Holly Leanna (Zumbach) Iben
Holly Leanna (Zumbach) Iben
Monticello
Holly Leanna (Zumbach) Iben, 37, of Monticello passed away in a tragic auto accident on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Visitation will be held at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, Monticello from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, has taken Holly and her family into their care.
Born on Dec. 17, 1985, the second of four children to Garry and Carla (Ries) Zumbach, her bright smile, sunny disposition, and outgoing personality were trademarks throughout her lifetime. She was fun loving and a true delight to her family and friends. Growing up on the Zumbach family farm west of Monticello, Holly understood the value of hard work. Holly graduated from Monticello High School, then attended Central Missouri State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. Holly returned to Monticello where she worked for many years at Superior Appliance and later ITS. She eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps, raising beautiful purebred puppies so others could enjoy a faithful companion. Most recently, she also enjoyed substitute teaching in Monticello.
Holly enjoyed coaching her children even if it meant learning a new sport like soccer. She was very involved in the Iowa Pet Breeders Association. Her faith was an important part of her life and she took on many roles organizing special Sunday School events; one of her favorites was making casseroles for those in need.
While Holly carried out many roles in her life, those she will be most remembered for are those of Mother, Caregiver and Protector. Holly was born to be a mom and excelled in every aspect of this role. Landon and Lianna were her world and she was an amazing mother to them. She was a sensitive caregiver to those in need, especially to her mother during her extended illness, and then to her father, Garry, after Carla’s passing. She was a natural protector and a fierce defender of her family and friends. During chopping season two years ago, Holly met Shawn at her dad’s family farm. Six months later Holly called him. They have cherished their time together immensely ever since.
Holly had a strong faith in God and we are confident she is now in heaven, watching down on her family. She is joined there with her mother, Carla, and Grandparents Louis & Velma Zumbach and Matt & Julia Ries. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Landon & Lianna Iben, her father, Garry Zumbach, siblings, Katie (Karrsten) Wernimont, Emily (Blake) Schulte, and Ethan (Ashley) Zumbach, special friend, Shawn Leytem; his children; John, Emily, Luke & Nikki and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles & cousins.