Cover for Zach Pollock's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Zach

Zach Pollock Profile Photo

Pollock

Dec 2, 1994 — Jun 10, 2026

Obituary

Zachariah Paul Lewis Pollock, 31, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on June 10, 2026.

Zach was born on December 2, 1994, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Bill Pollock and Shana (Howell) Grubbs. He was raised in a military family, living in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma before settling in Iowa. Zach attended Grinnell High School. He pursued his passion for working with his hands by entering the carpentry trade, becoming a proud member of the Carpenter's Local Union 106.

On July 16, 2016, Zach was united in marriage to Samantha Stiles in Colfax, Iowa. Together they built a life and a family, raising four children: Lexus (15), Michael (8), Aubrey (6), and Jaxson (5), and making their home in Knoxville.

Above all else, Zach's family was his everything. His greatest pride and joy were his four children, and Samantha was the love of his life. With each of his kids, he shared something uniquely special. Lexus cherished their long conversations, always knowing she could count on her dad for thoughtful advice and their special dinner dates together. Zach was Michael's biggest supporter on the wrestling mat, proudly helping to coach his team and leaving no doubt about who the loudest dad in the gym was. Aubrey had a standing tradition with her daddy, dinner dates at Manny's Diner in Knoxville, the two of them rolling up together on his motorcycle, like a true princess. And with Jaxson, Zach showed the patience and encouragement of a father who believed in his kids completely, teaching him to ride his bike very early and cheering him on with his signature, "Just go, buddy!" His children and Samantha were his whole world, and that love will live on in each of them every day.

Zach had a deep passion for the outdoors, spending his time hunting, fishing, and embracing everything nature had to offer. He loved the thrill of riding motorcycles and motocross, and cherished time with his family at car races. Some of his favorite places in the world were the open roads of the Black Hills of South Dakota and the mountains of Colorado where he rode with his dad in 2021. He loved to ride his motorcycle and feel truly free. He also treasured his visits with his family to Arizona to spend time with his dad. Most recently, he made cherished memories taking his family and their friend Jerry on a trip to St. Joseph, Michigan, to visit their special friend, Emy.

Beyond his adventurous spirit, Zach was a remarkably gifted craftsman whose talent for working with his hands set him apart. Trained in many aspects of carpentry, he took great pride in his skill, and his work spoke for itself, most notably in his contribution to the restoration of the historic Marshalltown Courthouse. He also helped remodel/build Peace Tree Brewing in Des Moines, Mid-American in Shenandoah, Des Moines Municipal Building and the VA in Marshalltown. He had a true gift for home remodeling and building outdoor spaces and nothing made him happier than showing others what he had built.

Zach was the kind of person who never said no. Whether it was a friend in need, a neighbor stuck in a snow drift, or a stranger who needed a hand, Zach showed up every time, tools in hand, sleeves rolled up, and a willingness to help. Giving of his time and talents came naturally to him, and it brought him pure joy to be able to do something for someone else. His generous, selfless spirit touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Zach is survived by his wife, Samantha Pollock; his children, Lexus, Michael, Aubrey, and Jaxson; his father, Bill (Barbie Prinster) Pollock; his mother, Shana (Howell) Grubbs; his brother, Grant (Candace Dolash) Pollock; his sister-in-law, Vireh Stiles (Ben Singer); his grandmother, Pauline Pollock; his mother-in-law, Amanda Snow; Samantha’s Grandparents, Raymond and Ruth Casper; his nephews, Braydon, Dexter, and Gunnarr; his niece, Valkyrie; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Zach was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lewis Pollock; his maternal grandparents, Larry and Shirley Howell; his brother, Brandon Reese; and his uncle, Laurel Pollock.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samantha Pollock for the benefit of Zach's children, mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.


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