Iowa - Summer 2025

Wise beyond his years, empathy for others. Jordan had a deep love for both physical and digital spaces. He was equally passionate about video games and fishing, enjoyed a diverse range of music, and found solace hiking through the woods, taking in the quiet of nature. Known for his remarkable empathy, Jordan had a unique ability to connect with others, making them feel heard and comfortable, no matter their background.[...]

Loyal, adventurous, curious, funny, thoughtful When Zach was four, he made up his mind and was determined to shed his bike’s training wheels. After several hours, he mastered “the going” part, but not quite “the stopping.” He crashed, knocking his front teeth in. His father, Mike, called the dentist, who asked Mike to try moving the teeth back into position, but by then, Zach had already fixed them himself. His mother, Ann, received a call from Zach who proudly reported: “Mommy, I crashed my bike and broke my teeth, but they’re fine now!”  [...]

He loved big. A son, a warrior, a brother, and a dad, Daniel Bailey loved BIG! His huge heart didn’t judge. During his twelve-year journey with substance use disorder, Daniel hit the streets, slept under bridges, hopped trains, was shot, stabbed, and was associated with gangs. Daniel did not want anyone in his family to see him in active addiction. His mom never gave up on him and Daniel knew he was always one phone call away from help. His journey was one that had his mother on her knees, crying out to God to save him. [...]

Unconditionally loving, charismatic, talented, authentic The night before Natasha’s scheduled C-section, she had a vivid dream of delivering a beautiful, green-eyed baby girl. From then on, she knew her daughter, T, was destined to be special, and one look in her tiny, soon-to-be green eyes confirmed it all. She’d even playfully tell her mother she was an angel when she got older, and to her family, she was one.[...]

A loving mother, a natural beauty. Mandie was a woman of striking natural beauty, known for her dedication to fitness and impeccable style. With long eyelashes framing her bright eyes and a flair for beautiful handwriting, she effortlessly captured attention. Throughout her life, she cultivated a close-knit group of friends, people like Thane Ridlen and Alisha Serold. They supported her, especially during her battle with addiction. Their loyalty reminded her that even in darkness, genuine connections could shine through.[...]

Hard-working, loving, intelligent, generous, sensitive Logan was born to Deb and Tom as the oldest brother of Cassidy and Ian. The children made their fondest memories during playtime. At seven, Logan loved to play pretend, and on one occasion, he and his siblings planned a wedding. Logan sported a crown and plunger scepter, while Cassidy adorned herself with a tutu and high heels. The quirky ceremony was the event of the season! The kids also sang karaoke and danced often–usually in their underwear–with Logan’s song of choice being “I’m Blue” by Eiffel 65. Their imaginative and free-spirited shenanigans brought their mother so much joy.[...]

Loving, compassionate, free spirited, afraid of nothing, one of a kind Mikey dreamed of opening a treatment center called “Lost and Found” to support all people who suffered from substance use disorder. He wanted to change the world. Even during the worst years of his struggle, he remained positive, telling his mom, Sandy, “I’ve got this, Mama. Can’t wait to make you proud.” He wanted nothing more than to get sober. Although he never got to see his dreams come alive, three of his good friends have been sober since the day he died. They say that Mikey saved their lives. [...]

Jason was not his addiction Jason Gryp was a painter, his passion evident in each brush stroke. His art shifted from bright to dark depending on his substance use, a reflection of his own struggles clear in the variation of his pieces. [...]

Gifted, Artistic, Beautiful, Selfless It was clear almost immediately that Rachel Hanian was exceptionally gifted. In second grade, she quickly finished her worksheets and grew bored, so she began completing her classmates’ assignments for them. Fast forward to College, Rachel managed to attend school full-time while working and raising her son, Liam. She graduated with honors from Grandview University in just four years and was initiated into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society. She passed her nursing exam on her first attempt at Broadlawns Hospital. All the hard work paid off, her future lay ahead. [...]

