Zach J. Snortum

Zach J. Snortum, age 31, passed away doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle on his way to a family get-together on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Motorcycles were his passion, and he has been a dedicated, responsible rider from an early age.  Zach would lead the way on a leisurely summer group ride through the Wisconsin Northwoods and be the rider you would see when the temperature was too cold for most.  One of his favorite adventures was conquering the world-famous Tail of the Dragon with his buddy Travis and other motorcycle friends.

Zach was born on March 5, 1992, son of Jim and Anita (Van Sambeek) Snortum. He graduated from Shiocton High School with the class of 2010. Through high school, he developed a love of basketball and was proud to be a member of the Shiocton High School basketball team.  After graduation, he dedicated his Wednesday nights to playing a pickup game at his alma mater’s gym.  He recently renewed his dedication to exercise and working out, reminding us of the many years he spent becoming a second-degree black belt in Karate. 

Zach’s electro-mechanical degree enabled him to travel extensively as a project manager for Fosber America.  He truly loved his job, visiting 47 of the US states, Mexico, Canada and throughout Europe while training in Italy.

Zach was a true outdoorsman, enjoying everything in nature.  He loved hiking, camping, fishing with his family (especially with his nephew Cam), and opening day of duck hunting with his dad in the marsh.  He enjoyed the sport of archery, being an archery member in 4-H, serving as a past director at Twin City Rod and Gun, shooting in numerous 3-D shoots in the area, and hunting in the “quiet forests” of Wisconsin and the mountains of Colorado.  He was looking forward to a father/son moose hunt in Canada next fall.  

Zach loved spending time with his family (especially his cousins), friends, and his beloved yellow lab Mick Wagger (who Zach recently hosted a first birthday swim party for – attended by Mick’s mother, brother, sister, cousin, and many human friends too).  Anyone who knew him would tell you he had a heart of gold, would do anything for anyone, and will be truly missed.

He is survived by his loving parents, Jim and Anita Snortum; sister, Nicole Daemmrich; nephew, Cameron Daemmrich; maternal grandparents, Tom and Maria Van Sambeek; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Zach was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arthur and Luella Snortum (Grandma Lu); uncle, Gerald Snortum (Uncle Gerald); cousin, Ashtyn; and the first love of his life, his black lab Moose.

A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N Lynndale Drive, Appleton, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Zach’s name to benefit a local non-profit animal rescue. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

We’re proud to say you were our son/brother/uncle.  Miss you so much, Zachy.  Love you my boy.

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