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Hawkeye Athletics Mourns the Loss of Will Moon

Iowa Athletics community is mourning the loss of one of its most passionate, loyal, and transformative supporters, Will Moon, who passed away at the age of 64.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa Athletics community is mourning the loss of one of its most passionate, loyal, and transformative supporters, Will Moon, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 64. A proud 1983 graduate of the Tippie College of Business, Moon’s life was defined by his love for his family, his leadership in business, and an unwavering dedication to the Hawkeyes.

Moon’s passion for Hawkeye sports can be traced to his freshman year in 1979, when he cheered on the Iowa football team during former coach Hayden Fry’s first season in Iowa City. 

That collegiate passion bloomed into a lifelong partnership with UI Athletics alongside his wife, Renee Breckenridge Moon, who shared his deep love for the Black and Gold. Together, the Bettendorf, Iowa, couple became pillars of the Hawkeye community, committed to ensuring future generations of student-athletes, coaches, and fans could build their own lasting memories in Iowa City.

"Will was one of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever meet, and his love for the Hawkeyes was unwavering. His generosity and loyalty helped shape Iowa Athletics, but it was the relationships he built and the way he cared for others that will be remembered most. He was a dear friend and truly part of the Hawkeye family."

Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair

In recent years, the Moons made one of the most significant financial commitments in the history of Iowa Athletics. Their transformative support had a threefold impact: creating an endowment fund for the operational needs of Hawkeye football, establishing the Will and Renee Moon Excellence Fund for unrestricted athletic initiatives, and providing critical leadership support for the Kinnick Edge Campaign to revitalize the north end zone. In recognition of this generosity, the university permanently designated the football leadership position, ensuring that Moon Family Head Football Coach will be the official title held by Kirk Ferentz and all future UI head football coaches.

“I was very saddened to hear about Will’s passing,” said Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “Will and his wife Renee have been very generous in their support of our program and Hawkeye athletics. Hawkeye student-athletes will benefit from their gifts for years to come.

“I truly enjoyed and appreciated my time spent with Will. On behalf of our entire program, I send my heartfelt condolences to Renee and the entire Moon family.”

Beyond his profound impact on the university, Moon was an exceptionally well-regarded business leader in the state of Iowa, continuing his family's proud legacy as the operators of the iconic Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, widely celebrated as the World's Largest Truckstop, and the CAT Scale Company.

Visitation will be Monday, July 20, from 4-8 p.m. at Runge Mortuary. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Church of Walcott, Iowa, followed by burial at Walcott Cemetery with lunch to follow at Calvary Church.