2025 Memorial Service at Oakland Cemetery on September 26th

The University of Iowa, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Deeded Body Program, held its annual memorial service for those individuals whose bodies we utilized for educational and research purposes at the UI during the past year, was at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City, Iowa.  The service honors those whose donated bodies aided in the advancement of medical education and science at the UI through studies completed over the past year.

Dr. Darren Hoffmann, PhD, Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Education, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, delivered the welcoming and closing remarks. 

David Kozishek, MA, BCC, University of Iowa Health Care delivered the eulogy. Six students who benefited from the donated bodies also participated in the service.

In addition, music was provided by medical students.  The service was concluded with the playing of Taps.  The UI Deeded Body Program helps to advance medical education and medical science. More than 800 UI students and physicians in many disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing and athletic training benefit greatly from these donations.

The UI established its tradition of an annual service to commemorate the deeded body donors in 1968. This event is meant to honor donors who gave themselves to the cause of medicine, as well as help bring closure to family and friends.