Ryan Whitt
October 31, 2015
Ryan Whitt, 27, was born March 20, 1988, in Evanston, Illinois, to Jeff and Karen Whitt. He passed away on October 31, 2015, in Ankeny, Iowa.
Ryan loved his country. He willingly and selflessly fulfilled his duty to his country by enlisting in the Iowa Army National Guard, serving in Afghanistan. He was proud of his military service and military brothers.
Ryan was an avid reader. He loved the outdoors, hunting and shooting, and was a University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan.
Ryan had a generous and giving soul. He was a loyal friend, almost to a fault, and anyone could count on him in times of need. Ryan never met a stranger and had a compassionate heart towards those who were often overlooked.
Above all else, he cherished his family, especially his wife, Elizabeth. Ryan was a devoted and dedicated husband whose life’s passion was to care for his wife.
Ryan is survived by his loving wife, Liz; parents, Jeff and Karen Whitt; siblings, Taylor, Alec, and Caeleigh; his paternal grandma, June Whitt; paternal grandparents, Art and Vera Krampe; father and mother-in-law, Jeff and Shelli Larson; brother-in-law, Rob Larson; many aunts, uncles, other loving family, military brothers and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his sibling, baby Madison; and grandfather, Bill Whitt.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening, November 5, 2015, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Westchester Evangelical Free Church, 4919 Aurora Avenue in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015, at the church. Interment with military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Ryan.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Clint & Greta Hogrefe
11/04/2015
Jeff and Karen and family, we are deeply saddened for you. We have been praying for you and Liz, and will continue to. We love you and trust that the God of all comfort will provide for you in this hour.
Chaplain (CPT) Cory Van Sloten
11/04/2015
Whitt family,
may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus as you grieve Ryan's death, give thanks for his life, and entrust him to the care of our gracious and compassionate God.
Linton Lundeen
11/04/2015
Jeff and Karen, I am deeply saddened by Ryan's death. I can only imagine the hole that is left in your heart. May God fill the emptiness of your soul with His love, comfort and peace. Please know that I am praying for you as you journey through grief.
Arv &Shelly Brenneman
11/04/2015
We are saddened over the loss of your son Ryan. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this very difficult time. We pray for comfort and strength in the days ahead. We love you guys
Bonnie Brown
11/04/2015
Jeff, Karen, Taylor, Alec, Caeleigh, and Liz,
Our hearts are heavy as we join you in mourning Ryan's death. We are praying for your comfort, strength, inner peace, and release during this time.
George & Martha Rankin
11/03/2015
Our prayers are with you in this difficult, heartbreaking time. Our love to Pastor Jeff and Karen, Taylor, Alec, Caeleigh, Liz and her parents. We are broken with you and pray for peace for you all.
MSG Dan Gill
11/03/2015
I am so sorry for all the family and friends and brothers that share in the loss of Ryan. Let us cherish his memory and celebrate the ways he touched all of us. Rest in Peace Brother, We got it down here.
Ashley Stuff
11/03/2015
Ryan was so funny, easy to talk to, and fun to hang out with. It was a pleasure to know him. May he rest in peace.
Roy & Lori Trevino Family
11/03/2015
We cannot express how heartbroken this makes us for your family. Our prayers for peace and comfort go forth without measure. Please know how much we loved Ryan and cherish our memories of him, especially those in OC when he was growing up with our kids. Our prayers and thoughts with you always.
Patty Sourivong
11/03/2015
our hearts,thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends rip ryan whitt.
Randy Scheil
11/03/2015
Dear Jeff and Karen, words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Ryan's death. We are praying for God's strength and peace to be with you through this valley of the shadow. We love you.
Kyle Statema
11/03/2015
Ryan is such a wonderful God fearing man. My prayers to your family. It was an honor and privilege to serve with you brother.
Matt Proctor
11/03/2015
Jeff, I'm so so sorry my friend. I pray the Sovereign and Kind God you preach and know would be manifestly present in this tragedy. I lost my dad about a month ago and my world was shattered. I cannot fathom what you're going through. Come Lord Jesus.
Amber Holtrop
11/03/2015
It seems so sereal...I never thought this day would come, you have left a lot of good memories to the people you left behind. We are going to miss you. Till we see each other again.
Pastor Jeff and Karen, Taylor, Alec, and Caleigh, and Liz, my deepest condolences, he was a wonderful man, helped me get into the army, he was always a listening ear. Praying for peace and love for you all
Rachel Christensen
11/03/2015
Ryan was such a wonderful, caring person and it was such a blessing that I had the pleasure of meeting him. My heart breaks for everyone who's life Ryan touched. My thoughts and prayers go to his friends family and loved ones. May the Lord Bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face sine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.