Funny, compassionate, beautiful, artistic, talented The telltale sign of a Healy sister was a penchant for silliness. Abby and her sisters, Amber and Ashley, were always up to something. Amber, especially, made Abby free to be her goofiest self, and Abby could make Amber laugh harder than anyone. Embarrassment simply didn’t exist between the two. On the contrary, they delighted in it. Abby could do the wildest impressions and dance without inhibitions, and her sister would laugh in total enjoyment of the spectacle, but the performance that everyone looked forward to was Abby’s choreography to I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. She started dancing to the song when she was a little girl, and her sisters, so pleased by her show, made her do it every Christmas into her late teens. Not even college could stop their sisterly fun. When Amber went away to school, Abby visited for slumber parties, and their nights were filled with junk food, dancing, and time with her hamster, Bugsy.[...]

Loving, kind, caring, honest, genuine Zach Kritenbrink was a man whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of everyone he encountered. He could talk to anyone and effortlessly made friends wherever he went. He embodied the values of honesty, care, and kindness, always standing up for the underdog and extending his generosity to all people. From family vacations to trips with friends, Zach embraced life with gusto, creating lasting memories in Jamaica, Mexico, California, and Kansas City. He graduated from Ankeny high school and attended Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa.[...]

Loving, bright, hilarious, kind, strong Olivia was an “old soul.” Wiser than her years suggested and highly empathetic, she was an excellent advisor on life’s hardships. “She was very independent and resourceful,” her mother Mindi said. “When things were tough, she asked for help only after exhausting all options. She was steadfast in her beliefs and always respectful, but never faltered if someone tried to bully her into changing her mind.” Olivia was a natural protector and pillar of strength, especially within her own family. Following their father’s death by suicide in 2011, she became instrumental in raising her siblings, Lizzy, and Bernie. Though his passing affected her deeply, she prioritized her family’s well-being over her own, using marijuana to self-medicate her anxiety while staying strong for them. She was her mother’s best friend; Lizzy’s confidant; Bernie’s football-watching buddy; her step-father, Bret’s mechanic apprentice.[...]

Always there to be a friend. Chad was thoughtful and caring, finding every opportunity to celebrate others–both his kin and strangers. Whether it was someone's birthday, a birth, or just because he sensed someone might need it, he delivered flowers. Terri, Chad’s mother, fondly remembers the reliable stream of flowers her son would arrange on her kitchen table for Mother’s Day, her birthday, or for no reason other than kindness. He was a friend to everyone and always went out of his way to take care of his parents. He could put anyone in a good mood just by entering a room.[...]

Unique, bubbly, outgoing and animated  Jenna was a beautiful soul not one seen every day, one that genuinely loved with all she had and made everyone feel as important as she knew they were. With funny faces and endless light on display, she would help others, giving away anything she had before ever considering herself. Though born an only child, her mother Christine married her stepfather Paul, and she was soon surrounded by stepbrothers Derek and Danny. She also had half-siblings, including her sister Rachel, an “honorary sister,” Amy, and she formed close bonds with her cousins. Jenna was the light and the love of her mother’s life. She met her best friend Denali in fourth grade. She loved her partner Cameron, despite years of ups and downs, and he made her a mother to her baby girl named Kaia in 2020. Kaia, with delightful squeals and her mother’s doe eyes and huge smile, was Jenna’s greatest accomplishment. [...]

Gifted, funny, handsome, loving, chaos Terry was a paradox, embodying both thrill-seeking exuberance and deep empathy. His mother, Vicki, recalled how Terry relished anything that offered danger or excitement: he drove fast, sang loudly and laughed with abandon. “He could scream heavy metal like no other,” Vicki said. Beneath his spirited exterior lay a profound sensitivity toward others. Terry’s natural inclination to help those in need was shown most heroically in the final weeks of his life when he entered a burning building to rescue trapped residents. He then took it upon himself to assist them in replacing their lost belongings, providing appliances, furniture, and clothing. [...]

