John 'Jake' Dibel
February 8, 1997 ~ June 9, 2017
John 'Jake' Thomas Dibel, 20, of Iowa City, died surrounded by his loving family Friday, June 9, 2017, at his parents' home after a two-year battle with cancer. Jake's body has been donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program to contribute knowledge to medical students. Celebration of Life: 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017, at Lake Macbride State Park's Main Lodge, Solon. A short service will take place at 6 p.m.
Survivors include his parents, Kevin and Jana (Mentzer) Dibel; siblings, Benjamin (18) and Samuel Dibel (14); grandmothers, Lou Ann Mentzer and Linda Dibel; uncles, Mark, Tim, and Jon (Cecilia) Mentzer; aunt, Deb (Scott) Brown; cousins, Lia Mentzer, and Tristan and Ellie Brown; and many extended family members and friends.
Jake was born February 8, 1997, in Cedar Rapids, and attended Linn-Mar High School, graduating in 2015. He received a full scholarship to the University of Iowa, studying Pharmacology and Plant-Based Science. Jake was able to complete his sophomore year at Iowa. His mission was to obtain a doctorate in Pharmacology/Plant-Based Science so he could partake in pioneering new treatments for cancer and other diseases.
His family wishes to thank all of Jake's professors and teaching staff at the University of Iowa who accommodated him so he could attend school full-time while undergoing treatments; all of his caregivers at UIHC; Dr. Ghosh and his staff for going above and beyond to get to know Jake and treat him as a whole person, not just a cancer patient; the staff at Mercy Hospice for providing support so we could be a family this past week; Dr. Angie Arlen who has provided guidance and support throughout Jake's treatment; and especially Dr. Rick Mersch who was much more than a doctor to Jake. We cannot find the words to express how much we appreciate the love and support we have received from our families, friends, and the community. It has sustained us on this journey and we are humbled by it. Please know that you all have a permanent place in our hearts.
Jake was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandfathers.
Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to a number of causes Jake was passionate about. Please consider honoring his memory by making a life-saving donation to your local blood bank or to the bone marrow registry.
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I had the privilege of working with Jake during our CCA Baseball tournaments. He was a great kid with a big heart. He exceeded our expectations and we loved having him as a part of our Clipper family. His great smile and fantastic personality will truly be missed. RIP Jake. You will be missed.
Trent DeKoter
CCA Baseball Club
Jake’s life is everlasting and we will always remember Jake’s positive energy whenever we were together! God Bless the Dibel family
Jana & family – I am so, so sorry for the loss of such a great person. I remember your son from Religious Ed at St. Matthew’s and what a kind, sweet person he always was. You are all in my prayers! ~ Sara Lehner
Kevin, Jana, and family, my heart breaks along with yours. I remember Jake as that cute little boy playing in our recreation PeeWee baseball. May God wrap his arms around you giving you comfort.
Karlene.
I had Jake as a student in Design Class at Linn-Mar High School. He was a hard worker, so sweet and so considerate. I send all my love and prayers to all of his family and friends. I will keep him fondly in my memory.
Jana, Kevin, Ben, Sam and family – My heart goes out to all of you! Jake was such a kind, loving young man. Even throughout his treatments and in the midst of pain, he was always considerate of others. His life has been an inspiration to so many – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) He is now at peace. Love to you all, may your wonderful memories bring you comfort and joy. Shalom, Betsy
Jana, Kevin, Ben & Sam : I pray for peace for you in this difficult time and in days & weeks to come. You will have frequent loving reminders of Jake when you see him in each other’s eyes. He was a gentle sweet soul and in his short time here on this Earth he touched many people with his kind nature. He was such a good brother big brother to Ben and Sam : Great role model for them. I’m sure he was a joy to have as a son as well. Be assured to know that he is with our Almighty Creator and he is at peace and rest and promised eternal life . You will see him again in a glorious reunion. Take care. Jackie, Grant & Katia
Jana and family- we are all praying for you during this difficult time. Jake was a wonderful inspiration to many. May God bless you and comfort you. Sara Gerlach and family
To the Dibel family,
I do not know you or your family, but I want to express my sympathy on the loss of your beautiful son. What a precious person he was. And had such a great future.
I am going to donate blood next month and I will donate in honor of John, gladly. God has another very special angel in heaven, watching over all you you.
With my sincere sympathy,
Annamae Baker
How nice of you, Anna Mae! Very sad for this family.
Julie and I only got to meet Jake once but it was definitely a memorable occasion last year at the 4th of July celebration! So glad he got to play with Julie a little and rolled down the hill with her! He was such a very sweet young man! I pray that he and Bret get to hang out together in heaven. Many prayers to your family. Sending love and prayers- Andrea and Julie Loes
I remember Jake as a 6th grade band student at Oak Ridge. He is the only middle school boy who I distinctly remember hugging his mom good-bye before school. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss and grief.
To the entire Mentzer and Dibel families: I am sorry to hear about the loss of Jake. I have followed Jakes journey online. His journey struck a cord because my brother was battling cancer at the same time. I had hoped that there would be a miracle for him. His grandmother LuAnn and my mom are 1st cousins which is another reason I followed his journey. My family continues to pray for Jake and your entire family. Loss is especially hard when the person was such a gentle spirit as it seems like Jake was. You have my sympathy and my prayers. Laura Kelchen
I’m so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Laura Stephens
Jana, Kevin, Ben, and Sam: I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed having Jake in my 6th grade RE class. He was one of my favorite students from all the years that I taught. He was such a wonderful young man. I will continue to pray for you during this difficult time.
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away from the pain of your loss. But I am so deeply sorry. Mrs. Dibel these past few years getting to know not only you but Sam as well has been a blessing. I send all of my prayers and love to your whole family and to Jake. I have never met him but from what I have heard from Sam he was and still is a truly strong and inspiring person. Jake will always be in our hearts. Stay strong.
I think I will hear Jake’s voice whenever I pray the stations, his voice was so lovely. I was praying for a miracle and Betsy reminded me that there were many along the way. I will keep you all in my prayers. With love, Steve, Nicole, Sam and Henry Clymer
I am very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.