Zachary Cary Rummel was born March 3, 2006 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Cary Rummel and Ellen Rummel, brother to Alexa. He attended school at Westside Elementary in West Fargo and was currently in the fourth grade.

 

Zachary enjoyed soccer, football, baseball, swimming, Minecraft, WWE and loved being with family and friends. He loved wrestling with anyone especially his sister Alexa and cousin Matthew. He loved attending school and being with his classmates, teachers and staff at Westside Elementary. Zachary said numerous times he wanted to someday be a gym teacher.  The support from the teachers, students and families at Westside was invaluable throughout his time there.

 

Zachary had a kind heart and ability to empathize with others and always had a smile on his face and a witty personality. He was selfless and caring with a deep soul, he always wanted to help others.  He loved his church home at Lutheran Church of the Cross where he was baptized, received First Communion attended Sunday School. He and his sister Alexa had an amazing bond which she will cherish forever.

 

Zachary was diagnosed with a brain tumor on January 21st, 2015. His medical treatment was provided by St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN which became the families second home as they traveled every two months for follow up care. The treatments provided by St. Judes allowed the family valuable extra time in which many special memories were made, such as his Make A Wish trip to Disneyworld in June. He never once complained, showed determination throughout his cancer journey and was an inspiration to his family, friends and many others around the world.

 

Survivors include his mother, Ellen West of Fargo, ND, father, Cary of Fargo, ND, sister, Alexa, grandparents, Carol Johnson of St. Hilaire, MN, Dale and Geri Rummel of Bismarck, MN; uncles, Eric (Kandee) Johnson of Red Lake Falls, MN, uncle, Erling (Amy) Johnson of Thief River Falls, MN, aunts, Kelly (Todd) Mondry of West Fargo, ND, Darcie Rummel of Minneapolis, MN; cousins, Jessie and her daughter, Lilly, Emily, Ethan, Jordan, Nolan, Kira, and Matthew; many other relatives; his cat, Simba; and dogs, Dottie & Beary.

 

Zachary was preceded in death by his Grandfather Albin “Jim” Johnson on October 21st 2015, his parakeet Jo Jo and his dogs Murphy, Tillie and Dexter.

 

Zachary Rummel passed away on Monday November 16th, 2015 in his home surrounded by his loving family. May his memory be blessed, he has inspired so many through his journey. He will be laid to rest exactly 10 months from his date of brain tumor diagnosis.

 

Memorials will be distributed to organizations that have impacted Zachary’s cancer journey.

 

 

Pallbearers, Zach’s sister, Alexa & his cousins, Jessie, Emily, Ethan, Jordan, Nolan, Kira & Matthew

Honorary Pallbearers, Westside School Staff, Students & their families, Anne and Jack Hanks, Brooke Riggs, Joel Baranko and Laura Henrik