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Lawrence, Kansas

Ian Zylstra Obituary

Ian C. Zylstra

A celebration of life will be held for Ian at 7 pm. on Friday, September 6, at Mustard Seed Church, 1 block south of 6th. St. on Wakarusa Dr.

Ian passed Sunday September 1, 2013. He was born August 17, 1994 in Overland Park, KS to Jon and Kate Zylstra. He graduated from Free State High School in 2012. He lived in Lawrence his entire life.

Ian leaves behind his parents Jon & Kate Zylstra, his grandparents Stewart & Marilyn Revenaugh of Gladstone MO, his siblings Mariana Reis & Sarah Zylstra Skinner and their spouses, along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many more loved ones. He also leaves his beloved cats, Charlie and Petey. Both were adopted by Ian at the Lawrence Humane Society.

Ian was full of love and laughter and cared deeply for his friends and family. He was empathetic and caring, always an advocate for the underdog. He was quick to laugh and make a joke. His friends meant the world to him, and he will be missed by all.

Please join the family at Mustard Seed Church on Friday, September 6th, at 7 pm. Ian was always found in shorts and t-shirt. Please come as you are or as Ian will remember you. Per the family's request, wear bright colors and bring photos, memories and smiles to share as we celebrate a wonderful young man who touched many lives.

The family suggests donations in Ian Zylstra's name be brought for the Lawrence Humane Society. You may also make donations to lawrencehumane.org or in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ian Zylstra

Not sure what to say?





Michelle Forman

September 11, 2013

Ian I'm thinking of you every day- watching your dance video helps so much! Because it shows your humorous, fun spirit and that smile that will carry on in us. You are in all of our hearts every second.

September 11, 2013

Jon and Kate,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Sorry I can't be physically present to express it to you in person, but I KNOW the friendship and loving support you are receiving from friends and loved ones is the most comforting. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you both.
David Jones

Wayne Givens

September 10, 2013

Our family finds the news of one of the FireBirds missing and we feel the loss. Kate and Jon you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May Ian's memories live forever and his smile warm your hearts. Our sons attended school with Ian.

Jane and Dave Vander Velde

September 8, 2013

Dear Kate and John, We were devastated to hear about Ian. He was such a happy part of our kids' life growing up on Edinburgh Road, it's impossible to think of those years without Ian's presence. Prayers and heartfelt wishes for strength and comfort as you grieve.

Jenna Lepley

September 8, 2013

Ian you were the older brother my brother never have. We all miss you and I remember all the times we all spent time together in the cul de sac playing hide and go seek man time flies by.
Mrs. Zylstra, Jon, my family is always there for your family if you need it.

Ann Jesse

September 7, 2013

Oh Kate, my heart aches for you right now. I am lifting him up and pray you find strength.

September 7, 2013

Jon and Kate, we played golf one day with him and talked about Free State Golf and our son, Devon, playing golf for Lawrence High. He was polite, funny, handsome and a great kid. Our hearts are with you. Jim and Dee Weber

September 6, 2013

Dear Kate & Jon, Words are inadequate to comfort you. My heart just aches for you. Perhaps happy memories will be of some help. Nancy Bash

Eric Schmidt Family

September 6, 2013

John and Kate,
May the God of peace comfort you during this heart wrenching time. Our entire family admired Ian so, and we mourn with you, but feel so blessed to have known him. His zeal for life will always be remembered.

September 6, 2013

Jon & Kate
The 'right' words have not come to me so I just wanted you to know that I'm saying prayers for you everyday and I hope that God gives you strength you didn't know you had. I'm so sorry for you and your family. All of these entries show the many people who care about you and are here for support.
Love, Beth Easter

September 6, 2013

Jon and Kate~
We are deeply saddened by your loss. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength.
Matt and Susan Lomshek

Carolyn Church

September 6, 2013

Jon, Kate & family,
May the happy memories of Ian and love of family and friends help you through this difficult time. You'll be in my prayers. Carolyn Church & family

David Hall

September 6, 2013

Kate and John, our thoughts and prayers are with you. There are no words to describe what we felt when we heard about Ian. Alex and Shelly found all the pictures from the old neighborhood and we spent some time remembering Ian and those happy times on the cul-de-sac. We are so saddened for your family as well as everyone else who knew and loved Ian.

David, Shelly, Alex and Adam Hall

September 6, 2013

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." Cicero

Kim Orth

September 5, 2013

Dear Kate, My heart is breaking for you and your husband. Please know that we are here to help you anyway we can. Thinking and praying for you and your family.

Carrie Sinks

September 5, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Carrie, Michael & Alex

Vicki Stafford-Looka

September 5, 2013

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Even though I don't know you personally, I am a friend of Nellie's in Topeka. My love and prayers are with you.

September 5, 2013

Katie, I'm so sorry and want you to know you are in my prayers and have been since the moment I heard. Love you,
Lori (Guevel) Seymour

September 5, 2013

Kate and Jon,
We've all been hurting for you and the loss of Ian. He was a true friend. We will always remember his big smile and infectious laugh.

Ross, Ryan, and Scott Friesen

September 5, 2013

John and Kate,

Our hearts ache for you. Ian was a classmate, and friend, of our daughter Amber and we are just heartbroken for your family. May God give you strength and peace to help you through this. We are so sorry for the loss of your precious son, Ian.

