Aubrie Lynn Bower

Words aren’t enough to describe and honor our beautiful daughter’s life. Aubrie Lynn Bower was an adventure from the start. She made her grand entrance into this world in Sioux City, IA on July 5th, 2000, in a whirlwind wild way, and snuck out quietly in the early morning hours, leaving us with an Irish goodbye on May 22nd, 2026. Twenty-five years was not nearly enough, and yet she accomplished so much in that time.

She was born with a love of animals – she called to the wild and it called back. She started riding horses at age 5, training with and riding a grandson of the great racing horse, Secretariat. She loved what most people would describe as unlovable, from the creepiest crawlies to the largest beasts; she had no fear of any creature, just a knack and a way with animals, but her favorites were snakes, frogs, lizards, wolves, horses, bison and bears.

The only thing greater than her love of animals was the love she had for her siblings. When they were born she said, “I’m so excited, now I’ll have best friends for life!” And they truly were. Never an argument or disagreement between them, just unconditional love. Her kindness was extended to those who needed it. Her friends commented that Aubrie truly cared for them and made them want to be better people.

She had a natural talent for the arts, ranging from drawing and graphic design to photography, and she won multiple awards and received commissions for her work throughout grade-school, high school and even after college.

In high school she worked across her interests pursuing graphic design and veterinary care. While training with a graphic design company, she designed the cover for her Harrisburg South Dakota High-school year-book, and was offered a position in design, but her true passion pulled her towards animals.

She went on to pursue an education at Western Iowa Technical Community College and graduated as a Veterinary Assistant. She worked in veterinary care for a while, providing vaccinations to animals in need with Vetco before finding her dream job at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, NE. As an interpretive guide, she loved working with animals and enjoyed educating people about the importance of wildlife conservation.

When she wasn’t working with animals, she enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and pets. Her adventurous, free spirit led her from Massachusetts to California, Texas to Montana, hiking mountains and swimming in exotic waters, from the Tetons and sequoia, to the geysers in Yellowstone. She truly enjoyed traveling with her Grandma and Grandpa, Nancy and Larry Bower, along with her kindred-spirit Aunt Alicia Bower.

Her favorite place was the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Crazy Horse Volksmarch and the Buffalo round up were annual traditions. Her favorite travel companions were her siblings, Roy James and Bella, with whom she breathed the crisp air of Bear Butte, felt the cold plunge at Roughlock Falls, and slid down the rushing waters of Devils bathtub. She saw Black Elk’s “whole hoop of the world” many times atop Black Elk Peak. Her natural artistic flair helped her capture nature in its true form with her photography skills, and then she captured it again by adorning herself with nature-inspired tattoos.

From fire pits to making art, to binge-watching shows and sharing dark humor with each other, it didn’t matter what we were doing. Every moment was pure, unfiltered life. When people asked how we were doing, a common phrase was “Well, it’s definitely not boring.”

We truly enjoyed every second we had together. Aubrie inspired us to be the best versions of ourselves. Through all of her triumphs, trials and tribulations, she taught us to be kind, compassionate, understanding, and inclusive. Despite her constant medical battles, she forged her own destiny. Our courageous warrior took a f<@#ing machete to the jungle of the world, and cleared a path for others so they could walk with fewer bites and barbs - her flame burns bright, lighting the way for those who follow. Without a doubt, she made the world a better place just by existing. Her journey was arduous, and at times unkind and not gentle, yet she faced it with grace and passion. She chose to be a good person, even though she had every right and reason to be angry because, being kind “is Gangster”.

She was a warrior determined to achieve her dreams no matter the challenges. And with a tenacity and fierceness that few others could imagine, she did just that. Her immense absence in our lives will be felt forever.

Aubrie is greeted in the afterlife by her younger cousin, Cole Allen Hartkopp, her uncle Patrick J. Kallsen, her beloved pets, Dakota and Bear, Tikki and Cubie, and her great Grandparents, Margaret Alice Kallsen, Elizabeth Agnes Morley, Frances Fay and John Alma Bower. She is survived by her dog Lady Bird, her siblings, Roy James II and Bella Noel, and her parents, Roy Christopher and Krista Lynn Prebble.

On her mother’s side, she is survived by 2 grandparents, 3 aunts and 3 uncles, 6 great-aunts and 5 great-uncles, 5 cousins, and 25 second-cousins. On her father’s side, she is survived by 2 grandparents, 6 aunts and 2 uncles, and 19 cousins. She is also survived by an incalculable number of friends, some with 0 - 8 legs, some with feathers, fur, and scales. Obviously, she was loved so very much by so many, and will be greatly missed by her large Irish family.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor our daughter for the beautiful life she lived and all the joy she brought into this world.

The celebration will take place:

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

Mahoney State Park, Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge.

Gathering of family and friends at 2pm,

Celebration of life at 3pm, with a meal to follow.

Instead of flowers, cards can be sent to:

Aubrie Lynn Bower

9508 S. 172nd St.

Omaha, NE 68136

We are planning to honor her with a permanent dedication at the Henry Doorly Zoo, a place she loved deeply. When loved ones visit, a part of her will still be with us. Donations for this to help us honor her memory can be sent to the above address.