Kyle Cuddy

Kyle Matthew Cuddy, an adventurous, soft-hearted, and kind son, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend, died on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the Greene County Medical Center, in Jefferson, Iowa. He was 37.

Kyle, younger brother to his sister, Melissa Cuddy, was born on July 23, 1986, to Steve and Kate (Helms) Cuddy, in Minneapolis, MN. He went to grade school at Hale Elementary and Field Elementary in Minneapolis, followed by junior high and high school at Benilde-St. Margaret’s in St. Louis Park, MN. In school, he tried several sports, including wrestling, lacrosse, climbing, and hockey, but he loved skiing and snowboarding, which led him to college at the University of Montana, in Bozeman. 

From the moment he could walk, few could keep up with him. He was forever on the move, game for any new adventure. A lover of the outdoors, he was a natural Boy Scout, earning several badges, including the “20 below” badge - which required sleeping outside in subzero temperatures. In Montana, he worked at Big Sky Ski Resort in Big Sky. 

Born into a musical family, Kyle joined the choir in school, and made new friends on choir trips. A lifelong fan of live music, he loved playing percussion instruments of all types. An avid listener with eclectic tastes, he made and shared playlists for others that included rock, jazz, fusion, hip hop, and everything in between. While in Montana, one of his many jobs was at a nursing home, where he made playlists of 40s and 50s music for the residents, which he said encouraged them to talk with him. 

Kyle was known for being funny, sometimes irreverent, and was ready with a quip in most any situation. Brave and fearless, he was more than willing to jump in to help when needed. Helping restore houses and doing home projects with his dad gave him a sense of purpose. Dogs were one of his joys in life, and he owned at least four over the years. 

For the last several years of his life, Kyle lived with mental illness in the form of schizophrenia. For him, the symptoms included delusions that at times conflicted with reality. His family maintained a steady, unconditional love for Kyle. They poured time, energy, and heart into parenting and protecting him. Family and friends were important to Kyle, and he was able to express his love and gratitude for the care and concern he received. 

Always a helper, Kyle made sure he was there for any others who had challenges, despite his own. His last text to his mother said, “Hey, what’s up, Mom. You know, I might be taking an older lady to Fareway for groceries, so she doesn’t have to walk. I guess I’m the good Samaritan for the day.” 

Everyone who loved Kyle will miss his generous spirit. We think Kyle would like to be remembered simply as a good guy. 

Kyle is survived by his parents, Steve and Kate Cuddy of Jefferson; sister, Melissa Cuddy of St. Paul, MN; aunt, Dawna Helms, Jefferson; uncles, Mike (Glenda) Helms, Dick (Deb) Cuddy, Mark (Kitty Sheehan) Cuddy, and Joe (Susan Timmerman) Cuddy; aunt, Susy Immel; cousins, Chad (Becky) Cuddy, Trent (Kele) Cuddy, Jena (Jim) Stepien, Abby Fellingham, Kristin (Jack) Fellingham Byers, Brad (Cyndi) Fellingham, Hannah Cuddy, Kieran Cuddy, Zeke (Raquel) Cuddy, Cooper Cuddy, Natalie Reppa, Jamie Helms, Shonnez Helms, Jeremy Helms, Christopher Helms, and Melinda Helms, and many more relatives and friends. 

Kyle was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Lorna Cuddy, and Pattie Helms Goughnour and Bill Helms; his uncle, Craig Cuddy; uncle and aunt, Wayne and Linda Helms; aunt, Marge Cuddy, and other relatives.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00pm Friday, September 15, 2023, at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson. 

A prayer service will be held at 10:30am Saturday, September 16, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jefferson. 

Private interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Jefferson, will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will go to the local Jefferson Police Department, to continue their training for working with individuals with mental health challenges. Kyle’s family is forever grateful to multiple law enforcement officers for their compassion and care for both Kyle and his family.