Zachary Robert Bartunek, age 23, of Yankton, SD died Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD of a gunshot wound. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 20, 2011 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, with Rev. David Gunderson officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will take place at a later date. Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with a Scripture service at 7:30 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are Brian Bartunek, Chandler Bartunek, John Lichter, Dan Graveland, Mitch Eide and Mason Eide.
Zachary was born on June 13, 1988 in Yankton, SD to proud parents, Laura (Meyer) and Michael Bartunek.
Zachary had a true love of the outdoors and spent many, many hours fishing on the local waters bringing home fish for supper whenever he could. In 2008, he landed a beautiful bass that earned him a Trophy Bass Award. Zach also enjoyed hunting and spent many hours at Grandpa Bartunek's place hunting rabbits, squirrels and deer. Zach finally had the honor of hunting the big pasture with his uncles last year and brought home a beautiful deer.
Zach started his work career at an early age of 10 with a paper route. From there, he spent his summer vacations working for his uncle on the family garbage route. This turned into a weekly route for him and he held this position until right before his death.
Zach attended Yankton Public Schools and was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at St. John's Lutheran Church of Yankton, SD.
Zach will be remembered fondly by his mother for his loving sensitive nature. Zach was very generous with his family and a great help to his mother. He loved his pets and helped take care of all of them.
Zach will be sorely missed by his mother, Laura Bartunek, grandparents, Robert and Burdette Meyer, all of Yankton, SD; Errol Bartunek Sr. of Yankton, SD; Joan and John Feather of Peever, SD, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, his half-sister, Melanie Ramirez of Granite Falls, MN and god parents, John and Linda Lichter of Yankton, SD
Zach was preceded in death by his father, Mike Bartunek in 2007.
Zach had many friends and will be missed by everyone that had the honor of knowing him and most especially by his longtime friend, Andy Gwinn and cousin, Jason Bartunek, both of Yankton, SD.
