Greyson Zess East Troy WI Obituary, Death: Greyson Michael Zess, 17, of East Troy, Wisconsin, passed away tragically on Saturday, June 7, 2025, following an ATV accident on the rolling trails of Muskego County Park.
A cherished son, brother, and friend, Greyson’s sudden loss has left the East Troy community numb with grief, yet united in the celebration of a life that burned bright with kindness, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit.
Born November 2, 2007, to proud parents Daniel and Stephanie Zess, Greyson grew up enveloped in the warmth of a tight-knit family that encouraged him to explore his passions with gusto.
From his earliest days, he displayed an insatiable curiosity and boundless energy—climbing trees in his backyard before he could walk, collecting rocks along the Bark River, and devouring every nature book he could find at the East Troy Public Library.
His younger sister, Lily, fondly remembers how he built her a “fortress” of fallen logs behind their playhouse and patiently taught her to spot deer tracks in the woods.
At East Troy High School, Greyson was known both for his warm smile in the hallways and his leadership on the cross-country team. A dedicated distance runner, he often rose before dawn to log extra miles alongside Coach Ramirez, who recalls.
“Greyson’s work ethic was unmatched—he’d joke that he ran the pond laps ‘just to watch the sunrise,’ but he also looked out for teammates, making sure no one felt left behind.” His determination earned him multiple personal bests and a spot as team captain in his senior year.
Beyond athletics, Greyson’s love for the outdoors found expression in his involvement with the Kettle Moraine 4-H ATV Club. Under the guidance of longtime mentor and club president Mary Lou Peterson, he mastered safe riding techniques and helped younger members navigate tricky trail sections.
Mary Lou says, “Greyson was always the first to volunteer to clear fallen branches or guide a newcomer through a steep descent. He believed in sharing knowledge to keep everyone safe—and having fun.”
Family gatherings at the Zess home were marked by Greyson’s culinary experiments, often featuring his crowd-pleasing “campfire nachos” or his famous homemade berry jam, harvested from his mother’s garden.
He delighted in teaching Lily how to knead dough or identify wild mushrooms—always emphasizing respect for nature’s rhythms. Neighbors recall the Saturday afternoons when he and Daniel would rebuild old farm equipment in their barn, grease-smudged hands and laughter echoing through the rafters.
On the evening of June 7, Greyson was riding with club friends on a familiar trail when the ATV encountered unstable ground near a riverbank. Despite the swift response of local first responders, he succumbed to his injuries before aid could arrive. The Muskego County Sheriff’s Department has described the accident as a tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of our beloved Wisconsin landscapes.
Greyson is survived by his parents; his sister, Lily; grandparents Robert and Marjorie Zess; and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates, and teammates who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
A visitation to honor Greyson’s life will be held on Friday, June 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at North Shore Community Church, 200 Main Street, East Troy. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location, with burial at East Troy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Zess family requests donations to the Wisconsin ATV Safety Council, reflecting Greyson’s passion for responsible trail riding, or to the East Troy High School Cross-Country Booster Club to support young athletes who follow in his footsteps. Messages of condolence and shared memories may be left at www.northshorechurch.org/obituaries.
Though his journey was cut far too short, Greyson’s spirit—his laughter, generosity, and unwavering love for the world around him—will echo through the woods he adored, the trails he raced, and the countless lives he touched. May we honor his legacy by embracing adventure responsibly, caring for one another fiercely, and never losing sight of the wonder that fueled his extraordinary life
