Erika M. Amfahr

Erika M. Amfahr, 39, of Iowa Falls, formerly of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away suddenly from complications of a massive stroke on Monday, June 30, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in rural Reinbeck. A time of food and fellowship will be immediately after Mass, followed by procession and Inurnment at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to the On With Life rehabilitation center and other charities of their choice.  It is with a heart of deep consideration and respect for Erika's wishes that there will not be a viewing.

Erika was born on April 22, 1986, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to her parents, Bob and Cathy (Biggs) Amfahr. She was raised in Grundy Center and graduated from Grundy Center High School with the Class of 2004. Erika then attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where she was a fierce left-handed right-side hitter for the Simpson Storm volleyball team. In her third year of college, Erika was severely injured in a car accident, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury and required extensive rehabilitation at On With Life in Ankeny, Iowa. With her fighter mentality and stubborn determination, Erika defied all odds, recovering and regaining independence. Erika returned to Simpson College just 18 months after her accident to finish her studies, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Following graduation, Erika worked as a sales associate at JCPenney in West Des Moines for 13 years. In 2023, she moved to Iowa Falls to be closer to her family, especially her nieces and nephew. She worked at The Dale Howard Center of Iowa Valley Community College until her passing.

Erika had a lifelong athletic spirit. She was passionate about working out and enjoyed keeping herself in shape. Her love for competition was evident during games of Wordle and Cribbage, and she frequently advised her nieces and nephew on how to improve their game. Erika loved country music, ice cream, and especially shopping. She cherished going to her nieces’ and nephew’s sporting events, attending country music concerts with her parents, and spending time at home with her family over the holidays. Erika, fondly known as “Spud” or “Tater” by many, always had a witty remark that brought joy to her family and friends. Erika’s life of perseverance and determination has taught us how to love deeper, appreciate more, never give up, and trust in God.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents Bob and Cathy Amfahr of Grundy Center; sisters Kristen (Glade) Cox of Urbandale, Iowa, and Alison (Mike) Steinmeyer of Grundy Center; nieces and nephew Raelyn, Jadyn and Kellan Steinmeyer; aunts and uncles Mary Kay (Steve) Anderson, Gary (Angie) Amfahr, Rita (Larry) Hickey, Joel (Ellie) Biggs, Sandi (Bob) Colin, Peg (Mick) Thein, John (LuAnne) Biggs, Mark (Dawn) Biggs, and Robin Amfahr; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Pete and Delores Amfahr and Joel and Alice Biggs; uncle Rick Amfahr, and cousin Jason Biggs.