Obituary of Victory Raphael Themistol

Victory Raphael Themistol came into this world healthy and strong on October 12, 2024, at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center to us, his parents, Fednel and Kara Themistol. He loved most to be held in his mama’s arms. Beginning on day one, his little eyes and ears took in the whole world around him. He loved watching his siblings play and any movement happening in his vicinity. He distinctly knew Kara’s voice and always looked toward her when he needed food or comfort.

    His siblings absolutely adored him. His big sister, Reya (9) would be the first to pick him up and love on him after school. Kellan (7) often checked on his little brother and gave him the best hugs and kisses. Naomi (2), new to big sister-hood, always asked, “Me hold baby?” We could often be found walking together and enjoying whatever weather with Victory wrapped onto Kara’s chest and Naomi close in tow. Justus (5) to this day has not stopped singing his name - “VIC-tory Ra-pha-el.”

    His name had been set before his conception and was imprinted on our hearts during the pregnancy. During the pregnancy, we all stayed in Haiti tending to Fednel’s ancestral land and learning about the customs and routines of his ancestral home. Each day we soaked in the sunshine and landscape. We ate straight from the trees and enjoyed all sorts of delicious food cooked over the fire. We washed our clothes in the river with our feet soaking in the fresh water and the sounds of the waterfall surrounding us. We could look out over the mountains and see all the way to the ocean. This season challenged us but also blessed us so much. The Creator's hand became so evident to us in so many ways. Victory means “defeat of an enemy”. Raphael means “God heals.” Little did we know at the time what that name would grow to mean to us in this season.

    Our Most High Creator kept us safe in so many ways and brought us safely to Iowa to be with Kara’s family at the appointed time. The gratitude we feel to be surrounded by family during this tragedy knows no bounds. Our Redeemer is truly good.

    Little Victory’s life will be cherished in the hearts of us, his parents, Fednel and Kara; his siblings: Reya, Kellan, Justus, and Naomi; his grandparents: Gesnel Themistol, Rosemarie Novembre, Kevin and Sue Harthoorn; his uncles and aunts Nerlande, Tricia, Gregory, Vanessa, Samuel, and Rose Themistol; Landon, Jaron, and Alex Harthoorn; great-grandmothers: Lois Harthoorn and Karen Anema; and countless beloved extended family members - too many to name. Our boy’s soul is joined in eternity with his great-grandparents: Innocent and Melanie Novembre, Telis and Velenia Themistol, Melvin Harthoorn, and John Anema.