Nicholas E. Owens, 44, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa, after a brave battle with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for the benefit of Nick’s daughter and sent to 502 E. Adams St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for Nick and his family.

Nick was born November 29, 1981 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Jerome Owens and Kimberly Van Alst. He was a 2000 graduate of Van Buren High School in Keosauqua. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 2007. While in the Navy, Nick was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, and was deployed as a medic, serving two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. During his tour in Afghanistan, Nick’s exposure to the burning pits led to lung issues later in his life.

Nick loved hunting, fishing, and being outside in nature. He enjoyed antiquing, and had a green thumb, perfect for growing plants. Nick had a dry sense of humor, but loved playing practical jokes. Nick loved and admired his family. In pursuit of higher education, Nick graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a degree in political science.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Ava Owens; parents, Kim and Dave Meredith of Manchester; fiancé, Jenny McEntee of Fairfield; bonus children, Brody, Myles, Kali, and Brook McEntee; grandmothers, Doris Van Alst of Stockport and Ruth Owens of Vinton, Iowa; siblings, Wendy Freeman of Cedar Rapids, Samuel (Amanda) Schilb of Batavia, Brooke Davis of Cedar Rapids, and Benjamin Owens of Texas; step-siblings, Justin (Ashley) Meredith of Mt. Auburn, Iowa, Logan (Damon) Reynolds of Urbana, Iowa, and Dillon (Erin Stowell) Meredith of Garrison, Iowa; aunt, Melody Nelson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dave Van Alst and Bob Owens.