Zachary “Zach” DeSmith
MILROY–The memorial service commemorating the life of Zachary “Zach” DeSmith, 31, of Milroy, will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Remembrance Center. A private, family interment will take place at a later date.
Zachary Michael DeSmith was born March 30th 1994, to Pat DeSmith-Pape and Michael St. Aubin in Marshall, MN. Zach was raised in Milroy with his two sisters Tylee and Kelly. Zach was baptized and celebrated his First Communion at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. He attended Milroy Public School until he transferred to Marshall High School to finish his education.
Zach was always an adventurous type – when he was younger there was an infamous fire incident where he would earn the family nickname of “waffle boy.” The adventure continued as he grew up with his “brother from another mother” Kent Miller. Anything they thought they could get away with or skip, you bet they tried. Some you win, some you didn’t, they were just glad mom didn’t find out!
Zach was a jack of all trades. He worked many places throughout adulthood, mainly drywall businesses. He spent many years working for his Uncle Bob and most recently was working to start up his independent drywall business.
Zach loved spending time with his friends and family. He always had a smile on his face and was always laughing when surrounded by the ones he loved most. Zach loved holding the title of Uncle Zachy (and Godfather) to his two “nieces” Josie and Zoey. Watching his nieces grow up, you could tell he was made to be a girl dad, so you could imagine his excitement when he found out he was going to be a daddy. Zach and Julia welcomed their precious daughter, Evelynn DeSmith, into the world on January 2nd, 2023. Evelynn was the apple of Zach’s eye. Every time he would look at her his smile would just beam, and he would say “oh so cute!” Evie was truly the light of Zach’s life.
Zach passed away unexpectedly on September 9th 2025 at his home in Milroy. He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Pat and Bruce Pape and Michael St. Aubin. Daughter Evelynn DeSmith, sisters; Tylee (Josh) Johnson and Kelly Pape (Westyn Burke), grandmother; Lois St. Aubin, aunts; Lisa Jemming, Trudy (John) Oakley, Patti Swett, Julie (Paul) Garberding, and Dawn Pape, uncles; Brian (Deb) St. Aubin, Bob St. Aubin, Tim St. Aubin and Doug (Paula) Pape, and many cousins who loved him dearly.
Zach is preceded in death by his grandparents; Bill and Theresa Jemming, Marv St. Aubin, and Ken and Barbara Pape, uncles; Mark Jemming and Nick Swett, and his loyal and furry best friend, Spud.
Arrangements with Horvath Funeral Service Tracy, Minnesota 507.629.4510 www.horvathfuneralservice.com