Zach Tenberge of Huntsville, basketball coach at Greenland School, passes away aged 35: Obituary

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Huntsville, Arkansas – The community of Huntsville, Arkansas, and beyond mourns the loss of a beloved member, Zach Tenberge, who was not only a dedicated basketball coach but a cherished soul in the hearts of many. He battled a rare genetic disorder throughout his life with incredible courage and resilience. On Monday, September 18, 2023, Zach Tenberge, a resident of Greenland, Arkansas, departed from this world, leaving a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.

Joseph Zacharias Tenberge, aged 35, was born on July 21, 1988, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to his loving parents, John and Connie Young tenBerge. He was a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and an alumnus of Huntsville High School. Zach’s passion for sports was a defining aspect of his life, particularly his deep connection with the Stray Dogs basketball team. Beyond the games, he formed enduring bonds of friendship with his teammates, treating them like family.

Greenland School District shared Zach Tenberge’s death news and wrote,

“It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we let you know our very own Zach Tenberge passed away this afternoon. Zach was such a joy and was full of life and energy unlike any other. He impacted so many lives in his short time here in Pirate Nation and he will be greatly missed.
Our hearts are with his family and all who loved him!
Zach truly was once a Pirate and will always be a Pirate! 🖤
Rest in peace Coach T 💚
We love you!”

After achieving his Masters of Education from Arkansas Tech University, Zach dedicated himself to Greenland Schools, taking on multiple roles. He served as a basketball and softball coach and also as a teacher in Physical Education, Health, and 9th-grade science. Zach’s dedication to both education and sports left an indelible mark on the lives of those he taught and worked with.

In his leisure moments, he found joy in grilling and smoking meats, delighting in sharing meals with loved ones. His genuine care and compassion towards others defined his character, and his life was a testament to kindness and positive influence.

Zach leaves behind a loving family: his parents, John and Connie tenBerge; brother and sister-in-law, Caleb and Jessica Tenberge; sisters and brother-in-law, Lindsey and Grant Belyea, and Johnna Tenberge; nieces and nephews, Ford Tenberge, Jenkins Tenberge, Akasha Belyea, and Allie Tenberge. He is also survived by his grandparents, Bob and Patty Young, of Huntsville, while being preceded in death by grandparents Joe and Theresa Tenberge and Carol Young, all of Hemet, California.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Zach Tenberge’s life will take place on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Charles H. Berry Gymnasium in Huntsville. Given Zach’s battle with Neurofibromatosis, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Zach’s name be made to the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Zach Tenberge’s remarkable spirit, kind heart, and enduring legacy will be remembered by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire and bring comfort to the hearts of his community.

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