Dr. Jaclyn Marie Ferdig, D.V.M.
FERDIG, NEUZIL, SHOEMAKER
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 8/23/2018 at 13:14:46
Dr. Jaclyn Marie Ferdig, D.V.M., age 29, passed away with family by her side at The Bird House – Johnson County Hospice Home on Sunday, July 29th. Jaclyn sustained a hypoxic brain injury at her home on February 25th of undetermined causes. Jaclyn fought hard for 5 months to recover; however, her injuries were too severe. She is now at peace.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 5th from 1 to 5 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. Family committal Services will be held at the Welsh Pioneer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Bird House- Johnson County Hospice Home or to the Friends of the Animal Center Foundation, both in Iowa City.
Jaclyn was born on April 27th, 1989 in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Randy and Luanne (Neuzil) Ferdig. She had a passion for animals from a very young age, and was always willing to help animals; whether it be dog, cat, bird, snake, or any other creature Jaclyn found that was in need. In high school, Jaclyn took her first steps towards her dream of being a veterinarian by being employed as a veterinary assistant at the North Liberty Pet Clinic. Jaclyn was a girl with a mission, who could create a plan and accomplish her tasks in a meticulous fashion. She graduated from Solon High School in 2007 as class valedictorian. Her plans and determination allowed all doors to be open to her for a bright and successful future.
Jaclyn graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iowa State University with her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Animal Ecology in May of 2011. Jaclyn lived life to the fullest by taking studying abroad opportunities, including trips to Australia (2009), Ecuador and Galapagos Islands (2012), and South Africa (2014) to learn more about wildlife conservation and wild animal and exotic animal medicine. No opportunities for learning or adventure were ever missed. In May 2015, Jaclyn accomplished her dream by obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She was eager to begin her veterinary career and apply her knowledge to small animals and exotic companion animals at her first veterinarian position with the Bradenton Veterinary Hospital in Bradenton, Florida.
Jaclyn’s relocation to Florida allowed her to live “life in paradise” while doing everything she loved. This included rescuing and caring for animals, shopping for antiques and collectables, spending time at local music concerts/festivals with friends, and relaxing on the beach. She strived to be the best at everything she did, and surpassed all expectations with flying colors. Her house full of furry babies (four dogs, 12 chinchillas, and a green winged macaw) was added to on October 24th, 2017 with the arrival of her son, Flynn George. The few short months Jaclyn was able to experience motherhood showed everyone that nothing was impossible for her, as she was an excellent new mother.
Jaclyn is survived by her son Flynn George and her husband Timothy Shoemaker, of Bradenton, Florida; her parents, Randy and Luanne Ferdig of Tiffin, sisters Jennifer Ferdig (Chuck Smith) of Cedar Rapids and Jessica Ferdig (Alex Andino) of Iowa City, and her four dogs Ali, Luna, Yahtzee and Starfox.
Jaclyn was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, George and Ruth Ferdig, her maternal grandparents, Sylvester and Sandra Neuzil, and her dogs Riley and Dakota.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away – Maya Angelou
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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