Obituary of Aaron DeYoung

The name, “Aaron Joseph DeYoung”, will forever bring smiles to the faces of those who knew him. And probably a few laughs as well. Known for his bushy red hair and big ears, Aaron will be remembered for his unequaled sense of humor, his love for his family and fiancé, his passion for theatre, and the lasting impressions he left on those who knew him. If the story of Aaron Joseph DeYoung could ever be put into writing, Act 1 would most definitely get the crowd laughing. In the days following Aaron’s passing, stories of his sense of humor have poured in from family, friends, co-workers past and present, students, and acquaintances from near and far: You made me laugh in a way that no one else ever had or ever will. Brad Jayhan-Little One of the funniest people I have ever known Larry Meerding Thank you for the belly laughs, great beer, and good talks. Andre Rodriguez One of the few people to make me laugh every single time I was with you. Josh Schaben I will miss your “Happy Barfday” messages. Libby Kofford You made me laugh until I cried or peed a little. Aaron Corvich Like a little boy hearing his first fart joke, I just could not help but erupt into high pitched giggles at his endless, effortless quips and complaints. David Boren Aaron Joseph DeYoung was born on October 21, 1980, in Spencer, Iowa, and joined his father Lanny in heaven on June 10, 2016. He is survived by his fiancé Meredith Corley, his mother JoAnn DeYoung, his sisters Martha DeYoung-Mulder (Ben Mulder) and Jennifer Conard (Jim Conard), his niece Meadow Rose Conard, his aunt and uncle Peggy and Terry DeYoung, his aunt and uncle Vicki and Denny Perry, his aunt Martha Henderson, cousins, and countless friends, co-workers, and students. Aaron had many fond memories of his childhood in Spencer where his mother, JoAnn, is CEO of Compass Pointe Behavioral Health. Aaron also spent a lot of time in his younger years in Melvin, Iowa, where his grandpa and grandma DeYoung lived and where his father owned the local butcher shop. Aaron and his sisters would often beg Lanny to take them to Melvin to play at their grandparents’ home. While Aaron lived in cities such as Chicago, Albuquerque, and Denver, his genuine, caring, and loyal personality traits can be traced back to the small-town upbringing he experienced from his parents and grandparents in Melvin and Spencer. Aaron was very close to his family. He loved his father Lanny, his mother JoAnn, and his sisters Jennifer and Martha. He loved to surprise them with humorous homemade greeting cards and gifts, timely phone calls, and even surprise visits. Once Aaron wrapped up his teaching duties for this school year, he decided to surprise his mother by showing up, unannounced, on her doorstep at 9:00 in the morning on Wednesday, June 8. If there was ever a choice to be humorous, unique, or epic, Aaron always chose it. After Aaron proposed to Meredith in February of 2016, the couple decided to withhold their news from their mother until April 1. After telling JoAnn the story of their engagement, Aaron said, “April Fool’s!”, followed by “Just kidding, it’s not an April Fool’s joke!” Sisters Jennifer and Martha weren’t surprised when JoAnn called them later to confirm Aaron and Meredith’s true relationship status. Aaron was the middle child, but was protective of both his big and little sisters. Eventually. While Martha recalls Aaron practicing his All-Star wrestling moves on her, and Jenn had to have her front tooth repaired after Aaron “accidentally” punched it from inside a car window (Jenn’s face was pressed against the outside of the car window), both sisters recall several situations when Aaron was there for them when they needed him. Aaron was very close to his father, Lanny, who was lost to cancer in 2012. Those who knew both Lanny and Aaron say that Aaron inherited Lanny’s quick wit and blunt sense of humor. As the man of the house, Aaron walked both Jennifer and Martha down aisle at their weddings. In both wedding ceremonies, as he reached the altar and offered each sister’s hand in marriage, he turned to each to his future brothers-in-law and whispered these beautiful and lasting words of advice: “If you “mess” this up I’ll kill you!” followed by his signature smile”. In 2008, Aaron met Meredith Corley at a mutual friend’s improv troupe fundraiser. The event included a raffle, and Meredith was interested in a nice bottle of Riesling that was one of the prizes to be raffled. When the raffle number for the bottle of Riesling was read off, Meredith’s ticket was just one number off. Who was the lucky winner of the special bottle of Rieseling? Aaron Joseph DeYoung. Later that evening, Meredith approached Aaron to discuss her misfortune. Aaron looked at Meredith and said, “Nice shoes. You have really big feet don’t you? I used to work in a shoe store so I can tell.” It’s only logical that these beautiful and so eloquently delivered