Jeffrey Ross Westercamp

JEFFREY ROSS WESTERCAMP

Iowa City

Jeffrey Ross Westercamp, 1989 to 2021, known by all who love him as Ross, age 31, died on Aug. 12, 2021. He was born on Dec. 15, 1989, to Jeffrey and Sherry Westercamp, the fourth of five children who was diligently and effortfully created and brought into this world. Ross earned his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Iowa State University. Following graduation, Ross explored the field of engineering while working in Wisconsin and considered returning to college to pursue an engineering degree. However, a chain of unfortunate events in 2014 led to Ross returning to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to assume the role of Operations Manager at Lindale Dental Care, his father's dental practice. Despite a lack of previous work-related experience, in the pursuit of preserving the good standing of his father's dental practice, Ross undertook the general management of the practice in 2018 and exhibited mastery and skill.

Ross' most significant role model was undoubtedly his father, Jeff. Since childhood, Ross observed the joy and success dentistry brought to his father and chose in 2018 to emulate his father's legacy by pursuing studies in dentistry at the University of Iowa. At the time of his death, Ross was in his fourth and final year of dentistry school, with an impeccable academic record.

Ross was passionate about and thoroughly enjoyed spending time in nature relaxing, traveling, riding his custom-built bicycles, camping, and training/playing/doting on his beloved standard poodles, Hudson and Nora.

Always modest, he was considered by those who know him as brilliant, analytical, studious and an adept observer. He approached life/tasks with an ever meticulous, perfectionistic spirit, always holding himself to the highest of performance standards. Although usually indecisive, most would agree Ross had impeccable taste with regard to his attire and general aesthetic. Ross' compassionate, sensitive, considerate and warm-hearted nature attracted both animals and people alike. His smile/laughter was contagious, and his cleverness/wit never failed to entertain. If you happened to be so lucky to hear his poodle voices, you'd likely be smiling from ear to ear. After Ross' passing, a close friend since middle school encapsulated him so well when he said, "Ross was the most unique, interesting individual I have ever been so blessed to meet." Ross will truly be missed by all who know and love him.

Ross is survived by his father and mother, Jeffrey and Sherry Westercamp; his maternal grandmother, Louise Hebron; his four siblings, Kindra (Justin Kahle), Audra, Chase (Hillary Hanson) and Grace (Michael Schneidermann); nieces, Kennedy and Ramsey Kahle; nephew, Michael Schneidermann Jr.; his aunt, Pat Westercamp (Robert Wright); and his two standard poodles, Nora and Hudson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Please leave a message for the family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com, under obituaries.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.inhf.org/donate or donations can be mailed directly to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation -- Ross Westercamp Sac and Fox Trail Memorial Project.