Zach Scothorn

Zachary Scott Scothorn, age 19, of Altoona, Iowa passed away on August 15th, 2025. He was born on December 8th, 2005 in Des Moines, Iowa to Scott and Jennifer (Jaeger) Scothorn.

Zach graduated from Johnston High School in May of 2024 and had just completed his freshman year at Iowa State University, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

Zach possessed one of the brightest spirits you could encounter—he truly knew no stranger and welcomed everyone into his life. He had an incredible gift for seeing the best in people and brought joy to others through his contagious laugh, genuine kindness, and generous heart. Zach had a deeply sentimental side, collecting and cherishing little keepsakes that represented his passions or reminded him of the people he loved. His love ran deep for his family, friends, and every group he was a part of.

Zach's curiosity, creativity, and passion were evident in all that he did. He channeled these qualities into his work at Wild Willy's Fireworks and the family restaurant, Chicago Speakeasy. Zach was also a dedicated employee at Panera Bread through his high school years. His enthusiasm for fireworks and cooking went far beyond his work, as he spent time organizing elaborate fireworks shows for family and friends to attend, and always asked his family if they wanted a bite of what he was cooking up in the kitchen. He was passionate about skateboarding, snowboarding, and biking. He had a love for music, particularly American rock classics and hip-hop, and a notable fascination with American history. Zach was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and loved nothing more than the day he got to see them play in person with his family. His playful spirit was evident in the creative nicknames he gave to dogs, especially his beloved Ruby and Coco, whom he affectionately called his "billers" and "booies"—terms that brought smiles to everyone that heard them.

Above all, Zach had a big heart and was devoted to showing love to his family and friends in countless ways. Zach has forever touched the hearts of those he has encountered, and we can all carry on the unconditional love Zach had for others.

Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ron and Mary Jaeger, Anne Scothorn, as well as his uncle, David Scothorn.

Zach's memory will be forever cherished by his parents, Scott and Jennifer Scothorn; his sister, Sydney Scothorn; his grandfather, Straub Scothorn; his aunts and uncles, Kelly Scothorn, Julie Moore, Jeff (Renee) Jaeger, and John (Laurence) Jaeger; along with his cousins, Max, Joe, and Teddy Morris, Megan (Mark), Joey, and Edie Weber, Ashley, Courtney, Jayme, and Jeff Jr. Jaeger, Nichlus and Roman Jaeger; other relatives, and many friends whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifeServe Blood Center or AHeinz57 Pet Rescue. Zach was a regular blood donor who participated in any blood drive he could and frequently responded to requests for blood in times of need.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22nd, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. The visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines immediately following the services.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com