SPEEDWAY — Michael Nordmeyer remembers his son, Zachary, as a dependable young man who loved watching Jeff Gordon race and enjoyed going to Colts football games.

“He was a great kid, he liked playing baseball, going hunting and fishing,” he said. “He was a reliable kid, you could count on him for anything. He was just a great kid that never caused any trouble.”

He also remembers the last time he spoke to his son, about two weeks before his death.

“It was two weeks ago (Tuesday),” Michael said. “He sounded pretty good, chipper. It was just idle chit chat from home.”

U.S. Army Private Zachary Nordmeyer, 21, was killed in battle Feb. 23 in Iraq. He was a member of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division, based out of Fort Wainwright, Ala. Two other members of his unit, 21-year-old Michael Mayne of Burlington Flats, N.Y., and Michael Alleman of Logan, Utah, were also killed.

An unforgettable pain

Michael said learning of his son’s death was something he will never forget.

“It was the 23rd, I’ll never forget it, it was 6:25 at night and my son, David, called me,” he said. “David was crying on the phone and said ‘Zachary’s dead.’ I dropped to my knees and that was it.”

He said he was at work when his son called to tell him the news.

“I’m still pinching myself,” he said.

Zachary’s grandfather, Paul Nordmeyer, added, “It’s like a dream waiting for an alarm clock to go off that will never go off.”

Those left behind

Nordmeyer, a 2007 graduate of Ben Davis High School, was deployed to Iraq in September. He was scheduled to come home in October and planning to marry his fiancé, Chrissy Purdy.

“She’s doing a lot better, but you still can’t say anything without her crying,” Michael said. “A certain song will come on the radio or you’ll say something and she’s just like instant tears.”

Nordmeyer’s two younger brothers, David and Joshua, are both students at Ben Davis and members of the school’s ROTC program. Michael said his youngest, David, has talked about going into the military.

“They were real close,” he said. “They’re doing pretty good. They’re back in school now. They’re doing alright.”

Paul said he remembers the last time he saw his grandson — the night Zachary joined the American Legion Post 500.

“He came in (the American Legion) almost every day he was on leave,” Paul said. “He joined the American Legion with us (Aug. 12). That was the last time I saw him.”

Paul said the support from their friends and family at the Legion has helped to provide great comfort throughout the past two weeks.

“Other than blood relatives, the American Legion is the best family there is,” he said.

Bill May, Legion commander, said Nordmeyer is the first soldier from Post 500 to die in active combat.

A stranger’s support

Michael said all of the support from his family and friends has helped, but it was a letter he received from a total stranger that has meant the most.

The writer, Cara Ann Lanciotti, said she’s never met Zachary or anyone in their family, but wanted to thank them for giving us all the gift of freedom.

“My name is Cara Lanciotti and I went to Carmel High School (Class of 2004). I am about your son’s age and cannot even (imagine) what he selflessly did for me, my family, and the United States of America,” she wrote in the letter. “To say thank you would be an understatement. The indescribable sacrifice you and your family have made so young people like me can have the world is the ultimate gift I will never forget.”

The letter now has permanent creases and is worn from the times Michael has opened it and shown it to friends and family.

“Out of all the well-wishes I have gotten, that is amazing,” he said. “I never met her. It just blew me away and everyone who has read that has said the same.”

A final return

Both Michael and Paul went to the airport to claim Zachary’s body on Monday, an experience Michael said no parent should ever have to go through.

“I was just overcome with emotions,” he said. “You never want to see your child like that. I can’t describe it. I think it’s the worst thing ever.”

Legion motorcycle riders were at the airport waiting for the Nordmeyer family to arrive. Police officers blocked intersections and escorted the family to the funeral home.

Paul said having his grandson back at home helps ease the pain.

“We know he’s home,” he said. “He’s with us now, right here with his family.”

For Michael, it’s the memories of his son that keep him going.

“One (memory) that always sticks out, was when he was still young, like 8 or 9, and we were at the nationwide race at the IRP (then Indianapolis Raceway Park) and we were walking toward turn one and they came down for a green flag,” he said. “He jumped straight up into my arms.

“I used to send him boxes every month, and sometimes I’d put extra candy in and stuff and when they were patrolling, he’d give the little kids candies. I still have a four-pound tub of licorice at home for this month’s box.”

Zachary Nordmeyer’s funeral begins at 1 p.m. Friday at Lakeview Church, 47 Beachway Drive, Indianapolis. Interment will be at Floral Park Cemetery.

Calling at the church is from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com