Zachary Joseph Amundson

Zachary Joseph Amundson, 28, of Navarre, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on December 3, 2025. From the moment he entered a room, Zach made it brighter, louder, and infinitely better. His huge smile, contagious laugh, and unmatched ability to make everyone feel like they belonged turned ordinary nights into legendary ones. He was, without question, full send, the life of every party and the heartbeat of every crowd.

He was born on July 19, 1997, in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Gull Lake High School in Michigan for his first three years then graduated in 2016 from Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida.

Zach lived big and loved bigger. His family and friends weren’t just important to him—they were his whole world. He never missed a chance to tell them he loved them, pull them into a bear hug, or fire up the group text with some ridiculous meme that had everyone crying from laughter.

Sports were woven into the fabric of Zach’s life. He lived for fall Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, especially when his guy (JMS) John Matthew Stafford was slinging the football like only he can. Zach could talk quarterbacks, fantasy leagues, and highlight-reel throws for hours. He was just as happy on the Top Golf deck, trash-talking his buddies while trying (and usually failing) to outdrive them, cold drink in hand and music blasting.

For years, Zach poured that same electric energy into his work family at Johnny Huston’s Grille and Bar in Navarre. Whether he was behind the bar mixing the perfect drink, waiting tables with a grin, or just hyping up the room, he made every shift feel like a party. Countless regulars, coworkers, and friends walked through those doors feeling down and left feeling like they’d just spent time with the brother they always wanted. Zach didn’t just serve people—he lifted them.

Zach is survived by the family who meant everything to him: his devoted parents, Jodie (Scharnowske) and Paul Harger; his brothers, Joshua Amundson and Jacob Harger; his grandparents Dennis and Christine Scharnowske, Leon and Imelda Harger, Glen Amundson as well as a massive extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will carry his light for the rest of their lives.

He was preceded in death by his sister Aubree Amundson and his brother Keegan Harger, grandmother Judith (Astopenia) Garlanger, aunt DeAnn (Scharnowske) Lee (not Bruce), our dog Elvis, as well as other family and friends who were waiting with open arms to welcome their wild, beautiful Zach home.

The world feels a little dimmer without him, but if you listen closely you can still hear his laugh, still feel that larger-than-life hug, still picture him celebrating the next big touchdown or draining a Top Golf shot like a champion. Keep the music loud and the love louder—that’s what Zach would want.

Until we meet again, our sweet son, our buddy. We love you. Forever.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggest memorial donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children in memory of Zachary Joseph Amundson.

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Donations Processing Center

PO Box 863765

Orlando, FL 32886

Or online at LoveShriners.org  or 800-241-4438

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