Jon Meester

Jon David Meester, 57, of Holland, Iowa passed away on December 11, 2025, of natural causes. He slipped away peacefully with his best friend and family by his side.

Jon, the second of three children, was born May 14, 1968. After graduating from Grundy Center High School in 1986, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications at Iowa State University. He remained a devoted fan of Iowa State football and basketball throughout his life.

He had a deep love for the farm where he grew up, a place where his heart always remained. From an early age, Jon found joy in wandering the land—exploring fields, discovering artifacts from long ago and appreciating the quiet beauty of the country. A typical farm boy, he had a love for all animals. Most recently he looked forward to coming home from work to find his cat “Seedz” meet him.

After a brief marriage while living in Iowa City, Jon moved to Des Moines and later Davenport before moving back to the farm in Grundy County.

His connection to the farm never faded. Jon was grateful to be able to transfer with his job at Natural Grocers, where he worked as a department manager, so he could return to the farm he loved so dearly. Living there again brought him great happiness and peace. He looked forward to the times when friends would visit to target practice, exchange stories and enjoy the land. Jon was a voracious reader with a particular interest in both family and local history, seeking out books and magazines that spoke to his strong sense of home. He had a keen interest in war history and could tell you almost anything about world wars.

Jon will always be remembered for his fun-loving and gentle soul. Jon was naturally funny, never forced or rehearsed. Friends could always rely on enjoying a fun time with him and having a good laugh. He was this way as a small child and continues to make friends and family laugh as they recall his sharp sense of humor.

Laid back by nature, he also had a generous heart. He was the kind of person who would help a friend in need without hesitation. He was a devoted son and brother making frequent trips to Omaha throughout his parents’ illnesses while continuing to work a full-time job. After his mother’s death he was able to bring his father back to the farm for one more fall, in the last year of his life, and that was a gift his father treasured.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Mary Lou Meester, and by his grand parents Harry and Jessie Meester, and David and Minnie Arends. He is survived by his sister, Donna Meester of Cedar Falls, Iowa; his brother, Evan Meester (Jessica) his nephew, Blake and niece, Bailey, all of Omaha, Nebraska.

Jon will be fondly remembered and is already deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Lake View Camp in Pella, Iowa or directly to the family.