words of romance marked the beginning of an everlasting and loving relationship. Since 2008 Aaron and Meredith have been inseparable, following each other’s careers to Chicago, Bahrain, Spencer, Albuquerque, Greeley, and Denver. Throughout that time Meredith has been a vital part of the DeYoung family. Her presence is a gift and the couple’s announcement of their intention to marry brought much joy and excitement. The date Aaron and Meredith had chosen for the wedding was June 10, 2017. While Aaron’s legendary sense of humor is probably the first thing that comes to mind when he is remembered by those who knew him, many will also recall his firm handshake, focused eye contact, and businesslike first impression he made on people when he introduced himself. Aaron had the rare ability to balance his sense of humor with his serious side when the situation called for it. Friends who have reached out to the DeYoung family in the days following his passing shared stories of Aaron’s passions: Aaron was a funny, quirky, passionate man, who deeply loved the theater. David Grapes Aaron was passionate about cooking. His ability to put together a meal with a variety of herbs, spices, and unique ingredients was fascinating. One day when I asked him how he learned to prepare such exquisite culinary dishes, he replied, “Google”! Bill Phillips Aaron’s passion for his work was apparent on and off the stage. As a graduate assistant at the University of Northern Colorado, Aaron directed a collection of one act plays for an audience that included his mother and sister Jennifer. As a teacher at Castle View High School Aaron was very proud of his students’ achievements at Colorado Thescon, an annual creative enrichment arts competition. As the director of “The Story of Anne Frank” at Castle View, Aaron did extensive research on the actual setting of the play, the annex, in an effort to closely replicate the color of the walls, the detail of fixtures and furniture, and the setting of the rest of the stage. Aaron had a gift for everything artistic, and he made the most of it in his work. Perhaps Aaron’s greatest gift from God was his ability to make everyone feel included and welcome. While Aaron was popular among his friends, elected Spencer High School’s Senior Class President, and typically a leader in his various circles, you didn’t have to be popular, talented, or a particularly charismatic for Aaron to notice you and care about to you. Many people have reached out to share stories of how Aaron’s efforts to make them feel a part of something impacted their lives: The main reason I joined show choir was because you and some other cool seniors told me and some other freshmen boys that we should do it. I’ve known you for 18 years, and I’ve looked up to you for all 18 of those years. Without you, I’d never be where I am today… Eric Van Tassell As I was a nervous and awkward freshman at UNI, Aaron made me and everyone else feel welcome… Joe Kelly I miss being a zip and a Tiger (high school mascot) with you. Chris Van Pelt You’ll live on through the students whose lives you have changed. Parker Dean Sorley I knew you for a brief time. It was long enough to know with certainty that your absence will leave a hole in many people’s lives. Ryan Sheetz Thank you for always making sure every rehearsal we learned something new even if it wasn’t about acting. Lauren Olivia Kelley You enriched me as an actor, director, and person. Dave Wolf I love you, my beautiful, hilarious, incomparable friend. Valerie Jean Bajorat The world is a less kind, less awesome, less gentle place without Aaron DeYoung in it. Sarah Fischer Thank you for always putting a smile on our faces and love in our heart. The world is a better place because you walked upon it. Michele Mayes When you came into my life two years ago wearing your iconic unicorn shirt I had no idea you would be so inspiring to me. Parker Dean Sorley Some of the best parts of me are from you. Ben Fuchsen The Final Act of the story of Aaron DeYoung is yet to be written. While we lost Aaron far too soon, many of the friends, co-workers, and students Aaron impacted are young people with their lives in front of them. While Aaron’s own life was cut short by his tragic passing, his legacy lives on through the lives of those who knew him. The DeYoung family will forever consider friends of Aaron to be friends of their own. If anyone who Aaron has impacted achieves success or enjoyment in life on or off the stage and would like to share updates with the DeYoung family, they will always and forever appreciate and enjoy hearing from you. All the world's a stage And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts. William Shakespeare Bowie. Haggard. Shandling. Prince. Ali. Taking the best this year. I’ll miss you and your tie dyed unicorn t-shirts. Josh Odor DeYoung. <iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/T9PX4FR3MN5S335Q" width="512"></iframe>