Baribwa Elias

Baribwa Elias was born January 1, 1955 in Rumonge, Burundi. In 1972, he left Burundi and moved to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He then moved to Tanzania in 1996. In 2007, he came to the United States, settling in Des Moines, Iowa, and has been a resident ever since. In 2021, he returned to Tanzania for business. He passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024, while visiting Kasulu, Tanzania. He was 69 years old.

Baribwa married Sinzotuma Sarafina in 1983. They welcomed six children to their family while living in the Congo. While living in Tanzania, they had five additional children. They have been married for 40 years. Once he arrived in Des Moines, he began his employment with Tyson Foods, where he worked for over 10 years.

Baribwa is survived by his wife, 10 children, 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at Ankeny First United Methodist Church – Christian Life Center, 710 NE 36th Street, Ankeny, IA 50021 on Saturday, December 28, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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