Travis & Roxanne Hicks
Amber, Alyssa, Jared and Justin

Garth Terlizzi

September 5, 2013

Dear Jon and Kate ...... the entire "LCC Family" holds you in their thoughts and prayers. Ian will be missed by all. He always was so friendly and nice to me and all of us.... When he worked the bags, we would always chat and joke around....he did such a good job. He knew I always tipped him and one time I asked him for change for a $10....he asked "how much do you want back?"....I said "It would be nice if you could give me $20 back"...we had such a good laugh. Stay strong and may God's peace heal your pain during this difficult time.

Tim Lisa Drew Michael Johnson

September 5, 2013

We were so sorry to hear about Ian! We so enjoyed the short time Drew played on the Rivals bball team with him. We remember Ian as a kind soul who was always making those around him laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kate and Jon!

Terrie (Handley) Hansen

September 4, 2013

Kate,
I am so, so sorry. Thinking of you and Jon and sending love your way.

September 4, 2013

My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a beautiful young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Maryjo & Don Gould

September 4, 2013

Jon and Kate,
We have been constantly thinking of you and your family. Our deepest sympathy--and continued prayers for your strength and peace.
Love,
Jon, Paige, Drake, Shane and Chase Hofer

September 4, 2013

Jon & Kate,
Love and prayers for you both, and your family...I'm so sorry for this incredible loss.
Ron, Carla & family

September 4, 2013

Jon & Family

You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you and Ian find peace and comfort in God' warm embrace.

The Siler Family

September 4, 2013

Jon and Kate,
A young man to the world, but still a child in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God be with you and guide you.
Shari Gladman and Madison Jones

Ron & Lisa Aul

September 4, 2013

Jon and Kate, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Ian rest in peace.

September 4, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Warmely, Debbie Sharp and Family

Lori Atsedes

September 4, 2013

Ian , you will never be forgotten, your heart will always shine on !

September 4, 2013

When we moved to Lawrence, you warmly reached out to us as friends. It was our little boys at soccer that lead to our meeting. We moved away from Lawrence, but you know you have never left our hearts. That little group of boys grew up, and we moved along in our lives. We never imagined that we would so soon say good-bye to Ian. There are no words for this greatest pain there is, but know you remain a part of us and we send our strength, comfort, and love to your family. Laura, Lang, Conner, and Kelly Smith…Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Kevin Kunde

September 4, 2013

Thoughts and prayers with you guys. I was at a loss to hear this. Lawrence and the LCC community is a special place. My deepest condolences to you.

Joe B. Jones

September 4, 2013

Our prayers are with you. May Ian rest in peace.

The Brian and Cheri Ezell Family

September 4, 2013

I will always remember Ian and Macon's play dates and their preschool days..... I remember Ian's amazing smile and sweet kind nature vividly.....such a special little boy! I hadnt seen Ian for a long time but I have no doubt he was a very special young man! No words can ease the pain you are feeling....just know that I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers during this diificult time.

September 4, 2013

Jon & Katy, Ian was a fired up basketball player - he loved the game and I loved to watch his energy. My heart is heavy for you - there are not words to express the sadness I feel for you and your lovely family. Ian is at peace with God. I know you are proud of him - he was a strong,bright and truly a beautiful person.

September 4, 2013

Kate and Jon,
Our hearts break for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan & John Esau and Elizabeth Hazlett

September 4, 2013

We are deeply sorry for the loss of Ian. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Amy & Chuck Junge

September 4, 2013

John and Kate, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Your neighbor, the Hanson's.

Danelle Fanshier

September 4, 2013

Oh Kate! There are no words - my heart is breaking for you and your family. I will always remember Ian as the kid with the HUGE,infectious smile! May you find comfort in happy memories of your precious son!

Kent Houk

September 4, 2013

Jon and Kate, We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers! The Houks

Darci Falin

September 4, 2013

Oh, Dear Kate, I have been thinking of you constantly since I heard this news. I am praying for your sustained strength during this hardest of heartbreaks.

Martin Moore

September 4, 2013

Kate and Jon...Our family's thoughts are with you! Bob, Martin, and all of the Moore Family

Miles Schnaer

September 4, 2013

John and the Zylstra-
Paula and I are so sorry for your lose. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time!

Janice Mindrup

September 4, 2013

Jon and Kate,
My arms are around you. . .you are in my heart.

Emmie Birdcreek

September 4, 2013

I grew up with you, Ian. I would LOVE to make you a tribute music video but sadly I am very sick and not able to right now. Gosh, Ian. I miss you and i felt a peice of me went with you... Watch over us, dear.
Your classmate
Emmie.

Klee and John Zaricky

September 4, 2013

Kate and Jon,We're so sorry for your loss.John and I remember Ian as a young boy full of blonde hair running around at LCC ,alway's with a huge smile.....so cute! Klee and John Zaricky

Larry Sinks

September 4, 2013

Jon and Kate:
Words cannot express my deep sympathy for your family. I watched Ian grow up and cannot imagine what you are going through. My prayers are with you through this incredible time. God Speed!!

September 4, 2013

Kate and Jon, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you now.

Martha Wenzel

September 3, 2013

Ian was a wonderful, caring, funny guy. He was truly one of a kind; I'm so sorry for your loss. You should be very proud that you raised such a great person.

Linda and Richard Grantham

September 3, 2013

Kate and Jon, you raised a beautiful young man. We are so sorry for your incredible loss. Our hearts are breaking for you.

September 3, 2013

Ian,

We didn't know you very well, but I always remarked how you always were quick with a kind word and warm smile. We could all learn from you on how to treat others with dignity and respect. You will be missed.

Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. We pray that God's blessing will bring you peace and comfort.

God Bless,

The Gaumer's

Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory

601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

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