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
Janiece (Kueker) Kramer
05/16/2012
Mark was a grade behind me at W-SR. I remember him being friendly and having a great smile.
My sympathy and prayers for your family at this difficult time.
Mary Goetzinger
05/15/2012
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. God give you strength.
Chris Thibault
05/15/2012
Trish, Fred, Kelly and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and to all of your family. I was glad to have had the opportunity to get to know him.
Dennis Bussey
05/15/2012
Kelly - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mark's passion and spirit will live on in Sayler. Mark was an amazing man. He will be missed by many.
Hiram and Kristy Houghton
05/15/2012
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his loving family, Kelly, Sayler, Tyler, Parker, Trish, Fred and Tim. We could not have asked for a better friend in life and beyond. Our prayers and friendship will be with you always.
Suzanne and Paul Torkelson - Wartburg
05/15/2012
Fred and Trish and all your family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Your son made a difference in many lives and he will be remembered every day by the many people who loved him. Our thoughts are with you.
Susan Vallem
05/15/2012
Fred, Trish, and Family. All of us on the Alaska May Term send our love and prayers. What an amazing family you all are, and Mark was surrounded by your love and support. We are so sorry for your loss.
Maxine and Wilfred Maiers
05/15/2012
Trish, Fred & Family, Our heartfelt condolences to you. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Tammy Close
05/15/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Mark's family. I will always remember Mark's smile and kindness during our W-SR Junior and Senior High School years. May God comfort you today and in the days to come.
Kathy Shepard-MGA
05/15/2012
Kelly,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Matthew Clark
05/15/2012
Uncle Fred, Aunt Trish, Kelly and kids,
So deeply sorry about Mark. I'm saddened beyond words. You are in our prayers.
Sharon Hanson
05/15/2012
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
Bryndle R. Rademacher
05/15/2012
Mrs. (Trish) Ribich, I am so sorry to hear about your son. Love, Bryndle
Greg Scholtz
05/15/2012
Dear Fred and Trish:
You have my deepest sympathy. I cannot imagine how you must feel. You are in my prayers.
Mary Dorman
05/15/2012
Fred, Trish and Family,
Know that Mark is standing next to the Lord and all of his amazing Angels. He is physically gone but with you at all times. I lost my brother Tom 37 years ago to some of the same heart problems that Mark had. The world of medicine has made great strides since then. I know in my heart that they learned plenty from treating Mark. Keep his memory alive every day.
Hugs to all,
Mary