Risa Jo (Heck) Ergenbright

Risa Jo Ergenbright, 40 of Newton died on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. A celebration of Risa’s life will be held from 3-6 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Legacy Plaza Building 16. In lieu of flowers, memorials to help with Farris’ future education may be left at the celebration or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory (checks to Brian Ergenbright).

Risa, the daughter of Dave and Robin (Van Baale) Heck, was born on August 17, 1982 in Marshalltown. She grew up in Newton, where she enjoyed playing soccer, cheerleading, and marching band. Risa graduated from Newton High School in the Class of 2000 and would later receive her degree in Human Services from Buena Vista University. Risa worked for the Maytag Company in Newton for five years. In 2009, she moved to Davenport and shortly after began working at Lutheran Services in Iowa. Most recently she was writing grants and running programs contracted through the State of Iowa to help domestic violence victims and families in need of support.  On July 21, 2012, Risa was united in marriage with Brian Ergenbright in Newton. They would live in Davenport until 2020, when they moved back to Newton. Risa recently had enjoyed growing plants and succulents after giving her mom a hard time for years about her similar interest. “I’ve turned into my mother” was frequently spoken.  Risa also loved to help people in her position at work and with her children. She especially enjoyed being involved with Farris’ soccer, dance, and education. Risa was a supporter of NPR. She loved all people and was accepting of everyone. 

Risa is survived by her husband, Brian Ergenbright of Newton; children, Farris Ergenbright and Carter Ergenbright; her parents, Dave and Robin Heck of Newton; brother, Ryan (Jessica) Heck of Woodbury, Minnesota; her paternal grandma, Shirley Heck of Newton; many nieces and nephews including Sydney and Cora Heck; and several aunts and uncles. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Duane and Betty Van Baale; paternal grandpa, Howard Heck; and an aunt, Deb Mohler. 

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