On December 23rd, 2009, a beautiful, freckled baby boy was brought into the world by Jaime and Daniel Zess. Wrapped in a hospital blanket, lying in an incubator, he was named Greyson. His name had a daunting seven letters and would constantly be misspelled for the rest of his life. Jaime and Dan gave all three of their children seven-letter names: Makenna for their eldest daughter and Jackson for their youngest son.
With a great name, Greyson was bound to do great things. And that he did. Greyson worked hard at school to finish his freshman year with a 4.0 GPA and received honors credits. He pulled out a ruler every time he had to draw a line, and had his older sister proofread every assignment. Greyson’s brilliance radiated through every classroom, and all his teachers saw his great potential. He had a passion for learning from an early age; National Geographic books lined his shelves even in kindergarten. As a little kid, he would spend all his free time in his Grandpa Howie’s garage, tinkering with cars and asking billions of curious questions. When he wasn’t messing with real cars, he was building Hot-Wheel tracks and lining up toy Monster Trucks with his little brother.
Greyson certainly shared his curiosity with his dad, the two of them spent their family trips reading every sign at every attraction. He treasured his time outside of the classroom and was always thinking about his next big project. From designing and constructing a fully insulated treehouse, to searching Facebook Marketplace for a Jon boat to restore - he had big plans and big ideas.
Within East Troy High School, Greyson touched many lives by being a part of the football, wrestling and baseball teams. His coaches knew him as a diligent and persevering kid that didn’t know how to give up. He was the kid with a smile on his face, and that was always putting a smile on others, filling the gym with laughter and joy. Greyson knew how to take everything seriously, but at the same time take absolutely nothing too seriously. His mindset was so unique, and he had an impact on every team he ever played for. It’s cliché to define a 15-year-old boy by school and sports, but sadly those are the most major commitments he will ever make.
Greyson Charles Zess left Earth too soon, on Monday, June 9th, 2025, at 4:32pm. Even with all his mama’s safety precautions in place, a tragic ATV accident ended his short life. His family had to make the devastating decision to remove him from life support and let his beautiful soul pass onto Heaven. This tragedy was Greyson’s last moment but is by far the least important thing about him. There is a quote that reads “Our lives aren’t measured in years but are measured in the lives of people we touch around us.” By this standard, Greyson’s life was probably one of the most valuable there is.
Physically, he saved two lives by donating both of his kidneys after his passing. Two other communities won’t be feeling the pain we all are in right now. Beyond that, Greyson left an emotional mark on countless people. That mark can be seen on the Zess family dinner table that’s covered in dozens of handwritten notes from East Troy community members and high school students. That mark can be seen on his closest friends who all got buzz cuts, since that was one of Greyson’s summer plans. That mark can be seen on his family, who will spend the rest of their lives healing from this life-shattering pain.
Greyson had another mark, too. A small, oval-shaped birthmark next to his belly button. His mom told him that spot was where the angel’s kissed him the day he was born. Right now, I think we all know he’s getting plenty more angel kisses, just like he did 15 years ago.
Greyson is survived by his parents (Jaime and Dan), his siblings (Makenna and Jackson), his grandparents (Howie, Maureen, Ken, and Char), and his aunts and uncles (Jenna, Erin, Sam, and Tom). Also left to cherish his memory are his best friends, his teachers, his teammates, and so many others.
In lieu of donations, the family is asking that Greyson is remembered by the impact he made on lives.
Work hard. Live hard. Do what you love.
Show those around you that they matter every minute.
Take from this tragedy to make your minutes count to the fullest, as Greyson did.
The Zess Zoo has decided to open their home (W1215, County Road L, East Troy) on Sunday, June 15th from 12pm to 4pm for a Celebration of Life. Come with a story or a photo to share with his family.
