Brandon Bougher

To view the funeral service for Brandon, please click on the Tribute Wall tab immediately above. Proceed to click on the video icon to start the service. The live stream will start at 12:30 PM on Friday, April 24, 2020. Brandon Bougher, 25, passed away at home in the early morning, Tuesday, April 21, 2020. He is survived by his parents, Travis and Nancy, brother Michael (Caitlin) Bougher, sister Dezeray (Bryan) Heath, two nieces Pyper and Adelaine, one nephew, Bryan, two grandmothers, Kathy Bougher and Helen Fisher, his uncles, Tracy (Karen) Bougher and Nick Fisher and aunt Marie Fisher. He is proceeded in death by his grandfathers, Mickey Bougher and Gerald Fisher. Brandon was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 17, 1994. His arrival six weeks early was just the first demonstration of his zest for life. Brandon grew up in Ankeny, Iowa. He always had a strong love of family and being outside whenever possible. More than once his independent and fearless demeanor got him in trouble. The strict limitations of class time were not his favorite, but he did love to learn. Brandon’s ‘never say die, never quit’ attitude served him well as he began to discover sports. His main passions were football and wrestling. Anything he may have lacked in natural abilities was overshadowed by his tenacity. He also participated in baseball and track. He enjoyed pick-up games of basketball and soccer, too – pretty much anything involving physical exertion and competition. At just 15 years old, Brandon was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma primarily in his left leg with spread throughout his lungs. Early through the processes of treatment, he lost his ability to participate in the sports he loved. Brandon switched his attention to drama – both in front and behind the scenes. He discovered a talent at set design and a love of acting. Unfortunately, a relapse (just one of many) and subsequent treatment prevented him from fulfilling his final role in high school. After graduating, Brandon remained busy working at Casey’s and then Target while facing multiple cancer-related setbacks. Brandon continued his employment at Target for several years, making an impression on many of his colleagues, and worked until his health declined further late last year. While work was important, Brandon’s true passion, which really developed over the past decade, was embracing and teaching his unwavering Catholic faith. Brandon’s All Saints Church family truly became his second home as he took on the role of leader and mentor. In fact, Brandon even considered being a priest for some time, later deciding to pursue teaching instead. Over the last two years Brandon was enrolled at DMACC and continued his early love for learning. He received an Honorary Associates of Arts Degree in March of 2020. Brandon’s early love for football was revived with the Iowa Barnstormers. He could be found in the second row at most games (often with his crutches alongside his cowbell) cheering the team on. He enjoyed having fun with the Barnstormer family. Brandon also embraced his role as uncle to his young nieces and nephew. By watching him interact and love on them it was clear how much they meant to him. Although cancer defined a lot of Brandon’s life and physical body over the past 10 years, it did not define his character or steadfast spirit. Through every relapse, every big and small health setback, every new clinical trial, every obstacle placed in his way, Brandon’s spirit didn’t waiver. He remained his strong, smart, funny, humble, and optimistic self. Brandon was the living embodiment of fortitude, and inspired all who knew, and knew of him. He was not able to fulfill his dream as a literal teacher, but in the way that Brandon lived and fought cancer he taught so many, so much. Memorial contributions can be directed to Make A Wish of Iowa. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. Unfortunately, due to COVID 19 restrictions we will not be able to have public services. Once we are allowed to gather again, we will publish updates of our memorial plans. Funeral services will be live streamed Friday, April 24th at 12:30 pm at www.caldwellparrish.com. The following link can be used to view services. We can’t offer a public visitation or funeral because of the social distancing restrictions. The only thing we can open to the public is the procession. We invite, in fact encourage, all to help escort Brandon’s earthly remains to his final resting place. We will process from All Saints Catholic Church, Des Moines to Iowa’s Veteran Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa. Please plan on being lined up in the church parking lot at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 24th.