Shenandoah, IA: Zachary was born on July 26, 1982, in Grand Island, Neb., to James and Mary (Hamilton) Tuggle and died October 17, 2026.
At the age of five, Zach and his family moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, where he grew up playing outside with his younger sister, Molly. During high school, Zach participated in football and track and field, where he excelled in the long jump, earning third place at the state level. He also excelled academically, earning straight A’s with little effort. Zach graduated from Shenandoah High School in 2000.
As an adult, Zach moved with his family to Republic, Missouri, where he kept busy pursuing his many hobbies and caring for his beloved dog, Yoda Eugene. When he wasn’t at home, he worked at Heady’s BBQ, where he enjoyed helping with food preparation and other restaurant tasks.
Zach is survived by his beloved mother, Mary (Hamilton) Tuggle of Republic, Missouri; his half-sister, Jeannette (Tom) Hogan of Ridgeway, Missouri; and his sister, Molly Tuggle of Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his father, James Tuggle, and his beloved dog, Yoda Eugene Tuggle.
Zach will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, his remarkable intelligence, and the many lives he touched through his kindness and friendship. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held at the Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Shenandoah, Iowa, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Kenneth Hawkins and Tom Hogan officiating. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Ridgeway, Mo. Memorials were directed to the Rose Hill Cemetery. Professional services were under the direction of Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service in Shenandoah, Iowa.
About the Author
