Mark David Ribich
May 12, 2012
Mark David Ribich, age 39, of Grimes, IA died on May 12, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, following a courageous six-month battle to overcome the complications of congestive heart failure. At the time of his death Mark was on the heart transplant list awaiting a donor organ. Mark was born on November 16, 1972, in Baltimore, MD to Trish and Fred Ribich, currently of Waverly, IA.
Mark lived life with a zest and spirit that was infectious. He embodied the best of what it means to be a family man, deeply devoted to his wife, Kelly Gilfillan Ribich of Logan, IA, his two step-sons, Tyler and Parker, and their daughter, Sayler Marie. Mark and Kelly were married on August 12, 2003 at Beach’s Resort in Jamaica. Mark graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1991, earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Buena Vista University in 1995, and an MBA degree in 2003 from Washington University (St. Louis). He worked for the Iowa 150 Bike Ride/A Sesquicentennial Expedition in the summer of 1995, for the Des Moines Children’s Chorus, and most recently for Meredith Corporation in Des Moines. Mark loved his work at Meredith and found great joy in working as part of a team and tackling new challenges.
Mark had a passion for working with youth and freely volunteered his services in support of various charitable causes. He served on the board of directors for the Children & Families of Iowa agency. Whether as a coach or spectator, Mark never missed the sporting events of his children. He spent many of his adult years coaching youth teams in a variety of sports, but he especially loved baseball. Mark also excelled in golf and bowling, loved country music and live concerts, and was an avid, life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Mark is survived by his wife, two step-sons, daughter, his parents, and his brother, Tim, of Scottsdale, AZ.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines.
The family asks that Mark’s life be honored by saving the lives of others through registration as an organ donor. Memorials may be sent to the family in support of establishing a fund to commemorate Mark’s work with children and youth. Mark’s family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the many physicians, nurses, therapists and medical staff who worked with and cared for Mark during his months at St. Mary’s Hospital. Their skills and compassion brought great comfort to Mark, his family, and friends.
Online condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bridget Harvey, RN
05/25/2012
Dear Kelly, Trish, Fred, Sayler, Tyler and Parker,
I had the absolute priviledge of caring for Mark on 5BG. His spirit and determination were an inspiration and he touched the lives of many. He would light up when asked about his kids and family. You were the reason he fought so hard. I am so sorry for your great loss and I pray that the Lord will bless you and keep you.
Tia Miller, RN
05/22/2012
Dearest Kelly, Trish, Fred, Sayler, Tyler and Parker:
Words cannot begin to express the emotions that "just thinking about your dear Mark" bring to the surface for me. I feel SO blessed to have gotten the chance to meet him and most of you, even though we didn't get a lot of time together. I always felt that Mark taught me so much about living each day to the fullest, regardless of the obstacles. I often stopped by just to tell him he was my hero. What an inspiration he has been to any of us that got to know him. And your entire family was amazing! Thank you for allowing me to be a very small part of the team, I will never forget you and Mark's memory will live on. I lift you up in prayer . . remembering that "underneath are the Everlasting Arms."
God bless.
Cole Lammers
05/20/2012
Mrs. Ribich,
I am so sorry for you loss. You are in my heart.
Erinn Erickson
05/18/2012
Kelly, Trish & family, My heart aches for you & your family. In my 17 years as an RN, I have never known a patient to have as much determination, stamina & will to overcome obstacles. Mark died a fighter! He is a hero, a brave man. He never gave up. He fought to remain with those he loved dearly.
I know he is now at peace, smiling down, waiting until the joyous
reunion in heaven comes. May
God grant you peace & comfort during this difficult time of loss. God's blessings to you all.
Dennis Kimm
05/18/2012
Kelly and Family:
I was very saddened to hear that Mark had passed. I was very glad that I got to know Mark. He was really easy to talk to and always seemed to be in a good mood. That might be because we usually talked about baseball and more than likely how the Cardinals were doing. I know he will be missed by all of the DCG Little League coaches that either coached with or against Mark. We all know he coached for all the right reasons. He will be missed.
Heather Brandt
05/17/2012
Fred, Trish, Kelly, Sayler, Tyler, and Parker:
I wish that I could have attended today's service. I have been thinking of Mark and all of you everyday.
He will never be forgotten as he has provided so much to remember him for. No wonder he was so devoted to his family as you all were by his side every step of his fight. I will always remember Mark. He is a hero to his children, family, and anyone who privileged and fortunate to cross his path.
Thinking and praying for all.
Heather
Fred Moore
05/17/2012
All,
Today's service was a wonderful tribute to Mark and the remarkable life he led. The BVU community mourns with you and will continue to keep you in our prayers. May God bless all of you.
Fred and Susan More
Bonnie Graser
05/17/2012
Fred and Trish, My condolences to the two of you and also to his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers in the lost of your precious son. I was so sorry to hear this.
Leslie and John Potter and family
05/17/2012
Dear Trish and family,
We are so, so sorry for your loss...there are not words that can express it. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, John, Jack, Sam, and Will Potter
Sonja Lynch (Wartburg College)
05/16/2012
Fred and Trish and family: My sincere condolences on Mark's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Trust in the Resurrection, and rejoice in the wonderful message of Mark's life -- he was a blessing!
Sonja Lynch and family
Cec Pendergast
05/16/2012
I wish I could be there for all of you. I am so sorry for you unbelievable loss. I can't even imagine the grief you all feel. He will be in my thoughts and prayers as likewise my dear brother Fred, his wife Trish, Tim, Kelly and children. I can't stop thinking about you all. Just know that please, as I could not make the services. God Bless you all and feel my hugs and kissing coming your way. Love, Cec
Megan Herickhoff
05/16/2012
Dr. Ribich and Family-
I am so sorry to hear about your loss but you and your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless. Your student- Megan
Cynthia (Smith) Boyland
05/16/2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I as well was a classmate and remember Mark having a handsome smile and a joyous spirit. Mark was such a remarkable person!! Heaven has gained a true fighter and hero. May God give you comfort in the days to come.
Pat Melver
05/16/2012
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
Jody Doll
05/16/2012
Kelly, Trish, Fred and Family, My deepest condolences to you and your family. I was blessed to meet Mark and his family during his illness. What a reMARKable man with a spirit full of love and dedication that defied many odds. I cannot express enough what a loving, caring family you all are.
Trish, your nightly vigils and commitment to your son was an expression of pure endless love shown by a mother.
Kelly--what an amazing wife and mother you are to juggle everything and be so strong. Mark loved his family with a passion that was admired by all. I hope you can find peace in this difficult time. You are all in my prayers. It was an honor and a gift to care for him. God Bless.