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
Jean and Vern Byl
05/15/2012
Fred and Trish and family, we extend our deepest sympathy to you. May God's grace and peace bring you comfort.
Laura Davis, Wartburg College
05/15/2012
Fred, Trish, and all the Ribichs-My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God's strength and grace be with you.
Wes Gade
05/15/2012
I sent this to Tim on Facebook but I think it applies to the entire Ribich Family. I've know you all my entire life and you are the kindest people. Fred and Trish raised amazing sons. I am very sorry your family has lost Mark because I know he was a Ribich and that means he was a great person.
---- Tim, I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Words can't fill voids.... but we try. We were friends from elementary school all through High School and I remember many times at your house with your family over the years from when I was 6yrs old to 18+. Your entire family are all are great people. I wish there was more I could do but I just wanted to let u know that I have been thinking about You, Your Brother and Your Family alot and always will. God Bless. The Ribiches are great people with kind hearts. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Wes
Sonia and John Orluske
05/15/2012
Fred and Trisha, Words cannot adequately
express our sympathy for you and Marks family. Loosing a child before his time is so difficult. I know the wonderful memories of what a great son he was will strengthen you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Ed Wegele
05/15/2012
I am very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was a good man and he will be missed. I knew him when we attended BV together and when he worked at the Des Moines Children's Chorus. I pray that God bring comfort to you and bless you in helping you heal in this season of loss.
Nelson and Bonita Bock
05/15/2012
Dear Fred and Trish, how sad we are to hear of Mark's death; our hearts go out to you. May God's peace be with you.
Jill & Bill, Haley, and Trey Eckenrod
05/15/2012
Fred and Trish, so sorry to hear about your son. Our family talked together about it and wanted you to know we were thinking of you and wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to your family.
Bonnie Briggs
05/15/2012
Fred and Trish, What a handsome young man! You had the right to look forward to years and years with him. I'm so sorry his illness took him early. You will miss him for the rest of your days. God will come to you in those moments to ease your sorrow. Be on the watch for His presence. When Steve was killed so abruptly, God spent a lot of time with me. I share your pain.
Bonnie
Beth Burrow
05/15/2012
Fred and Trish, So sorry for your loss! You are in our prayerrs!
Stephanie Spencer
05/15/2012
Kelly and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Breutzmann (Wartburg College)
05/15/2012
My deepest sympathy on your loss. My prayers are with you all.
Lilah (Hicks) Grimm
05/15/2012
My thoughts & prayers go out to the family. Mark was an awesome classmate. He had a great smile and I'm sorry he won't be able to share his smile with everyone in this world anymore. He will, though, be sharing his smile with everyone in Heaven and we will all meet again someday. God speed Mark.
Danise schweer
05/15/2012
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Trish you and your sons family are in my thoughts and prayers.One day at a time, knowing God will give you the strength to go through this.May Gods peace surround you and heal your broken heart.
Jen Sassman (Wartburg College)
05/15/2012
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. Cherish your memories and allow them to help you through the grieving process. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. Somehow they manage to find ways to remind you they are watching over you. Although gone, he will be forever with you.
Janel (Sessler) Thurm
05/15/2012
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of a great high school classmate. I remember him always being so nice to everyone and everyone liked him. He will greatly be missed in this world. Heaven has gained a wonderful new angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you!