Ava Rose Vaske

Ava Rose Vaske was born on October 4, 2002, in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Don and Jennifer (Kelly) Vaske and little sister of Brooklyn and Wade Vaske. She grew up in West Des Moines where she attended St. Theresa Catholic School and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2021. She went on to Iowa State University.

Ava was a fun, loving, kind-hearted soul with an original sense of humor. She loved spending time with friends and family. She enjoyed doing puzzles, crafts, and game nights. Ava was always up for a movie day, especially Disney movies. Ava enjoyed decorating the house for the holidays and different seasons, her favorite season was Fall. Ava was always “extra” when it came to planning events, whether it was a Fall Movie Marathon or a Harry Potter themed day. Ava loved spending time at her farm near Bancroft, IA riding 4-wheelers and all the outdoor activities that farms offer. Ava was strong and fearless, gentle and caring and fiercely protective of all who loved her.

Ava passed away on September 11, 2022, with her family by her side at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Ava courageously battled cancer for 11 months.

She is survived by her parents, Don and Jennifer Vaske; sister, Brooklyn Vaske; brother, Wade Vaske; paternal grandparents, Roger and Eileen Vaske; maternal grandmother, Marie Belle Kelly; aunts and uncles, George (Sandee) Vaske, Donna (Patrick) Shelton, Becky Vaske, Marcia Vaske, and Jim Kelly; cousins, Brandon (Emi) Vaske, Brittney Vaske, Brody (Lyndsey) Vaske, Ivy Vaske and Vera Shelton; beloved dogs, Biscuit and Jake; her car, “Wilson”; and many dear friends.

Ava was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, George and Agnes Merron, Ed and Gert Vaske, Clarence and Angela Emanuel and her special farm cat, Lucy.

Mass of Christian Burial for Ava will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment will be held in Jordan Cemetery.