A Des Moines family gathered Sunday to celebrate the life of a loved one, they say, who brought joy wherever he went.
Friends and family of Matthew Ringgenburg marked what they call his first “heavenly birthday” with balloons, decorations and memories at a roadside memorial on Southwest Ninth Street near Luster Lane — the same intersection where he was killed in a crash last June.
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The memorial is marked by a checkered finish-line flag, meant to catch drivers’ attention and serve as a reminder about road safety.
Ringgenburg, 40, died June 4, 2025, after a driver ran a stop sign and collided with his motorcycle at the intersection on Des Moines’ south side. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Despite the grief of the past year, those who loved him chose to celebrate his life rather than mourn.
Family and friends gathered around the memorial, wishing him a happy birthday and releasing balloons in his honor.
They say that the spirit of celebration reflects Ringgenberg’s identity.
“That’s the type of person that Matt was,” Ringgenberg’s sister, Megan Reynolds. “He was the light in any room. He brought a smile to anybody’s face. He’s the reason why we’re all here, so we’ll try to make it as bright and happy as he was.”
Ringgenburg’s loved ones also used the gathering to update the memorial, hoping it encourages drivers to slow down, pay attention and share the road with motorcyclists.
The crash remains part of an ongoing court case. The driver involved, Crystal Ivie, has been charged with operating while intoxicated, child endangerment and several traffic violations in connection with the crash.
A trial date in the case is set for May.
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