Brian Edmund Herrstrom

Brian Edmund Herrstrom (67) was born on April 24, 1958, to Richard and Greta (Gill) Herrstrom in Madrid, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm just outside of town, where he developed a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for nature, and a lifelong commitment to service.

After graduating from high school, Brian attended Des Moines Area Community College, earning his associate degree in Parks and Recreation. In 1977, he began his career with the Polk County Conservation Board as an Assistant Ranger at Jester Park. Brian later graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1983. In 2002, Brian was promoted to Ranger at Thomas Mitchell Park in Mitchellville, IA, a role that perfectly suited his love of the outdoors and conservation.

In 1980, he was united in marriage to Tamara Blackwell. Brian and Tamara raised their sons, Daniel and Christopher, in Madrid, IA. Brian dedicated himself to his community, serving with the Madrid Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, holding several leadership roles and retiring as Assistant Chief. He was also a Tiger Cub and Den Leader for the local Boy Scouts, always eager to mentor and guide young people. His legacy of service lives on through his sons, who followed in his footsteps as firefighters in Madrid, Iowa, and Public Safety in Ayer, Massachusetts.

Becoming a grandfather to Paxton and Jameson was the joy of Brian's life. Paxton especially treasured years of "Camp Grandma-Grandpa," where Brian patiently taught him how to fish and appreciate the outdoors. Brian was a man of many talents-an excellent cook who took pride in using produce from his garden and his parents' farm, whether fresh, canned, or frozen. He enjoyed attending auctions with his father and brother Rusty, woodworking, photography, and tackling home improvement projects. Among his proudest accomplishments was fully restoring an antique John Deere garden tractor.

Brian retired in 2019 to Altoona, IA, shortly before receiving a cancer diagnosis. He faced his illness with remarkable strength and determination, pursuing aggressive treatment, including innovative care at the Mayo Clinic and life-prolonging blood stem cell treatment from his sister, Dana. During one of the rare weeks without medical appointments, Brian took his wife to Walt Disney World in early December -a special trip ahead of plans for a large family visit in 2027.

After a long and courageous battle, Brian passed away on January 29, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Hospital. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Tamara of Altoona; sons Daniel Herrstrom of Altoona, IA and Christopher Herrstrom and his wife Heather Sherry of Ayer, MA; and his beloved grandsons, Paxton and Jameson. He is also survived by his sister Dana (John) Kinney of Burlington, IA; brother Russell (Lisa) Herrstrom of Madrid, IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will dearly miss his storytelling and warmth. He was recently preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Greta Herrstrom.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25, 2026, at the Evangelical Free Church in Madrid, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brian's name to the Mayo Clinic to support Transplant (Leukemia) Research at https://give.mayoclinic.org

or to the Madrid Fire Department.

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