Obituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Westover Chapel on Feb. 27, 2026.
Following a courageous battle with cancer, Jeffrey Raymond Overson, 55, of
Urbandale, Iowa, passed away on February 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. We take great comfort knowing he is no longer suffering. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be made available when arrangements are finalized.
Born on December 8, 1970, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Jeff spent parts of his childhood in La Crosse; Hudson, Iowa; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he graduated from Linn-Mar High School. He attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1996 with a degree in Computer Science.
Jeff spent 25+ years of his career working for the State of Iowa. This includes the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Health and Human Services, and, most recently, the Iowa Department of Management. His work consisted of designing and developing Information Technology solutions for a multitude of uses within the State. He was a driving force in assigning work and mentoring both senior and junior developers alike. He was committed to his work and took pride in serving others through his role.
Jeff valued time with his family, especially the long-standing Sunday family get-togethers and game time. He cherished his role as an uncle to his nephew, Calvin, and his nieces, Molly and Aubrey. He rarely missed their many school and sporting events. Being present for the moments that mattered to them meant a great deal to him.
He had a lifelong interest in computers and technology, architecture, history, and photography. He was a Star Wars fan since childhood and enjoyed sharing that love with Calvin and Molly. He also enjoyed British TV and the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. He was a strong supporter of public television; educational programming and the arts were important to him. Known for being super smart and having an amazing memory, Jeff excelled at trivia games and was the go-to person for all things you couldn't quite recall from 40 years ago; we always knew we could ask Jeff and he would remember.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Gloria; father, Raymond; sister, Jeannie Braaten; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Braaten; nephew, Calvin Braaten; and nieces, Molly and Aubrey Braaten.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Edwin & Edna Schlicht, and Thurman & Mae Overson.
He will be remembered for his steady presence, his loyalty to family, and the quiet ways he showed he cared.
A special thank you to Pastor Pfeifer for the many visits during Jeff's illness, which brought him great comfort. We are also sincerely grateful to Pastor and the Lewises for their assistance with Jeff's numerous trips to Iowa City for treatment when he was unable to drive.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Iowa PBS.
https://iowapbsfoundation.tfaforms.net/f/donation
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.