Yaw Boateng

Mr. Yaw Somuah Boateng, 69 years old, unexpectedly passed away on March 29, 2025 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He was born on July 21st, 1955, at Kwahu Mpraeso, Ghana, West Africa. Mr. Yaw S. Boateng was the son of Mr. Kwame Anokye and Madam Mercy Agyapomah, who all preceded him in death. He is again preceded in death by his two elder siblings Mr. Kwaku Misa Boateng and Madam Comfort Serwaah Boateng; as well as his Son Mr. Yaw B. Boateng.

He had his elementary and high school education in Mpraeso, Kwahu and Abuakwa State College, Kibi, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Mr. Yaw S. Boateng trained as a professional teacher and Accounting Specialist for his postsecondary education at various colleges in Ghana.

He enjoyed traveling and was determined to see and explore the world. He left his homeland Ghana to follow his passion for traveling. Nigeria was his first international location visited, while there Mr. Yaw S. Boateng taught Accounting to high school students for some years. He continued his teaching career at refugee camps organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He taught English, French, and Spanish across Cameroon, Senegal, and Chad.

He continued his travels to Europe where he visited Spain, UK, Netherlands, and Germany. After Europe, Mr. Boateng moved on to seeing South America, traveling through Brazil, Peru, Chile and Mexico. He’s also cruised along the Gulf of America, with three destinations including Cozumel, Belize, and Costa Maya as his last adventure before his illnesses.

Mr. Yaw S. Boateng moved to the United States as a refugee in 1991. His love for learning pushed him to immediately enroll in higher studies at the University of Iowa. He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science in 1991 and Master of Arts (MA) in Youth Development from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003.

Mr. Yaw S. Boateng met and married his wife Evelyn Boateng (Adom) (Honey) in 1999, while they were both pursuing Masters of Arts (MA) programs at the Universities of Iowa and Northern Iowa concurrently. He had a beautiful blended family that he loved and cherished greatly.

Mr. Yaw S. Boateng was an active member of his community, and volunteered for various causes and organizations. He was a free-spirited, humourous, kind, and generous person. He was a serviceable person who enjoyed helping people as much as possible. He was also a people person, fun loving and enjoyed hosting get-togethers, barbecue and meat grilling parties, for especially the international community members.

Mr. Yaw S. Boateng's voice was uniquely huge and deep that endeared him to his church of Christ community and service to his creator. His core beliefs were being kind and treating people well.

Mr. Yaw S. Boateng was survived by his wife Dr. (Mrs). Evelyn Boateng, children are Akua Ashitey, Josh Ashitey (son-in-law), Sandra Friley, Dantaé Friley, (son-in-law), Aba Reindorf Boateng (daughter-in-law), and Paul Adom-Boateng. His grandchildren are Gabriel Ashitey, Gloria Ashitey, Gideon Ashitey, Galvin Ashitey, Elaina Boateng & Elise Boateng. His siblings include brothers Andrews Ayeh Boateng, Bediako Anokye Boateng, and sister Esther Dedaah Boateng; he had many cousins, nieces & nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory 8201 Hickman Rd. Urbandale IA, 50322 on Friday May 2nd, 2025 with visitation at 10am and services at 11am. Burial will follow at Sunny Hill Cemetery located at SE 6th St. Grimes IA, 50111.

Reception immediately following at the Grimes Community Complex located at 410 SE Main St, Grimes, IA 50111.