Sueppel Family Statement on Incident

Ethan, Mira, Eleanor and Seth Sueppel are shown in a recent Christmas picture. Police say the children and their mother Sheryl were found murdered in their Iowa City home on Monday.

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Sueppel Family Statement on Incident

Family Statement

By Justin Foss

IOWA CITY - Jack and Gisela Kesterson and Bill and Pat Sueppel and their extended families are devastated by the multiple tragedies of earlier today, March 24.

These families provided love and emotional support to Steven, Sheryl and their children throughout their lives and particularly during the past few difficult months.

They have all tried to remain alert for signs of particular stress, and observed none.

Various family members were with Steven, Sheryl and the children during Easter weekend, and saw nothing unusual.

The families would like to thank all those in our fine community who instantly offered their help in countless ways. The thoughts and prayers of all will be deeply appreciated.

There will be no further public comment from the families. It is respectfully requested that the need for privacy of all those who are grieving be respected.

Thursday, Apr 10 at 10:33 PM Anonymous in Cedar Rapids wrote ...

What does one say to a family that has experienced such a devastating and tragic loss. My heart weeps for both families. I cannot imagine the immense depths of their grief. My prayers go out the the Kesterson and Sueppel families. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are lifted up in prayer and I pray that God will grant you peace within your hearts and surround you with His love. God's peace and blessings to you.

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Sunday, Apr 6 at 2:45 PM Laurie Lubbert wrote ...

You don't know what his thoughts were at the time of this tragedy. I have suffered depression and anxiety and it makes you not a whole person, and you can not see the light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless you all at this time and I wish the family's all the support they need.

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Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:29 AM Gina wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers are with both families. I am sorry to hear of this tragic loss. God Bless.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:54 PM Ann wrote ...

How about some proactive donations in the memory of the mom and kids to legal aid for mothers and children still alive and very much in fear and need of help.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 3:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I can't imagine what these families are going through. I hope they realize that they are being bathed in prayed by many, many people. May God be the God of all comfort to them.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 1:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I know that words at this time will not help your family but you must know my family is praying for you .Those Kids are in the hands of God and the parents .We will keeping saying payers to watch over the rest of the family .God Bless

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:10 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What a sad incident this was. Prayers go out to the family.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:52 AM PNG wrote ...

I am saddened by these tragic events. Thoughts and prayers are with the extended families as they try to find peace.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:10 AM Tennessee wrote ...

I have been deeply affected by this. I didnt even know the family.. I cant even imagine how this has affected the extended families right now. May you feel the peace from God and our prayers.. God Bless...

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...

AS a fellow Korean adoptee I am so saddened and struck by this enormous loss. My heart goes out to both families.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:15 AM Amanda wrote ...

My god be with both family's. We keep them in our prayers.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:41 AM B wrote ...

My heart goes out to the families involved. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:47 AM Sue wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers are with you..

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 4:20 AM Jung Hoon Lee wrote ...

Let the family rest in peace. God bless them all....from Seoul, Korea.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:23 AM My thoughts and prayers go out to you wrote ...

I am soo sorry for your loss Jack and Gisela. Your daughter was a wonderful woman and your grandchildren were so sweet. God bless you.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 10:21 PM Sharon. wrote ...

I didn't know this family but this is truly a loss not only for the entire family but the state of Iowa as well. We can't imagine that this could happen in our own backyard. The loss of four innocent children and their Mother is heart wrenching. My prayers will continue to be with the entire family and friend's of this family. May God bless and keep you all.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 9:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...

If he could have only taken his own life and spared the lives of others....

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:20 PM Kara wrote ...

May God keep you in this time of great loss...My prayers are with you...

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 7:51 PM Quad Cities wrote ...

God bless both families..Our thoughts and prayers are with you..and prayers for the children and wonderful Mother as well..May God bring you peace.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 3:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I used to work for Gisela and she is a wonderful person. What a tragedy! You and your family did not deserve this, you have been through enough, Sheryl was your pride and joy along with Dave. I know there are no words that can be said that will take this pain away but just know that you and Jack and the Sueppel family are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 3:40 PM Kathie wrote ...

God Bless both families at this time of great sorrow

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 2:41 PM Mike wrote ...

