Blake Forest Van Loon

Blake Forest Van Loon, 25, originally from Indianola, Iowa passed away peacefully at home in Carlisle on October 6, 2026, with his mother, Stacy, by his side.

Blake was born March 4, 2001, and grew up and graduated from Indianola. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and devoted dog dad to his beloved toy poodle, Charlie.

Blake spent the past three years courageously battling melanoma. Throughout those years, he never stopped being Blake. He continued to make plans, chase his dreams, spend time with the people he loved, and find reasons to enjoy life. He was adventurous and loved having something to look forward to.

Just one month before his passing, Blake traveled with his friends to Soldier Field in Chicago to attend a concert. It was exactly the kind of adventure and experience he loved sharing with his friends. His friends were incredibly important to him, and his family will forever be grateful for the amazing group of guys who stood beside him throughout his journey.

But Blake's true best friend was his brother, Brock. Their bond was something special. Blake was incredibly honored to be Brock's best man at his wedding in November 2025. He was especially excited to welcome Hannah as his sister-in-law and was so happy to officially gain such a wonderful sister.

Blake's determination and love for his brother were on full display that week. He had brain surgery on Monday and was standing beside Brock as his best man that Saturday. And because Blake was Blake, he was even caught doing the worm on the dance floor at the wedding. It was an unforgettable moment that perfectly captured his spirit-nothing was going to stop him from being there for his brother or from having a good time.

Even during the hardest days of his illness, Blake found ways to make his family smile. Just two weeks before his passing, while in the hospital, he was pushing his mother and his "G-ma," as he affectionately called her, around the hospital in wheelchairs. He was ready to go home-and he made sure everyone knew it. That memory captures Blake perfectly: determined, independent, loving, and still finding a way to take care of the people he loved.

Blake was passionate about Formula One racing and was a devoted Houston Texans fan. He loved his friends, his family, his work, and the many interests that made him uniquely Blake.

Education was one of Blake's greatest accomplishments. He graduated from Mercy Health Sciences and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa at Carver Medical. Even while battling cancer, Blake continued taking classes and remained committed to his education. He graduated in April 2026, just months before his passing, and was incredibly proud of that accomplishment.

Blake also had the opportunity to work as a traveling X-ray technician in Minnesota for three months. When he returned home, he proudly paid cash for his brand-new Santa Cruz-another accomplishment that reflected his independence and determination.

Blake loved his work family at Mercy Hospital. He was fortunate to have a wonderful boss, Andrea, and so many caring and compassionate coworkers who supported him throughout his illness. The friendships he made through his work meant so much to him and to his family.

Blake and his family were also incredibly grateful for the extraordinary care he received from the team at Mission Cancer, especially Dr. Freeman, Carissa, Angie, and Katie. Their compassion, dedication, and kindness helped Blake and his family through an incredibly difficult three years. Their care will never be forgotten. Suncrest Hospice will always hold a special place in our hearts too.

Blake will be deeply missed by his mother, Stacy (Doyle Smith); his father, Steve Van Loon (Anna); his brother, Brock (Hannah); grandparents Claudine (G-ma) and Terry Prenosil ( G-pa) and Judy and Forest Van Loon; his beloved toy poodle, Charlie; step-siblings Bailey (Jared), Britney (Steven), and Macy (Lane) Chauncey, Mason, Emilee, and Aubri; aunts and uncles Chad and Amy Prenosil and Craig and Teresa Van Loon; cousins Skyler Prenosil, Courtney Trotter, Kennady Prenosil, Carter Prenosil, Chloe Prenosil, Tyler Van Loon, Austin Van Loon, Chase Van Loon, and Ashley Panzi; and nephews Jace and Tate.

Blake's life was far too short, but it was filled with people who loved him deeply. He made memories, built friendships, chased his dreams, traveled, worked hard, celebrated his accomplishments, cheered for his teams, followed the races he loved, and brought laughter and love into the lives of those around him.

He fought melanoma with incredible courage for three years, but his cancer was never allowed to define who he was. Blake was so much more than his illness. He was adventurous. He was determined. He was fiercely loved. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, an uncle, a friend, and so many other things to so many people.

And he was Mom's Blake.

He will be loved and missed for the rest of our lives.

~

Blake's Last Party

Per Blake's wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, he wanted a celebration of life-what he lovingly called "Blake's Last Party."

His celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 11, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Scornovacca's Restaurant located at 1930 SE 14th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Food and a bar will be available, just as Blake wanted.

Come as you are, share a story, raise a glass, laugh, cry, and celebrate Blake's life with the people who loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family via Venmo @stacyjovl or mailed to 910 Linden St Carlisle Ia 50047.