Courageous, giving, brave, musical, loved  Zachary’s life was marked by a fierce love for those around him, a wicked sense of humor, and a dedication to helping others. Zachary’s favorite moments in life were those spent with his daughter Evelyn, now 21, who was the light of his life. He reveled in fatherhood, teaching her how to skateboard, play guitar and make goofy videos. [...]

Faithful, loving, generous, caring, fun Jason encountered death earlier and more frequently throughout his life than most. His father died of suicide when he was three years old; a close cousin passed away when he was nine; he lost many classmates throughout his school years. When his grandparents died in 2003 and 2013, he struggled to cope—and his mother Louvina feared that he never did. [...]

Unconditionally loving, persevering, artistic, talented Looking at Bryan, one would never suspect that he lived much of his life in pain. Always smiling, smirking mischievously, or cracking witty jokes, he had a natural talent for making people laugh. His warmth and willingness to do anything for anyone meant he was never short of company. His mother, Kim, gave up on trying to list out how many friends he played softball or frisbee golf with. “Bryan had an amazing ability to make you smile no matter how much you hurt,” she said. “His friends loved him deeply for that.”[...]

Funny, caring, loyal, real, soulmate Abigail, affectionately known as Abbi, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who loved her. Abbi's 19 years were filled with laughter, love, and a zest for life that inspired all who knew her. Described as funny, smart, caring, and loyal, Abbi's presence lit up the room. Her infectious humor and compassion drew people to her, and her love for her family, especially her siblings, Alicia, and Thomas, and cousin Willow, was unparalleled. Abbi’s sister, Alicia, said, “From the moment she entered the world, she was my best friend. Spending 19 years with her was the biggest blessing. She showed me what true friendship and real love feel like.”[...]

Bright, selfless, beautiful, fearless Heaven Mott, effervescent and adventurous, was the easiest hello and hardest goodbye, according to her sister, Brooke. There was never a dull moment when she was around. She brightened everyone’s world simply by being part of it. With big brown eyes trimmed by perfect lashes and a face of pristine makeup, the comedic mind beneath was a complete surprise. Ever the prankster and practical joker, she kept her friends and family guessing while her infectious laughter bewitched them all. Her mother Terri, bonus grandparents Sue and Norman, two sisters Samantha and Brooke, bonus sister Angie, her nieces and nephews, and her beloved friends miss her kindness and boundless faith.[...]

Kind, Soulful, Giving, Handsome, Loved Cal was a phenomenal artist, handyman, and empathic soul. Born an effortless conversationalist with a killer smile and a deeper understanding of the world around him, Cal was intuitive, helpful, and willing to try anything once. A “fixer” at his core, he was always putting broken things back together or aiding those he could. Whatever needed repairing was always his top priority, even above himself, making him dependable and capable as both a craftsman and a humanitarian. Cal’s mother and father, brother Ethan, his four cousins, and his closest friends miss his hugs and laughter. His mother Shannon also misses his phone calls that always opened with, “Hi Mama.”[...]

Live with no regrets Ryan’s love for life was evident in his spirit, his loving heart, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His genuine interest in others' stories and experiences drew people to him, and his unwavering support and encouragement touched countless lives. Even on his darkest days, Ryan's warm smile could light up a room. He often looked at maps and thought about all the places he could go. It was no surprise that he aspired to go into the hospitality industry managing a large hotel in a big city.[...]

Happy, emotionally distraught, positive, hopeful Gage expressed himself through music, whether writing lyrics, creating beats, or recording songs. He was a bright and creative kid, on track to graduate from high school a year early, already dreaming of the future. He visualized attending trade school to become an electrician or going to law school to work as a criminal defense lawyer to help the wrongfully accused. In his future, he imagined having five kids and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.[...]

