116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication on thegazette.com at 6 p.m. and in the daily edition the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
AJ Goldsmith
City: Monticello
Funeral Home
Brosh Chapel-Cedar Rapids
Sunday, December 3, 2023
AJ Goldsmith
AJ Goldsmith
Monticello
In Memoriam: The Extraordinary Life of AJ Goldsmith
AJ Goldsmith, a man larger than life itself, left us with an obituary that mirrors the very essence of his being—a colorful, adventurous, and heartwarming story of a life well-lived.
"Do dope sh!t" was AJ's favorite saying, and he lived by those words every day. His light shone so brilliantly that it seemed to radiate the warmth of his legendary hugs to all fortunate enough to experience them.
Growing up as the only boy among five sisters was no small feat, yet AJ embraced his role as the honorary big brother, while his dad affectionately called him "Sonny Boy."
His vibrant personality made an indelible mark on everyone he encountered, earning him the title of "best friend" to many.
AJ Goldsmith was more than just a friend; he was a true brother to many, forming friendships that spanned not only his hometown of Omaha but also the far corners of the world. His Omaha boys, the friends he grew up with, shared countless adventures and unforgettable memories. They are the kind of friends who laughed together, cried together, and stuck together through thick and thin. But AJ's circle of friends didn't stop at his hometown. He had a remarkable gift for forging connections with people from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe. His network of friendships stretched far and wide, and his genuine, welcoming spirit made him a beloved figure wherever he went. These friendships were a testament to AJ's ability to connect with others on a profound level, leaving an permanent mark on the hearts of everyone he met. AJ's true brothers and friends, whether near or far, will forever cherish the bond they shared with this remarkable man.
But above all, AJ was a beloved husband and loved his wife with a love that transcended words. Theirs was a love story for the ages, a bond that inspired everyone lucky enough to witness it. They dreamed of exploring every corner of the Earth, uncovering its beauty hand in hand.
AJ was a motivator, a pusher who urged you to surpass your boundaries and embrace your full potential. He acted as a free therapist, offering wisdom and guidance when needed. Even if it was unwarranted. When AJ called, he demanded your full attention for at least 10 minutes of meaningful conversation. His welcoming, loving, and inclusive nature left no room for anything less.
His charisma was magnetic; he never met a stranger, only potential friends. AJ was a lifelong learner, always eager to explore other people's lives, religions, and cultures. He sat in the front row of life, absorbing its lessons with enthusiasm.
AJ's passions were as diverse as his personality—music, books, journaling, and basking in the sunshine with a cold beer or glass of wine. He was anything but a simple man, and his love for life was infectious. Recently in Costa Rica, he just expressed "in his 35 years of life, he feels as if he lived 100 good ones".
As we bid farewell to AJ Goldsmith, we remember his infectious spirit, his profound love, and his commitment to living life to the fullest. His legacy is a reminder to us all to "do dope sh!t" and savor every moment. May Dan be there standing there with a cold one when you walk through those pearly gates. AJ, you will be deeply missed, but your light will forever illuminate our lives. This, dear friend, is the extraordinary story of AJ Goldsmith, a life that will continue to inspire us all.
He is survived by his wife, Kylee Goldsmith, Cal and Blu their fur babies; parents, Ed and Connie Goldsmith; in laws, Dave and Judy Reiniche, Charlie Karlic; siblings, Bridget (Shawn) McKee, Jamie (Dave) Kommer, Kelly Goldsmith, Abigail (Shane) Jaeger, Corrigan (Nick) Goldsmith, Kevin and Kyle Ferrentino, Jessi and Lexi Karlic and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; his nephew/nieces Delaney, Aidan and Darby McKee, Isaac Goldsmith, Kaylee and Carson Kommer, Poly, Everly and Ollie Jaeger, Amara Talsma-Burrell and Mason Goldsmith.
AJ’s visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at the Youth Development Center, 800 North Maple Street, Monticello, 52310. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 210 East Third Street, Monticello, where there will be additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Anthony Justin Memorial Fund.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com