A celebration of life will be held for Ian at 7 pm. on Friday, September 6, at Mustard Seed Church, 1 block south of 6th. St. on Wakarusa Dr.
Ian passed Sunday September 1, 2013. He was born August 17, 1994 in Overland Park, KS to Jon and Kate Zylstra. He graduated from Free State High School in 2012. He lived in Lawrence his entire life.
Ian leaves behind his parents Jon & Kate Zylstra, his grandparents Stewart & Marilyn Revenaugh of Gladstone MO, his siblings Mariana Reis & Sarah Zylstra Skinner and their spouses, along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many more loved ones. He also leaves his beloved cats, Charlie and Petey. Both were adopted by Ian at the Lawrence Humane Society.
Ian was full of love and laughter and cared deeply for his friends and family. He was empathetic and caring, always an advocate for the underdog. He was quick to laugh and make a joke. His friends meant the world to him, and he will be missed by all.
Please join the family at Mustard Seed Church on Friday, September 6th, at 7 pm. Ian was always found in shorts and t-shirt. Please come as you are or as Ian will remember you. Per the family’s request, wear bright colors and bring photos, memories and smiles to share as we celebrate a wonderful young man who touched many lives.
The family suggests donations in Ian Zylstra’s name be brought for the Lawrence Humane Society. You may also make donations to lawrencehumane.org or in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Kate(Katie)~
My heart hurts for you and I am praying that God will hold you in the palms of His hands during this difficult time. Peace be with you~
Sue Bowlin
Dear Zylstra family,
Ian was always very nice to us and Ken. He was very polite and Naomi liked him the most out of all of Ken’s friends because he was the kindest to her. We will always remember Ian that way.
I had the privledge of going to school with Ian from 7th grade till graduation. Ian was an awesome guy to see and hang out with all those years in school. He was always very kind and respectful to everyone. I remember him as a great athlete, but more importantly a great person. He will be truly missed by everyone especially those of us in his class. My thoughts and prayers go out to all family members and friends.
Kate, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Having lost 2 sons myself, I know the pain, and I am praying for you and your family. Life changes in the blink of an eye, but God remains the same. Trust Him and remember how blessed you are to have been Ian’s parents and family.
Jon – I didn’t know Ian, but I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family happier times in the future
Thank you so much for sharing Ian with all of us. What a wonderful young man! When Kylee was going through some very hard times during grade school and junior high, Ian was always kind, and empathetic and funny. He always greeted everyone with a smile, and focused on others. His life is definitely to be celebrated today and every day. I am sorry for the pain you must be feeling. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be sorry to miss the services due to the Free State Football game, but I know those boys will be playing a little harder in his memory. God Bless, The Lonekers
Kate and family,
I am so saddened by the loss of your wonderful young man. I remember Ian as a kind and respectuf student. I loved the smiles he gave me when he said hello as we met in the halls at Free State. A times he would stop and chat and ask how I was doing, he was so thoughtful.
Hugs and prayers are sent your way my friend.
Jon and Kate we are so sorry for your loss. Ian was such a nice and kind person and we feel lucky to have known him. We will miss having him play basketball in our yard and having the opportunity to chat with him. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this difficult time.-Molly, Michael, and Alice
I am so saddened to hear about Ian. I will always remember that 6 year old who entered my class ready to learn to read. He had the most beautiful smile and blue eyes. Ian was always so kind and nice to everyone. He was such a treasure and I know he was your world. My heart aches for you. You have my deepest sympathy.
Jon and Kate I wish I could say something to heal your pain right now, but I know that nothing can. As you are surrounded by Ian’s friends and your family don’t forget to smile, laugh, and share in all of the great stories of Ian’s life. He was truly an exceptional person who will forever be rembered with a smile on his face. I wish I could be there to give you both a big hug. I’m sending lots of love and prayers your way.
Dearest Kate & Jon,
I am so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your son, Ian. I remember the fun baby shower we had and how precious Ian was once he arrived! Those beautiful blue eyes! My heart hurts for you. I am praying God will give you comfort, strength and peace for you and your family during this very difficult time.
if there were any words / I would write them / but there are no words. Wishing you love and strength and I’m so glad I got to watch Ian and know him a little – one great kid! He will be so missed.
My heart is so heavy as I heard about Ian’s death. I did not know Ian personally, but have known Kate, his Mother since she was in 5th grade. Her mother Marilyn and I have been friends since that time.
To know sorrow is to acknowledge the Love that was yours to carry on with a heart full of memories–To heal day by day is to build a bridge of love that will reach far beyond time into forever.
Thinking of you with a heart filled with compassion and love.
Ian will be greatly missed by those who came to know him at Free State High School. It is with heavy hearts that we learned the tragic news. May all those who knew Ian be lifted up, and may Ian be remembered for the love and joy he brought to those lucky enough to be impacted by his life.
I met Ian a few times when at Cheryl and Kevin’s house and then again at Michelle’s wedding. Whenever I met him he had such a wonderful smile and such a handsome young man. I wish the family my best and may God give you peace to move on.
Ian was one of my favorite students at Free State. I will remember him as always being kind, respectful, and the kind of kid people liked to be around. My job as a teacher would be much easier if all the kids were like Ian. Ian’s family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I have wonderful memories of Ian at our house when our boys were at Deerfield together. Ian would always make Tom and Turner laugh! I could hear them from the other room and they would just be laughing and giggling. I will always remember that.