamo

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