"Eric was such a champion for sustainability and volunteered at a number of sustainability events at ISU and in the Ames community. I first met him when he volunteered at the annual College Creek cleanup event. He asked to be added to our volunteer mailing and he attended nearly every event from then on. He always gave such great enthusiasm and dedication to the work he volunteered for and such appreciation of everyone who supported him and the other volunteers. His love for making a difference and giving back to his community will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends."
In loving memory of
Eric Ronald Wierson
September 9, 1969 - March 31, 2021
Eric Ronald Wierson passed into the presence of the Lord on March 31, 2021 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.
Eric was born on September 8, 1969 in Iowa City, Iowa to Arlene and Ron Wierson, but it was his maternal grandparents, Ansel and Stella Bolt of Story City, Iowa who were mainly responsible for raising him and his younger brother, Matthew.
Eric graduated from Roland-Story High School in 1987 and then enrolled at Iowa State University where he joined the ROTC-Marines. Eric was called into active duty in the First Gulf War in 1990, returning a year later. He made his home with his grandmother, Stella, until she passed away in 1995, at which time he lived with his Aunt Joyce (Meg) Knol-Digby and her husband, David Digby in Ames. He worked for a time at Hy-Vee, Gateway Hotel and FedEx. He was a volunteer for many years at the MICA Food Shelf and more recently, at the Ames History Museum. Eric loved his family and enjoyed watching football games and doing crossword puzzles. Last June, he was diagnosed with leukemia but had been doing well until the day before he passed away. At the time of his death, he was living with his brother, Matthew Wierson, and his two young sons in Ames.
Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene Wierson; grandparents, Ansel and Stella Bolt; grandfather, Jack Wierson; great-grandparents, John and Cecilia Wierson; and his beloved cousin, DJ Abogunrin.
Eric is survived by his brother, Matthew Wierson of Ames; nephews, Everett and Shane Wierson of Ames; father, Ron Wierson in California; half-sister, Cherish (Larry) Miller of Afton; aunts, Joyce (David Digby) Knol-Digby of Ames; Ruth (Gene Wirtjes) Johnson of Herrin, Illinois; and Sally (John) Heer of Ft. Collins, Colorado; uncle, Paul Wierson of Story City; and numerous cousins.
A graveside service at the Sheffield Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Ames History Museum or the First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I first met Eric at the Ames History Museum. He was so friendly and represented the museum in such a fine fashion. He certainly enjoyed people and was perfect for that position. So, I, like so many, am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. We did enjoy some special times together and even took him to one of my Sons of Norway events. He even volunteered there to help the folks in the kitchen at our lodge meeting! God gave Eric a special gift! So happy our paths crossed but also sad as I miss him. My sincere condolences to his family."
"Eric was such a treasure. I wasn't in the Ames History Museum nearly as often as he was, but as soon as I walked in or ran into him volunteering at Rummage Rampage, he knew me. He was so good volunteering at the museum's front desk, and then when we'd have special projects such as moving a massive amount of artifacts that were off-site, Eric was there chatting with everyone. All of us who knew him were blessed. Condolences to all his family and friends. "
"Our hearts are broken once again to hear of Eric's passing. I first met Erik in 1997 at Holiday Inn/Gateway. We instantly bonded by our esprit de corps for we are both Marines. He enjoyed reminding DJ and I of how he introduced us in 1998 and we gave him that credit on our wedding day. We enjoyed Eric's friendship, friendly banter, volunteering with him at the Special Olympics, food banks, and other events. Eric enjoyed serving and being a part of things. We enjoyed being nostalgic over watching and listening to 80-90s movies/songs over a meal. Anika will miss your cards but we know you are at peace now with your mother, grandparents and DJ. When the sun shines, we will know its you and DJ smiling down at us and when the rain pours its reminding us to continue to live fully and love one another. You are loved and missed.
Love Always,
Kendall, EJ, Anika & Dionne Abogunrin "
"We are greatly saddened to hear about Eric's passing. The Ames History Museum front desk won't be the same without him. Eric was always so enthusiastic when talking to us about our research, about presentations that we had given, and about anything to do with Ames history. He asked perceptive and intriguing questions and always seemed ready to hear our answers. A more genuine person would be hard to find. He will be sorely missed. Gloria Betcher and Doug Biggs"
"I new Eric from the dinners they have there at the church I enjoyed talking to him. It's a shame he died so. Life isn't fait Ron Craig"
"I am so sorry to hear this news. Matthew and Eric were the sweetest little boys and I was happy to be their aunt for a while in the 1980s. Love to Matthew and the boys as well as all Eric's friends. "
"We are so saddened by Eric's death. We will greatly miss and always remember the time he shared with the Ames History Museum. He has left a huge gap in the Museum family! Anyone coming in the door could count on a friendly smile, a helpful approach, a warm conversation, and some quirky humor. The Museum is so fortunate that he chose to volunteer with the organization. Loved his stories and I never finished a conversation with him without a few laughs. He had a special way of brightening your day and has left the Ames community a better place. Sharon Wirth "
"What a big loss. Eric was a delightful person and representative for the Ames History Center. I could always count on him, whether for interesting conversation, caring attention to the Center, or looking out for my business while I was an upstairs renter. He exemplified service to others. If only he?d had more time. My deepest condolences for your loss. "
"So sorry for your loss. I first met Eric when he was a menber of the volunteer staff at Ames History Museum. He was knowledgeable and always full of smiles and conversation. He was often to at the front desk when I visited the museum. I thought he was part of the full-time staff. "