HOLY CROSS, Iowa — The Holy Cross community is mourning the death of Riley M. Pfeiler, a former Western Dubuque High School standout athlete who died by suicide on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Funeral details shared by the family say visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, with a Funeral Mass scheduled for Monday morning at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross.
Pfeiler was born on July 6, 1996, to Mike and Lori Pfeiler and grew up in Holy Cross. The family said he graduated from Western Dubuque High School with the Class of 2014 and was a gifted athlete who excelled in track and field, baseball, football and basketball.
He later attended UNI, where he earned a degree in finance and real estate in 2018.
Those who knew him remembered a young man who brought energy into every room.
The family described him as kind, respectful and “the life of the party,” adding that he had a way of making people feel welcome. They also said he was always asking about others, even while struggling quietly himself.
Community support grows around Riley’s family
The obituary said Pfeiler is survived by his parents, his sister Regann Simon, his grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and his beloved dog Nala.
It also noted that he was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Connie Krause.
In the days after his death, condolences began appearing online from friends, neighbors and community members. Some posts focused on the grief of losing someone so young, while others pointed directly to the need for more open conversations around men’s mental health.
One message from Brett Gable called Pfeiler “one of the funniest, most genuine guys” he had known and urged others to reach out to the men in their lives who may be struggling.
Another comment from Mary Mjk said, “Rest in peace Riley. U are so loved and missed by all who knew u.”
Other tributes described him as warm, kind and friendly. Diane and Joe Yilek recalled how Riley would walk by with his dog and wave to people on the deck, while Tina (Wulfekuhle) Hankins said the family should know their sorrow is being shared by many.
Jill Klaren wrote, “Sending Prayers to all during this difficult time,” and Jeremy Olberding added, “So sorry for your loss!!!”
The family said they want Riley’s memory to be tied not only to grief, but also to awareness and support.
A Riley Pfeiler Memorial Fund has been established, and the family said memorials are preferred. They also said a Riley Pfeiler Memorial Foundation will be created to continue his legacy and bring awareness to men’s mental health.
That message has already resonated with people sending flowers, messages and donations.
The family thanked NAMI Dubuque and Julie Homb – Homb Therapy for their support during this difficult time.
Riley’s obituary also said he enjoyed Hawkeye football, the Dallas Cowboys, golfing and spending time with the people he loved, especially Nala.
Those details, along with the messages from classmates and friends, have helped paint a fuller picture of a young man remembered for his personality as much as his athletic ability.
For the Holy Cross and Western Dubuque communities, the loss has been immediate and deeply personal.
Funeral arrangements are now set, but the larger response has already become part of Riley’s story: a life cut short, a family asking for support, and a community trying to honor him with care, honesty and compassion.
