Ella Vilsack Memorial Fund

Ella June Vilsack, the daughter of Jess and Kate (Devine) Vilsack and sister of Caroline Vilsack and Jake Vilsack, died at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Thursday, May 18, 2017.  Ella was born in Des Moines on October 7, 2011, and grew up near Boonville.  She was a student at Gan Shalom Preschool and enjoyed dancing, singing, cartwheels, catching roly-polys and lightning bugs, and being a sister and a friend.  She will be remembered for her rebel heart and smile a country-mile wide.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ella's memory can be made via this gofundme page.  All funds collected will be distributed by Ella's family to  501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.  Gifts can also be made directly to the following causes:

The "Ella Vilsack Scholarship Fund" at Gan Shalom Preschool (Jewish Federation of Des Moines) online at this link  or via mail at Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, 33158 Ute Avenue, Waukee, IA 50263

Blank Children's Hospital, sub-designation "Area of Greatest Need," online at this link or via mail using this form to Blank Children’s Hospital, c/o Alissa McKinney, 1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Stead Family Children's Hospital (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics) online at this link or via mail to the University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244