Zach and Katelyn Kulak with their children | Zach with one of his kids | Source: facebook.com/Zack James | gofundme.com/raddatz-kulak-family-support
One fateful night, a man drove to work, eager to be home with his family. He was eager to return home so his wife and kids could go on their weekend getaway. They were all ruined when a terrible accident happened.
The future is uncertain and unpredictable. No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to avoid the heartbreaks, trauma, and pain. Suffering can be a natural part of life and can have a profound impact on people’s attitudes and outlooks.
We can’t stop time, even with our best intentions. We can only do our best to live life to its fullest and love our loved ones. One family’s story of loss, joy, love and happiness is a wonderful example.
Epic Weekend Plans
A Homewood family was completely unaware of what lay ahead. Zachary James Kulak (often called ‘Zack’) was heading to work on Friday night when the unimaginable happened.
Katelyn stated that she was doing well in her role as a reading interventionist. Zach had just completed his apprenticeship as an engineer, when their lives were turned on its head.
Zack worked as an engineer at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago, and his wife Katelyn RaddatzKulatz, their children, and many friends awaited his arrival on the next day. They had planned to visit Michigan for a weekend getaway to mark Katelyn’s 35th birthday.
The chilling truth
Zack’s family waited patiently for his return. His children were ready to go apple-picking together with their dad, so they had prepared matching apple-themed dresses with bows. The Kulaks waited but they couldn’t hear Zack. A panic attack swept over them.
Where was he? Katelyn noticed that her husband was always on time and made her feel even more anxious. He never made it to work, which she found out when she called his workplace.
Katelyn and Zack were soon back at work. She saw photos of the wrecked car several hours later and realized that it was Zack. Her husband was in an accident.
A Nightmare of Horrors
Zack had been involved in a terrible accident around 8:30 PM on Friday, September 30, 2022. A vehicle that was not in his lane crossed over and crashed into Zack’s car.
Zack, 33 years old, and Carlos Mendoza (21 year-old driver), both died in the Markham accident. A broken-hearted Katelyn stated:
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a nightmare that has been this horrific.”
Katelyn was a mother to four children, seven, six, four and four-year-olds, with her husband. “Having to explain to your four kids that their dad’s not coming back, that’s not supposed to happen,” she added.
Homewood resident, Elizabeth, described her husband to be her Best friend, her best friend and the love of her entire life. He is also a great dad.to their children. They met at Tinley park High School, when they were both 15 years old. Katelyn claimed that Zach was more of a student who was focused and straight-A when she was 15. “people person.”
Love is a beautiful thing
After playing football for a whole year, Katelyn says Zach became a Mascot and would often dress up as Timmy Titan. According to Katelyn Zach was a kind, happy-go-lucky young man. Anyone who knew him could not help but fall in love with him.
They dated through high school, but then split up. The couple finally reunited in 2011 after college. They tied the knot five years later in 2016. But Katelyn revealedZach and his wife knew that Zach were meant to be.
“He used to tell people all the time, ‘I met the woman I’m going to marry in high school.'”
Katelyn and Zach had three children within a year after their marriage. She said that her husband was the best father, taking their children on amazing trips and showing them tender love and care.
Still in Denial
The mother of four revealed that her husband and she had made a decision to work hard for their children’s best interests. Katelyn stated that she was doing well in her role as a reading interventionist and Zach had just completed his apprenticeship as an engineer, when their lives were turned on its head.
She said that she was still in denial about what had happened and that it was difficult for her to process everything. She expressed:
“It comes and goes. My daughter yesterday was being goofy, and I sent [Zach] a text, and I realized he wasn’t going to get it.”
AccordingAccording to an online obituary Zach was born October 17, 1988. “his life truly began when he met his other half” — his wife, Katelyn. He was a loving husband who was also a dedicated dad to his three children, Mikey, Carmen and Rowan. Clara is one.
Family Support
Cally Vevers created a crowdfunding page in honor of Zach to support Katelyn and help her raise their four children. Over $132,000 has been raised from the $150,000 goal as of October 6.
The fundraiser revealed that the Kulaks were devastated after they lost Zach’s mother May 2022. Vevers SubmittedGoFundMe account
“Zack was only 33 years old and had dedicated his life to supporting his family. He loved his four children beyond measure. We know that no amount will ever replace his presence in his family or his love for them, but we hope to help at least weather the initial storm.”
Too Soon
Katelyn, who was grieving the loss of her husband, noted that Zach was the most joyful person she had ever known, and that he held a special place in her heart. The grieving widow wrote an emotional Facebook message on October 5 in which she thanked everyone for all their support and love. She also said:
“I thought I would have another 50 years with him, and it’s hard now to feel like my children and I were robbed of our time with one of the greatest men there has ever been.”
Katelyn also mentioned that she had hoped she would post beautiful photos from her weekend getaway with her family, but she ended up sharing her husband’s obituary.
Katelyn, our deepest sympathy for your loss. But we are certain that your husband will watch over his beautiful children from the heavens. Your deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones.