Zachary James “Zach” Rohbock, 27, passed away on July 12, 2026 from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident in Geneva, Illinois, on July 4. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mary Wilbur and David Rohbock. Zach is survived by his loving grandmother, Thelma Rohbock; his aunts and uncles, Steve Rohbock, Jan Rohbock, JoEllen Wilbur (Robert Hedrick), Patrick Wilbur (Carol), Michael Wilbur (Linda), and Thomas Wilbur (Marisel); and 16 cousins.
As an only child, Zach cherished being part of a large extended family. The youngest of 13 Wilbur cousins, he took special pride in being an uncle figure to the next generation—reading them Thomas the Train, playing video games with them, and answering endless questions with patience.
Music was woven throughout Zach’s life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he learned piano, guitar, and trombone. Family videos capture him playing guitar while little ones danced nearby, and at Indiana University, where he studied computer science, he played trombone in the IU Marching Band. Whether on the field, at open mic nights in Elmhurst, or singing karaoke with cousins cheering him on, performing brought Zach immense joy. Zach loved his work and the community he built in Michigan, where he worked in education technology for the public school system. On a recent family trip, he proudly shared his newest role as a sports announcer, joyfully reenacting his booming introduction: “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Friday night’s game.”
Zach also took great pride in his father’s Louisiana roots perfecting the family’s jambalaya recipe. During family vacations, he and his mother spent hours preparing it for the whole family—a tall ask for nearly 30 people. To his mother, Zach was everything. He embodied Mary’s grace, warmth, and generosity. He had a calm, gentle soul that filled every room.
Shortly before his passing, Zach returned from Machu Picchu, a special trip with his mother, embracing the adventure and walking beside her every step of the way. Though Zach’s life was far too short, his family finds comfort in his final, selfless gift: the donation of his organs and tissues. We are proud to have called him our little cousin, our little nephew, our Zach. His joy, patience, music, laughter, and love will remain with all who knew him. He will be the best guardian angel.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126. Funeral Friday, July 24, 2026 beginning at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Janesville, Wisconsin at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) or to the Indiana University Marching Band.
For more information, 630-834-3515 or www.Ahlgrim.com.
