Caleb Jeffrey Zarzecki, age 15, of Troy, Illinois, born April 28, 1993 to Jeff and Robin, nee Young, Zarzecki, passed away at home, Monday, June 30, 2008 surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with multiple types of cancer. Originally diagnosed in his second year of life, Caleb was brave and heroic as he fought against the odds.

Caleb loved his Play Station, playing guitar and listening to music, especially AC/DC. He loved hanging out with his friends and his brother. He was voted Most Friendly by his eighth grade class at Triad Middle School. Caleb was named an Honorary Illinois State Trooper and Honorary Troy Police Officer. He was the designated "Pilot for a Day" by the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott AFB. He was active in H.I.S.K.I.D.S., a support center for kids with cancer and their families.

Caleb was preceded in death by his maternal great grandfather Stilley Young; paternal great grandparents Helen and Stanley Zarzecki and Florence Wolf.

Caleb is survived by his parents, Jeff and Robin Zarzecki, of Troy; brother Luke Zarzecki and baby sister due to arrive in October Bela Cate Zarzecki; paternal grandparents Frank and Carol Zarzecki of Maryville, maternal grandparents Joyce Young of Paducah, KY; and Jimmy Young of Calvert City, KY., maternal great grandparents Albert and Bernice Robison of Reidland, KY; and Ina Mae Young of Benton, KY. ; aunts Beth (Frank) Catanzaro of Troy; Gwendolyn (Mitch) Henson of Dallas, Tex., and Jimmi Lyn (David) Manion of Covington, La., his girlfriend Katie Brinkman, his school aide of 7 years Michelle Jefferson, and many cousins and friends.

Memorial Donations in honor of Caleb are requested in lieu of flowers to H.I.S.K.I.D.S., 908 Laurel, Highland, IL 62249 or Wings Pediatric Hospice, 9890 Clayton Rd, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63124.

A gathering of friends and family will be from 3:00 – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Gateway Center, One Gateway Dr., Collinsville, Illinois.

In celebration of Caleb's life, services will be 11:00 am, Thursday, July 3, 2008 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 511 South Main Street, Troy, Illinois.