BRAD ZECH

1962-2024

Brad Zech, 61 of Ravenna, died Wednesday April 3rd, 2024 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be April 13th, 2024, 1 pm at the Ravenna City Auditorium with Reverend Jeff Zinnel officiating. The burial will be in the Highland Cemetery, Ravenna NE. Online condolences can be directed to www. rasmussenfh.com Brad was born July 16th, 1962, in Nebraska City, NE to Judy (Straw) and Herb Zech. Brad attended Peru Elementary and Auburn Middle school, then attended Ravenna High school where he met and wed Elizabeth Schlund, the mother of his four children, in 1983. They bought a farm east of Ravenna where Brad spent many days working in his fields, tending his cattle, and raising children. In 1992 he started his lifelong adventure with Zech Farms Trucking. In 1994 Brad and Elizabeth decided to separate but remained equally active in raising their children. Later Brad met his soul mate and life partner, Lori Hawk. They wed in 2012. In 2016 Brad retired from driving truck to pursue his dreams, one of which was tractor pulling. He was well known in the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association as the driver of Dark Horse with Touch Too Much pulling team. Another dream fulfilled was many trips on the open road on his Harley. Brad had a deep inclination for cattle. In 2018 he and his wife founded LBZ cattle where he cared for 125 head. He spent many hours with his cattle where he found his most peace. As a farmer he also found delight in gardening and growing vegetables to share with friends and family, and in down time spent evenings fishing with his sons or brother. Brad had an astonishing love for his family and everybody who knew him, all of which will remember him as a legend or to his grandchildren Papa Batman.

Brad is survived by wife: Lori Zech. Mother: Judy Sherbeck. Children: Billy Zech of Ravenna, Hailey (Mark) Morrow of Omaha, Preston Zech of Ravenna, Hillary (Douglas) Betka of Aurora. Siblings Lori (Jan) Carter of Minden and Brian (Kim) Zech of Nebraska City, and Grandchildren Alexia, Hazel, Kiptyn, and Kayne Betka, Caroline and Madelyn Morrow and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his dad Herb Zech, Uncles Carl and Arthur Zech, Niece Emily Zech and Great Nephew Blaine DeBuhr.