Andrew Joseph Zeh, age 11, was the youngest of five children spread across 14 years. As an explanation for his eye rolls, hip shrugs, neck tilt, and general teenage attitude, which started at age 3, his parents would joke that he was raised by teenagers. Andrew was taught how to walk, using canine training methods, by his brother Matthew, who also came up with the rarely used nickname AJ.
Andrew was famous for his hugs, sweet character and unabashed physical affection for his siblings. He read the room as well as any 11-year-old could and always had a kind and compassionate word for people.
Surrounded by a loving family at home, he walked the world with aplomb. After losing his school spelling bee (from not studying much) he said, “I thought I would do better because I don’t get stage fright.” He was a lector at St. Luke’s 9:30 Mass, impressing people with his clear and confident reading voice.
He began exploring theological questions at a young age after suffering a crisis of faith over how to interpret Genesis. He believed in God because he could not bear the thought of there being nothing after you die.
Growing up surrounded by a large family, he was moody when only Mom and Dad were home. For him, the COVID lockdown was not a sad time. He loved that his favorite (and only) sister returned from college, and everyone else was nearly always available for lap sitting, hugs, or conversation. He inserted himself into any situation, including his siblings’ romantic ones, and once spent an entire afternoon reading Captain Underpants to Peter and his girlfriend Hana. He allowed them a one-hour break after his sister intervened, but immediately set a one-hour timer with Alexa.
At St. Luke’s Pack 67 and Troop 16, and Owasippe Scout Reservation, he arrived already known as “someone else’s” younger brother. Most of the time, this was something he reveled in, but it had some downsides. When one teacher mistakenly called him Jonathan, he glowered at her until she called him Andrew.
A regular at Pack 67 events from birth, he happily participated, then led by the time he was an Arrow of Light Scout.
He was also a regular at the River Forest/Oak Park Kiwanis meetings and events, including the bowlathon and the Memorial Day Parade. Doted upon by the club members, he enjoyed ringing the opening bell and reminded his father to leave home on time. A helping of unlimited library computer time plus Kiwanis snacks sealed the deal.
He witnessed all of his siblings’ accomplishments, but assumed he could do them too, and probably earlier. At his first full-fledged Troop 16 Campout, when the Scoutmaster announced the Senior Patrol Leader election, Andrew asked when he could run.
Most parents are wise enough not to admit to a favorite, but in the Zeh family, Andrew topped everyone’s list.
His impact will continue in the lives of his parents, Mary Anne and Robert; his siblings Lou (Susan), Peter, Matthew, and Johnathan; his extended family, his Scouting family, and all those he touched in his short life. We commend his soul to God’s mercy.
In lieu of flowers or other tributes, memorial contributions may be made to the Andrew Joseph Zeh Charitable Memorial Fund at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. Gifts will honor Andrew’s memory by supporting parks and camp maintenance, scouts’ pursuit of leadership & service, and related charitable causes in the Oak Park and River Forest community.