Curious, imaginative, sensitive, paternal, Renaissance man The ordinary was made remarkable through Steve Ruggiero. Jars filled with water and food coloring and stacked on a windowsill were kaleidoscopic light shows. They were also a chance to explore color theory with his daughter, Gabbie. Cardinals chirping outside the kitchen windows were cinematic characters with elaborate back stories. He could find a lesson or story in the smallest moments.[...]

Beautiful, loving, kind, caring, outgoing “Heather the Feather” was kind, loving, and outgoing, with a unique smile. She played softball when she was young, was a talented artist and loved everyone. She was also prone to mood swings and severe depression.[...]

Loving, intelligent, humorous, sensitive, talented Matt was a vibrant, well-rounded individual with a life marked by love, laughter, and the ability to adapt to any situation. Born with a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor, Matt had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. [...]

The love of my life. Alora Jade Schwarz was a vibrant soul whose presence lit up the lives of those around her. Her joy spread like wildfire, and her empathy knew no bounds. She was creative, brave, and giving. She had a cosmetology license and was a talented make-up and tattoo artist. Alora’s creativity also extended musically. She taught herself piano and loved finding beautiful songs to share with others, pinpointing the depth of meaning in the lyrics. Alora’s mother, Rozelle, recalls a moment when Alora’s joyful nature and resourcefulness saved the day. Two of Alora’s brothers were struggling to put together a cabinet for their mother. When Alora came over, not only was she able to take the cabinet apart and put it back together properly, but she also had everyone laughing by the end.[...]

Empathetic, kind, joyful, beautiful, courageous Growing up in the country far from busy cities, Amber and her older sister, Adriana, often had to create their own entertainment. Luckily, Amber knew how to have fun. Whether it was horseback riding or swimming, attending sprint car races and concerts, or visiting family to personally decorate their Christmas trees, Amber was the life of the party. She had an instinct for making sure everyone around her had fun, too. When the sisters spent summers with their cousin Brie in Minnesota, Amber led adventures to the Mall of America, or facilitated quiet time crafting, binging Star Trek, and playing board games—always attentive to ensure Brie, who uses a wheelchair, could participate. “She was definitely the funny one out of the two of us,” Adriana said. “She would make anyone laugh. And she loved to have crazy hair!” [...]

Loving, protective, funny, family oriented Jeremy was born into a close-knit family that included his father, William, and step mother Wanda, his mother Melissa and step father Steve. His many siblings include Carol, Christopher, Willa, Christina, Mikey, Niki, Steven, and Brandon. His sister, Carol, remembers the day Jeremy was born. She was five and a bit upset with her mom for leaving to go to the hospital. She also remembers the light blue suit that their dad bought Jeremy for Easter when he was five. “He looked so sharp in that suit,” Carol reminisced.[...]

Free soul, musician, artist Darren Stouwie was the heart of the Stouwie family, a source of laughter and honesty that resonated deeply with everyone he knew. His younger sister, Sydney, fondly remembers how Darren could effortlessly lift spirits, turning moments of sadness into laughter-filled memories. She recalls his uncanny ability to lighten any mood, even joking that Darren could make a funeral a surprisingly joyful occasion. Darren's knack for comedy was matched by his honesty; he was the person you could count on for an unfiltered opinion, whether it was about your outfit or any other matter.[...]

Best friend, soulmate, extraordinary mother Cassie, with her stunning green eyes and brilliant, creative soul, stood apart from the crowd. Her gregariousness and generosity benefitted so many, including those at Iowa’s Bidwell Riverside Center and the students at a local elementary school. A talented cook, artist, and aspiring massage therapist, Cassie dreamt of producing massage oils and lotions, of buying an old plantation home, and of travel. In her thirty-four years, she brought two children, Adrian, and Mila, into the world, imbuing them with imagination and enduring memories. At the center of her existence was the desire to do good, to be the candle that lit the path for others, and to prove the value of resourcefulness and dedication.[...]