In loving memory of

Austin Jacob Zaruba
March 27, 1987 - February 23, 2018

Austin Jacob (AJ) Zaruba, 30 formerly of Tipton, chose to enter eternal rest with the Lord on February 23, 2018. Austin was born March 27, 1987, only son to Bruce and Lora Zaruba. In his toddler years you would find him on the tractor with either his dad or grandpa, or running around fighting imaginary bad guys with his batman cape on. You could also find him with a cup of coffee just like grandpa. As a teenager, he loved to play airsoft, and would host many airsoft battles on the farm in the summer. High school is where he found his singing voice, he won many awards and decided to dedicate his life to music and the arts. He graduated from Tipton High School in 2005 and went on to further his love for music at Wartburg College.
His passion for vocal music lead him to be selected by his peers to be in many leadership roles. His success in these positions allowed him to be chosen to direct both the Ritterchor (Men's Ensemble) and the Wartburg Choir on their world tour in 2009. He graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Wartburg in 2009, which is where he met and married Elizabeth Reedstrom. In that union of marriage, a beautiful son, Jacob Alan was born, who was the apple of his dad's eye.
Austin then began teaching in western Iowa in a small district called Riverside located in Oakland, IA. In his three years at Riverside, AJ, lovingly referred to as "Mr. Z.", managed to quadruple the size of the High School Vocal Music Program. Under his direction, ensembles received numerous Division I (Superior) ratings, including the first ever Division I rating at State Jazz Festival. In the Spring of 2013, Riverside's Jazz Choir, Here Comes Treble was invited to compete at the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships where they placed 4th in the state. He was also able to spread his love of music to many students in several other schools throughout his career.
He was active in the communities he lived and enjoyed arranging music, spending time with his family, and watching his son grow. With his son, he loved to play Mario, dinosaurs, or be outside swinging. Austin was a very talented, funny, loving, smart young man that taught himself how to play the piano and guitar. He was a self-proclaimed "geek" who loved to use technology as often as he could. He so wanted to be happy on the inside but his mind wouldn't let him. In his final act of kindness, Austin was an organ donor.
Austin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Noska.
Left to cherish his memory is his son, Jacob Alan Zaruba and Jacob's mother, Elizabeth (Reedstrom) Zaruba of Minnesota; his parents, Bruce and Lora Zaruba; his grandparents, Beverly Noska, John and Joyce Zaruba; his sisters Amber (Matthew) Swim and Ariel Zaruba (William Stokes); aunts and uncles; many cousins, dear friends and classmates.
A visitation will be held Wednesday night from 4 - 7 at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton followed by a Celebration of Life gathering to be held Thursday morning at 10:30, First United Church of Christ in Tipton. Additional details can be found at www.fryfuneralhome.com. Should friends so desire, a memorial fund has been established. The family requests no flowers, online condolences may be shared on the website as well.

Tributes

Louise Newcomb wrote on Mar 4, 2018:

"Bruce, Lora, Amber and Ariel: I was so sad to open the newspaper and see where AJ had passed. My condolences to all of you at this very difficult time. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that he touched many people's lives in a positive way and that he will live on in the hearts of many. My deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to each of you. AJ was always a joy when you came to the chiropractic office. Best regards, Louise Newcomb"

Williams Family wrote on Mar 2, 2018:

"We are saddened to learn that you're mourning the loss of your dear love one. However, it saddens our God even more. No doubt, you have many fond memories which will resurface from time to time. And because you do have memories, certainly shows that almighty God has memories as well. Therefore, with full confidence you can take comfort in knowing that he longs to restore perfect life to all those in his memory (Job ?14:13-15?; Rev 21:3, 4). Please accept our condolences at this most distressing time."

Kenlyn.miller@yahoo.com wrote on Mar 1, 2018:

"My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May the good memories help you heal. Kenlyn (Poulsen) Miller "

Darrell and Janet Hanson wrote on Mar 1, 2018:

"Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son and brother. We will always remember AJ's smile and sense of humor. He was a wonderful friend to Mark and to many. We hope now he will find a sense of peace. May God's grace comfort all of you during this difficult time and in the months and years to come. Darrell & Janet Hanson"

Kae Soost wrote on Feb 28, 2018:

"I have only known Austin a short time, He delivered FedEx shipments to our facility. I am heart broken, such a sweet guy, He shared a bit of his history with and I was proud of how hard he had worked. I wish I would have told him that. He made me smile everytime he walked in the door. With a grin from ear to ear. God Bless your family and give you peace. Kae Soost"

Ryan Bormann wrote on Feb 27, 2018:

"I was extremely sad to hear about the passing of AJ this week. He always kept me on my toes. From being a wrestling partner in the room at a young age to growing up and doing plays together. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Zaruba family. "

Stef McAdam wrote on Feb 27, 2018:

"Bruce & Lora, Amber & Matt, Ariel & William & Elizabeth- I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Altho I didn't know AJ well, I know and understand your loss. There are no words to say to take away the pain, and I wish there were. I will keep all of you in my prayers thru this difficult time and going forward. I will reach out to Amber once things settle down with information that I hope will be helpful. Hugs to All! Stef McAdam."

