Zachary D. Epplin, 19, of Waterloo, died July 1, 2015, at home with his family at his side.

He was born Feb. 25, 1996, in Belleville, the son of Doug and Beverly Epplin (nee Meyer), who survive him.

Zac loved being the big brother of the family and always had a bit of advice or a good practical joke ready for us. He loved his pets very much and had hoped to one day become a veterinarian. He was very proud to have been teammates with his high school soccer team.

Zac liked to fish and hunt and grill up a good meal to share with us. He put his family and friends above himself and we were all blessed to have known him, even if it was only for a short time.

Along with his parents, surviving are his brothers, Lucas, Matthew and Andrew Epplin; special friend Kassy Clark of Smithton; maternal grandparents Kenny and Betty Meyer (nee Andres) of Columbia; and paternal grandparents Robert and Janet Epplin (nee Langa) of Pinckneyville; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be Friday, July 3, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 411 Palmer Road, Columbia; and Saturday, July 4, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the church.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, at 10 a.m., at the church with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating.

Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: Immaculate Conception School – New Playground Fund, 411 Palmer Road, Columbia, IL 62236; or the Gibault High School Soccer Team, 501 Columbia Ave., Waterloo, IL 62298.