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Zebulon Roy Hegel, 31

Zebulon Roy Hegel. A life gone too soon. On May 31, 2017, Zeb, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a brother, a Son. Himself a Father, died three miles east of Rathdrum, Idaho, in a tragic car crash, at the early age of 31.

Zeb, was the youngest of two sons born to Linda Ciszek Hegel and Lavern Roy Hegel in Deer Park, Wash., Aug. 15, 1985.

In late 1988, the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Early in 1989, his parents divorced. And on the day of Zeb’s 9th birthday, 1994, their family moved to their present location, on Highway 53 in Rathdrum.

Zeb, attended Harding and Garwood Elementary, and Lakeland High School, and graduated from Rathdrum Alternative High. Having moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 2008, in late March 2017, Zeb had returned to his Idaho home to heal from a shattered ankle.

Survived by his mom, Linda, and his oldest brother, Tyson; two nieces, Emma and Sophia Hegel; dear family friend, Aunt Sherie Barber and family; and stepbrother Luke Smith. Out of state relatives include his elderly grandparents, Lee and Edna Hegel; numerous cousins; six aunts, Annie, Angie, Anita, Aletta, Paula Hegel and Valerie Ciszek; seven uncles, Larry, Leo, Les, Louie Hegel, Jim, Rich, Tom and Ciszek; and three half brothers, Nick, Jesse and Axel Hegel.

And not to be forgotten, Zeb and Janet Toledo’s, 3-year-old daughter, Nevaeh. His greatest joy in life, their daughter, Nevaeh, whom he joyfully called, “little bitty.” Nevaeh, spelled backward, Heaven.

Zeb was unique, and lived life beyond the borders in all that he did. Having a passion for life, learning and living, and with a ready wide smile, big open heart, that he often wore on a torn sleeve, a tough exterior, a sensitive soul, Zeb, had a talented gift for art, and he could see, and express, the greatest beauty in everything, and everybody. Often he would say, stay positive.

Zeb believing in a higher power, a memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017, at our family home, with Reverend Deidre Ashmore presiding. Address 15950 N. Knudson St., Rathdrum. Zeb’s partial ashes will rest near his family in Rimrock Cemetery, and his remaining ashes set free, someplace peaceful, beautiful. A celebration to honor his life will follow the memorial service. Questions or directions please contact Sheri Barber at (208) 659-1623. With all things, we find our comfort, in God we trust.