Andy Kiwacz

Andy Kiwacz, 53, of Mason City, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center-North Iowa.

On Sunday, August 30, 2020 Andrew Kiwacz, loving husband, father and friend, passed away at the age of 53. Andy was born March 14, 1967 in Queens, New York to Chester and Elizabeth (Haley) Kiwacz. In 1973 they moved to West Palm Beach, FL where Andy attended St. Juliana’s Catholic School, Conniston Jr High, and (sometimes) Forest Hill High School. He went on to obtain his GED and a degree in commercial art.

Andy struggled with his demons for many years. In the early 2000’s he was introduced to recovery and a whole new family. He completed his tattoo apprenticeship at Solar Skin Art in 2003. From there he went on to work at several different tattoo studios in the WPB area and started making tattoo machines that he sold around the world. In 2008, he made the life changing decision to move to Mason City, IA and open River City Tattoo Company with Brad Duckert. He met and fell in love with Darcie Mendenhall and her 2 children (Dessa and Jacob) in 2011. Together, they opened River City Vape Company (Mason City) in 2015, and since had opened 2 more locations (Fort Dodge and Algona). Dessa and Jacob were adopted into his heart and he found that even though it was scary at times, he really enjoyed being a father. Andy and Darcie were married in a beautiful private ceremony in a hot air balloon overlooking the mountains in Colorado on August 1, 2018.

Andy lived a hundred lifetimes in his 53 years on earth. He was a chef, mentor, student, he followed the Grateful Dead, he was a horse thief, a pirate, an artist, a dirty hippy, a cowboy, a hustler, a therapist, a reptile enthusiast, a jewelry maker, a business man, and so much more. He said once he had figured out the meaning of life and then forgot it. He struggled and overcame his troubles; he rose above, and he soared. He lived his life to the fullest and made everyday count. Andy touched so many lives, spun his stories to share as life lessons, has left an artistic legacy in ink so many will treasure and was selfless in his help of his community, friends and total strangers.

Andy was preceded in death by his father, Chet, his mother, Betty, and many other friends, including a special mentor, Bob Myers. He is survived by his wife Darcie, two children Dessa and Jacob, an honorary brother, Tim Clemmons, mother-in-law, Grace (Steve Franck)Mendenhall, Sister-in-law, Denise (Dentin) Rawson, many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of brothers and sisters of his heart. Andy also leaves behind seven dogs, Jackie, Toby, Seven, Harvey, Augustus, Finnegan and Atticus.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 20th at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA at 1 pm. A service to honor Andy in West Palm Beach, FL is planned for November 22nd, further details will be shared on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family.