Zachary "Zach" Michael Paulsen

Zachary Michael Paulsen, 21, had his life taken from him on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Wednesday, August 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Thursday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m.

Zach was born on December 18, 1992 to Kurt and Patrice Paulsen in Des Moines, IA. He graduated from Valley High School in 2011 and from WyoTech Vocational School in Larami, WY. He worked as a diesel mechanic and helped in the family construction business, Dean Paulsen & Sons Contractors. Zach loved to take things apart and put them back together. He was a huge fan of Snap-on tools and was rarely without a wrench in his hand. He was always working on a car or engine, his truck, or building something. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing, exploring and spending time at the family cabin in Canada. Zach loved spending time with his family. He was extremely generous and quick to help anyone in need. His passing leaves a giant hole for all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Kurt and Patrice Paulsen; grandparents, Dean and Charlene Paulsen; aunts and uncles, Dana Petrowsky, Kent and Kari Paulsen of Des Moines, IA, Kriss and Cliff Cochran of Woodstock, GA; cousins, Todd and Melissa Petrowsky, Joshua (Stacy), Joe (Nicole), Justin and Jordan Paulsen, Brooke (Ryan) Beach, and Bin and Lily Cochran; and his beloved dog and companion, Colby Sue Paulsen. Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothea Brown and Duane Brown.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Autism Society of Iowa – Des Moines Chapter, 4549 Waterford Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265 in honor of Zach. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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