Zachary D. Solum

Zachary Solum –son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, and friend—was found on July 7, 2021, having died by suicide in Mason City, Iowa. He was 29 years old when he lost the hard-fought battle with his mental illness.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 PM Thursday July 15, 2021 at Major Erickson Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Zach’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in Zach’s name to help prevent more unnecessary deaths and to end the stigma around mental illness.

When Zachary was asked to describe himself, his response was always “I’m a simple man with simple tastes”. He loved his family, his dog Loki, throwing the football, shooting hoops, and his Playstation. He was a through and through Vikings fan always hoping for the big win.

Zach enjoyed working along side his dad in the garden every year and helping his mom out with projects around the house. He always was willing to help anyone with anything they needed, and always with a willing attitude. He loved his brothers and loved being an uncle, spending time with his nieces and nephews whenever he could.

As a young man with the sweetest quiet spirit, he struggled with his own mental illness, fighting against Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder for several years. Zach chose to end his life, ending the suffering he endured inside his head, and forcing us to all come face to face with the reality of the need to support those struggling with mental health issues.

Zach was born on March 20, 1992 to Danny Solum and Shelley Huebner. Zach is survived by so many people that love him--his mom and dad, Grandma Sadie Ginther, Grandpa Carl Solum, his brothers Christopher (Abigail) Huebner, Jamie (Paige) Huebner, Eric Dittberner, Travis (Paige) Gordon, and Nicholas Solum. His nieces Maylee, Aurora, and Hattie and nephews Louie and Liam. Zach’s aunts and uncles, Heidi Rippentrop, Greg Rippentrop, Rocky Adams, Kris Adams, Carla (Mark) Sampson, Sherrie Solum, Bill Solum, Carol (Greg) Wine, Mark (Edna) Solum, Mitch (Mona) Hoy and many cousins.

Zach was preceded in death by his sister Erica, his grandma Joy Solum, his grandparents Ron and Linda Rippentrop, and dogs Tucker and Brody.