Birth date: Aug 27, 1985 Death date: Dec 31, 2025
It is with broken hearts that the Kinstner family shares the news of the death of Zachary Richard Kinstner, born August 27, 1985. On December 31, 2025, Zach took his own life after battling with schizophrenia for several years. He Read Obituary
I most remember Zach’s curious mind and love of music. I (and many others) bought one of his CD’s freshman year - how impressive to create and edit an album so young! And I remember being Mel’s roommate and hearing how excited she was to meet the cute boy down the hall. My sincerest condolences to Zach’s family and loved ones. I pray for all to find comfort and solace.
A few memories I wanted to share. I met Zach through the community of people I found at Grand Valley State University. He and Mel were definitely love at first sight. I remember one evening some of us had come home and Mel was not feeling well. Zach was tending to her lovingly. The way that he took care of her was beautiful, loving, and devoted; it stuck with me forever.
One summer we spent time at Mel’s cabin, and there was a monsoon that hit us while we were in the car after we ordered our ice cream cones. So we happily sat eating our delicious treat, and at one point Mel and Zach, seated in the front, turned around and we took a picture of them smiling like little kids eating their treat. I think that’s a pretty accurate representation of them. Joy, creativity, love, perseverance — all of that is part of who I remember them as a couple.
One last memory was when Zach was trying to make a sort of music studio in his room. We all came over to the house, and he had this special fabric material he was putting on the walls to soundproof it so that the music would sound great when he was recording. He played the piano for us; I think it was maybe a song he was working on at the time. It sounded so good I couldn’t help but sing myself a tiny little piece ad lib. His siblings and his parents were great hosts, and it’s a fun memory I have of all of us hanging out.
God bless you guys as you work through this season.
A few memories I wanted to share. I met Zach through the community of people I found at Grand Valley State University. He and Mel were definitely love at first sight. I remember one evening some of us had come home and Mel was not feeling well. Zach was tending to her lovingly. The way that he took care of her was beautiful, loving, and devoted; it stuck with me forever.
One summer we spent time at Mel’s cabin, and there was a monsoon that hit us while we were in the car after we ordered our ice cream cones. So we happily sat eating our delicious treat, and at one point Mel and Zach, seated in the front, turned around and we took a picture of them smiling like little kids eating their treat. I think that’s a pretty accurate representation of them. Joy, creativity, love, perseverance — all of that is part of who I remember them as a couple.
One last memory was when Zach was trying to make a sort of music studio in his room. We all came over to the house, and he had this special fabric material he was putting on the walls to soundproof it so that the music would sound great when he was recording. He played the piano for us; I think it was maybe a song he was working on at the time. It sounded so good I couldn’t help but sing myself a tiny little piece ad lib. His siblings and his parents were great hosts, and it’s a fun memory I have of all of us hanging out.
God bless you guys as you work through this season.
Zach was a dear friend and neighbor. We always had the same teachers at RP. 1st grade thru much of high school. Some times we had different opinions, I have always pushed boundaries as he did. I recall spending the night and staying up way to late playing computer games. MYST was the game we fascinated over, first POE 3D environment game We had ever seen. That was maybe 3rd or 4th grade. He and I were also the first to use hyperlinks in a PowerPoint presentation for a class project, when PowerPoint first came into existence. Love and light Kinstners!!!
Zach was my one of my best childhood friends. We spent a ton of time together in daycare at his Grandma Sharon’s. I have a lot of fond memories playing frogger, house, and watching Walker Texas Ranger with him there. I always enjoyed when we would get together with our families once we started school. I loved going to their house and play Duck Hunt. I remember his dad making an ice rink in the winter one year and we had so much fun. I’m glad I have many wonderful memories of those times.
Later on he and his band played at my 16th birthday party. A very nice surprise! I always admired him for his creativity and intellect as we got older.
While we lost touch after high school I will always cherish the fond memories I have of him in my childhood. It was so wonderful to hear of his successes and see online his wonderful family.
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No words can truly express how deeply sorry I am to hear of Zach’s passing. I remember him as such a kind and thoughtful young boy. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
I am soo sorry to hear of Zachary's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray you all find peace and know you are all loved. I wish I could be at the visitation, but will not be able to make it.
This is so shocking to me, so sad. To say that I'm sorry seems so inadequate, but that's all I can do. I am sorry that your family has lost a son and brother. I'm sorry that Zach's wife has lost her husband, and his daughters have lost their dad. I have lost an exceptional former student.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting your son. Having lost my own son, born 1984, who also suffered from schizophrenia, I will pray your memories of the joy his life brought you will shine thru your grief. May he Rest In Peace and your love of him shine bright as you keep him alive in your hearts.
Sincerely,
Another Mom who loves her son
