WEBSTER—Not only was 15-year old Zach Zibell a brother, but also a best friend."We could do things some brothers wouldn’t do, talking about certain things or taking him out to a movie," said older brother Jon Zibell.The Webster high school freshman is being remembered for his smile and love for baseball, skateboarding and fishing following his death early Saturday.Zach Zibell, 15, died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound, according to the Burnett County Sheriff's Department. A family friend of the Zibell's contacted the Sentinel, providing Zach's name and the nature of his death.Visitation was held Tuesday at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster and a service will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Musky Avenue at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday). Following the burial, a celebration of life will be held at the Danbury Town Hall.The death rocked the town, with dozens of family, friends and members of the community paying their respects over the weekend and into today's service. Jon Zibell said people kept coming by to offer their condolences and help with just about anything."Most people said they’re there, if you need to talk, or ride or if you want to go do something, people have been really good about that," he said.Jon remembers Zach for his love of catfishing. He had just received a catfishing pole for Christmas in December and recently began using it. He was excited when he made his first catch."It wasn’t how big it was," Jon said. "He put in all this time to get it. You just knew the pole meant a lot more than than fishing."Zach's mother, Barb Zibell, remembers him for his bond with his older brothers Jon and Luke."His brothers and him were more than just brothers," Barb said, tearfully. "They were best friends. He might have been the youngest of my three boys, but he hung around with a lot of upper classmen and they looked at him as a brother."She also remembers his love for baseball. Like her, his number was seven. This year, all three brothers would have played on the same team."He was looking forward to playing center field, with Jon pitching and Luke catching," she said.Middle brother Luke said Zach was active, always willing to do anything, whether it would be fishing, skate boarding or games at their home."Whenever I was ever bored and down, he’d get me and we’d do something," Luke said. "He was always the one who was there."And whether it was a joke or to vent, Jon said Zach was a person friends and family said could pull him aside and talk about anything."He was a very open-minded guy with just about anything," Jon Zibell said. "He was a real easy guy to get along with. I don’t think anyone had a bad thing to say about him."His friend Colin Olson remembers Zach for being the first person up every morning when coming over, giving Olson a smile and saying hello."It was nice coming over to see him," Olson said. "His persona was great."Zach also had a reputation for his academics. Josh Benton was a friend and Zach's classmate in math. It was because of Zach that he looked forward going to class everyday."He helped me out with math a lot," he said. "We just did our work and didn’t fool around. I’m really going to miss him."Sadness at Webster High School
The Zibell home wasn't the only place mourning.Webster High School Principal Tim Widiker said people were in shock after finding out about the death. He was informed around 6:30 a.m. Saturday by another parent.Upon being notified, the school set up a crisis team, helping students mourn while continuing to stay focused in school. Although class didn't resume until Tuesday, grief counselors were available Monday, and will continue to be available for students. All activities continued, including the girls basketball regional game Tuesday evening."We're taking it day by day trying to think of everything we can do," he said.This is the first death of a Webster High School student Widiker has had while he's been principal."The rest have been out of school (graduated)," he said.Widiker remembered Zibell for having a lot of friends and being bright."He made a lot of connections with students," he said. "Students gravitated towards him."Students who have notes will be excused today to attend services for Zibell.Celebrating the good times
Barb Zibell said a celebration will follow after the funeral services today at the Danbury Town Hall.During services today, a theme will be friendship forever. Barb said they bought necklaces and bracelets for friends and family attending. Half will be distributed out while the other half were placed with him in the casket."He touched a lot of people in more ways than one," she said.The celebration of his life is because of what Zach would want everyone to do: be happy and smiling."He’ll forever touch our hearts, he’ll always be with us," Jon said. "He doesn’t want us to be sad."The thing Barb would like people to remember him the most is for his smile and making people laugh."Anytime you saw a picture, you’d always see that smile," she said. "If you were down, he could pick you up."He’d do the dumbest things just to make you smile," Barb added. "He would hike up his pants and do a happy dance. Dressing up like a girl. There’s a lot worse things they could be doing and if that’s the best way to express themselves, that's fine with me."In addition to his mother and brothers, he is survived by his father, John Zibell; maternal grandmother Darlene Mogren and paternal grandmother Sally Zibell; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Robert Mogren and paternal grandfather Richard Zibell.I edited my profile at Freeweblayouts.net , check out these Myspace Layouts!
