The funeral for Mollie Tibbetts is set for Aug. 26.
Tibbetts, 20, was found dead this week after a weeks-long search was launched when she vanished on July 19, while jogging just outside her hometown of Brooklyn.
Investigators were led to a remote cornfield where her body was placed by an illegal immigrant from Mexico who has been charged with murdering her. Investigators said Mollie Tibbetts cause of death was “sharp force injuries.”
According to an obituary for Tibbetts, the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium of the BGM High School in Brooklyn.
“The family will receive friends following the service for a reception and continued fellowship,” the obituary stated.
The Tibbetts family asked people to contribute to a memorial fund in Mollie’s name, dedicated to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Request for Photos
After law enforcement officials found her body, her mother Laura Calderwood posted a request on her Facebook page for pictures of her daughter.
“Laura’s computer crashed and she has lost so many photos of Mollie,” the post read, reported the Des Moines Register.
“We are asking that you dig deep into your phones and photo albums and share your pictures of you and Mollie Tibbetts so we can put together a video for her memorial.”
The family issued a statement after the body was found, saying: “Our hearts are broken.”
“On behalf of Mollie’s entire family, we thank all of those from around the world who have sent their thoughts and prayers for our girl. We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Mollie in our hearts forever,” the family said.
“At this time, our family asks that we be allowed the time to process our devastating loss and share our grief in private. Again, thank you for the outpouring of love and support that has been shared in Mollie’s name. We remain forever grateful.”
‘All-American Girl’
Many of the law enforcement officials searching for Tibbetts knew the family personally due to the small size of the community.
Poweshiek County Sheriff Thomas Kriegel said he grew up with Mollie’s mother and watched her and her brothers grow up.
“I hate that Mollie’s family is going through this, and I hate that the community has to go through this,” he told The Gazette. “It’s terrible for the family and terrible for everyone in the community.”
Assistant Director of DCI Field Operations Mitchell Mortvedt noted that the community was built on trust, where everyone knew each other.
“A lot of us have children, and some of us have children close to Mollie’s age. It’s just very difficult for everyone,” he said. “Mollie is relatable. She could be anyone’s daughter, anyone’s sister, anyone’s friend. She’s the All-American girl. She was kind and pretty and likable and had everything going for her, and I think her smile captivated the nation.”
