Zachary "Zac" Walling Mago

Zachary “Zac” Walling Mago, 17, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, July 5, 2018 while taking his daily nap.  Zac was born on July 12, 2000 in South Bend.  He was entering his senior year of high school at John Glenn in Walkerton, IN where he was an honor student and a standout on the basketball team.

"Standout" describes Zac both on and off the court.  Zac was highly motivated, worked hard, and gave everything 100%. He was a gifted student and was looking forward to his senior year and being a part of the “startup moxie” program. Zac was a talented athlete in multiple sports, but he chose to focus on his passion, basketball.  He was fiercely competitive and held himself to the highest standards.  He loved every aspect of basketball, and he dedicated his free time to perfecting his game. He especially loved and enjoyed his personal cheering section of parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins.  He cherished his family.  He emulated his dad, he doted on his mom, he tormented and treasured his sister and his brother.  He was a great help and sweet companion to his grandmother.  He was a kindhearted son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson.

Zac had many interests and hobbies.  He loved Notre Dame football, a good game of Euchre, hanging out with friends, Taco Bell, Starbucks and fishing.  His sense of humor was priceless. He had the ability to make others laugh whether careening around corners at breakneck speed on his wheelie cart, playing Nerf tournaments, or just offering his sage wisdom, "You know what you should do....".  His smile and laugh were contagious.  He lit up a room with just his presence. He could talk to anyone, and he often did.  He had many, many friends. He was loved by all who knew him.

Zac is survived by his parents, Teresa Mago (Shane Binversie) and Robert Mago (Tracey Machnic), both of North Liberty; siblings Jillian and Matthew at home; maternal grandmother, Nancy Malstaff of Walkerton; aunts and uncles, Tamie (Dan) Pudlo and Tonya Cook both of North Liberty, Tracie (Brandon) Patrick and Zolie (Dawn) Mago of Walkerton, Mike (Jen) Mago of Oswego, IL and Dar Pearish of Walkerton.  Zac is also survived by many cousins, friends and his girlfriend Taylor Murray.   He was preceded in death by his grandfather Larry Malstaff, grandparents Nandor and Anna Mago, and great grandpa, Papa, Walling Rose, who was his namesake.

For the last 3 years Zac spent his evenings, school breaks and summer vacations working at Liquid Packaging Solutions in LaPorte, IN.  He worked alongside his mom learning every aspect of the business and was proud to be part of the LPS Team.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 in the gymnasium at John Glenn High School, 201 John Glenn Drive, Walkerton, IN.  Pastor Benn Webb will officiate.   Graveside services will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, North Liberty.  Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10th, at John Glenn High School and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Palmer Funeral Home, North Liberty is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Zac may be donated to the Zachary W. Mago Memorial Fund, payable to Palmer Funeral Home, 3718 So. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.  

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