On July 19, 1989, Iowa and the entire nation were shocked by a devastating event: the United Flight 232 tragedy in Sioux City, which resulted in the loss of 112 lives. On the 35th anniversary of this tragedy, we honor the memory of those lost and the bravery of those who responded.

On that day, emergency services and first responders worked tirelessly to save lives, yet another group rose to the occasion to care for those we lost: funeral directors. Many of them mobilized in Sioux City by stepping up with unwavering resolve and offering dignity and compassion to the victims and their surviving families of this tragedy. 

During the Presidential Banquet at the Iowa Funeral Directors Association’s (IFDA) 144th Annual Convention on April 16, IFDA, in partnership with Funeral Directors Life (FDL), paid tribute to the funeral directors and embalmers who were present on that fateful day. Attendees were given a preview of an upcoming full-length documentary, directed and produced by FDL in collaboration with IFDA, honoring the individuals who played a vital role in the response to Flight 232 and recognizing the important work funeral professionals do everyday.

We are anticipating the completion of the documentary and premiere to be February 2027, but we need your help to continue the story. By contributing to this documentary, you will help us shed light on the invaluable services funeral directors offer, their dedication to their communities, and the profound impact they have in the aftermath of disasters. Your experiences and unique perspective will enable us to bring this story to life, ensuring that the legacy of those lost on Flight 232 and the heroic efforts of funeral directors are remembered and appreciated for years to come.