Phyllis Fiala wrote on Feb 27, 2018:

"Lora, Bruce & family: My heart is aching for you. There are no words to express ones feelings at a time like this. Praying for all of you. Phyllis Fiala"

Jim and Lisa Allen wrote on Feb 27, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for your family. I will always remember his beautiful voice. "

sherika brooks wrote on Feb 27, 2018:

"aj was a cool person in high school he kept everyone laughing and smiling he was the class clown we all loved sorry for your loss i am keeping you and your family in my prayers"

Mike Welsh wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"Bruce and family so sorry to hear of the loss of Austin thoughts and prayers to you in this time of sadness. God bless Mike Welsh and the Matheson group."

Marlene Novotny wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Zaruba taught our children at Riverside and they learned much from him and really enjoyed his classes. May the promise of everlasting life bring you comfort at this difficult time. Marlene and Tom Novotny"

Megan Hildebrandt wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"AJ was a joy to sing with in the Wartburg Choir. He always had a bright smile, kind word, and displayed such a passion for music. Wishing you peace in a sorrowful time, Megan Hildebrandt"

Melissa Lewis wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"Zaruba family, It was a pleasure to work with Austin at Riverside! He was always so energetic and fun to be around. Prayers to all of you at this difficult time. Melissa Lewis"

Esther Anderson wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"Craig and I are so sorry for the loss of your precious son. I remember AJ since he was a little boy in kindergarten all the way to graduation. He definitely was very comical making me laugh many times. To all the Zaruba family please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. "

Keri Carls wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Zaruba family. Abe and I both had the privilege of learning, growing, and singing with AJ during our years at Tipton. He was always so kind, and SO funny! What an incredible voice...thankful for old choir CDs to hear it again. Rest In Peace, AJ. Sing, sing, sing! Keri and Abe Carls "

Kennedy,Nakia, Gunnar & Elias wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"It is with profound and heartfelt sympathies that my family and I extend to the Zaruba family during this time of reflection and love. Although we have never personally met Austin, it is through the words, the love, the stories, and the laughter that we got to know him through Ariel and William. Through the stories, we knew that Austin could sing, loved to laugh (and make others laugh) as well as loved his son dearly. Our prayer is that Austin's love of family will continue on with fond memories that will comfort each of you in the coming days. With love and prayers, Kennedy, Nakia, Gunnar and Elias New Jersey "

J Thompson wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"I am sorry for your loss. My condolences go to the the family and friends of Austin Zaruba. May you find comfort in the promise that "there is going to be a resurrection" meaning you can see your loved one again (Acts 24:15)."

Chris Conover wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"It was an honor to work with Austin while he was at Riverside. It is amazing to see the impact that he to this day still has on his former students. My condolences to the family. Chris Conover Riverside Jr/Sr High School Counselor"

Chris Conover wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"It was an honor to work with Austin while he was at Riverside. It is amazing to see the impact that he to this day still has on his former students. My condolences to the family. Chris Conover Riverside Jr/Sr High School Counselor"

Sharon Niles wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Bruce, Lora and family...Our condolences at this difficult time. We are keeping you in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers. Mark & Sharon Niles"

Michael Lukemyres wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Bruce and family sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to you."

Luann sheets wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Bruce and family... my heart aches at this sorrow that is upon you. May your tears be few and your memories abundant. Deep felt sympathy LuAnn & Jim Sheets"

Doug Countryman wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Bruce and family I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with AJ services."

Leah Karalius wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"I was fortunate to be part of an outstanding group of music students that graduated from Wartburg in 2009, one of those students being AJ. AJ's excitement for music often made our music classes and rehearsals so fun. I appreciated his genuine personality. He was a friend to everyone! I feel blessed to have performed our junior recitals together, and that I could be his accompanist off and on throughout the 4 years. He had great talent and wanted so much to share his love of music with those around him. I could see how much he grew as a musician and a person during the time we spent in ensembles. He was such an enthusiastic leader. I'm praying that peace comes swiftly in this time of grief to all those who love and miss AJ. God bless. Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~~Leah (Groh) Karalius"

Matt Ray wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"The family is in my prayers. A.J. Was such a kind, enthusiastic man. In our years at Wartburg I got to watch him mature and become a man I would want to teach my son. He was so talented yet so kind. Whether A.J. Knew it or not many of our lives are better for having known him. Matt Ray "

Jeff Meer wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Bruce, Lora and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families on the loss of AJ. God Bless and sustain you. Jeff and Vickie Meier"

Todd Bergmann wrote on Feb 24, 2018:

"Austin was one of the most, if not the most, energetic, enthusiastic, and able colleagues that I have known in five districts as a shared and one-district teacher. He exuded energy and cheerfulness and was a blessing to his students. May he experience the peace now that was not in his life. Todd Bergmann Riverside Comm. Schools"