John 'Jake' Dibel

JOHN "JAKE" THOMAS DIBEL

Iowa City

John "Jake" Thomas Dibel, 20, of Iowa City, died surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 9, 2017, at his parents' home after a two-year battle with cancer. Jake's body has been donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program to contribute knowledge to medical students. Celebration of Life: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 7, at Lake Macbride State Park's main lodge, Solon.

Survivors include his parents, Kevin and Jana (Mentzer) Dibel; siblings, Benjamin (18) and Samuel Dibel (14); grandmothers, Lou Ann Mentzer and Linda Dibel; uncles, Mark, Tim and Jon (Cecilia) Mentzer; aunt, Deb (Scott) Brown; cousins, Lia Mentzer and Tristan and Ellie Brown; and many extended family members and friends.

Jake was born Feb. 8, 1997, in Cedar Rapids, and attended Linn-Mar High School, graduating in 2015. He received a full scholarship to the University of Iowa, studying pharmacology and plant-based science. Jake was able to complete his sophomore year at Iowa. His mission was to obtain a doctorate in pharmacology/

plant-based science so he could partake in pioneering new treatments for cancer and other diseases.

His family wishes to thank all of Jake's professors and teaching staff at the University of Iowa who accommodated him so he could attend school full time while undergoing treatments; all of his caregivers at UIHC; Dr. Ghosh and his staff for going above and beyond to get to know Jake and treat him as a whole person, not just a cancer patient; the staff at Mercy Hospice for providing support so we could be a family this past week; Dr. Angie Arlen who has provided guidance and support throughout Jake's treatment; and especially Dr. Rick Mersch, who was much more than a doctor to Jake. We cannot find the words to express how much we appreciate the love and support we have received from our families, friends and the community. It has sustained us on this journey and we are humbled by it. Please know that you all have a permanent place in our hearts.

Jake was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandfathers.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to a number of causes Jake was passionate about. Please consider honoring his memory by making a lifesaving donation to your local blood bank or to the bone marrow registry.

Please share your support and memories with Jake's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.