My heart is full of prayers and thoughts for both families at this horrible time of loss and grief

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 2:28 PM lois fleuette wrote ...

my prayers are with you all god bless them and you lois fleuette

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 1:10 PM Theresa wrote ...

God bless all family members and friends of this family. You have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. Answers may never be never found to this tragedy but the memories will remain in your hearts forever. God Bless.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 1:03 PM Deb wrote ...

God bless them all.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:08 PM anonymous wrote ...

To all of the extended family: You have my deepest sympathy on this tragic occasion. You will be kept in my prayers for months to come. The love of a community does not cover over everything, but the community is God's way of multiplying the love and support you all need throughout these sad days.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:04 PM NE Iowa wrote ...

I do not know the family, however this kind of loss is a tragedy even for strangers like myself. I look at the picture of the children and wonder how anyone could do harm to them. May the children and mother find peace and comfort together in the arm's of God.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:02 PM student wrote ...

my hart is with this family along with my prayers

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:47 AM Cindy wrote ...

May God Bless this family for this terrible tragedy. Sheryl and those children are with God now. And for both set of parents left behind to deal with this May God Bless you.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:20 AM Tyler wrote ...

Sheryl was an amazing teacher and true mentor. The Iowa City School District will greatly miss her.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 10:53 AM sj iowa city wrote ...

TO ALL THE FAMILIES, OUR FAMILY AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE STATES ARE PRAYING FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. MAY GOD GRANT YOU PEACE, COMFORT AND HEALING.WE ARE ALL THERE FOR YOU AND KNOW THAT WE LOVE EACH OF YOU.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 10:26 AM TORRE FUERTE - CAGUAS wrote ...

THE CHILDREN ARE IN GOD'S HANDS... I OFFER BLESSINGS TO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS... REMEMBER ALWAYS.. ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. LET THE FAMILY REST IN PEACE. THANK YOU

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 9:08 AM THE RUSSELL FAMILY wrote ...

IT IS A VERY NICE THING TO BE SURROUNDED BY SUCH A LOVING COMMUNITY TO HELP THE FAMILIES THROUGH THE DAYS ,WEEKS AND MONTHS AHEAD. MY FAMILY WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS YOU MOURN AND TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF THESE EVENTS.GOD BLESS

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 9:00 AM connie wrote ...

God bless you and your families on this terrible tragedys from wyoming

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:55 AM Anonymous wrote ...

My heart goes out to the family. May God bless you all. I pray you get through all of this with love and support. And it breaks my heart that a father would do this to his family. I pray that his soul rest in peace and God forgives him for his sins that he committed against his wife and children. With lots of LOVE and PRAYERS from Iowa.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:45 AM DG wrote ...

I didn't know the family but have been so saddened by there loss...such a waist of life and the innocence of those sweet children...my heart goes out to all the family members that are left to grieve and wonder why...GOD BLESS

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 7:19 AM C.J. wrote ...

God bless this family and all their friends.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 6:45 AM Rene wrote ...

Such a sad, tragic loss of life. My prayers go out to those who loved these blessed children. Crime does not pay as this man clearly learned in the end. What a waste of life...

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 2:42 AM Julie A wrote ...

Babies are precious gifts. Understanding is something I want to embrace. Prayer are all I know how to offer at this time. I wish you all peace and will keep this lovely family in my prayers.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:59 PM Jeremy wrote ...

I pray that God will bring comfort to the Kesterson and Sueppel Families.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:47 PM Catherine wrote ...

Mrs. Sueppel was my 4th grade teacher at Penn Elementary and was a very loving, caring and respectful person. It's a very sad situation and very shocking! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God Bless!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:34 PM Nira (North Carolina} wrote ...

I am So Very Sorry for your loss.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:28 PM Katie wrote ...

I worked with Sheryl. She was an absolutely wonderful person dedicated to and touching the lives of many children. I am deeply saddened by this. My deepest sympathy goes to her extended family. May God give you the strength to get through this.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:09 PM Julie wrote ...

Love and prayers from Kansas City, MO. I grew up in northeast Iowa and went to college in Dubuque and know what a wonderful place the state of Iowa truly is. What a tragedy - my heart goes out to the all of the friends and family members of the Sueppel family.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:51 PM Shannon wrote ...

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:50 PM Lori wrote ...

I am so sorry this had to happen this way!! you are in my thoughts and prayers during this greiving time. It is truly sad!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:49 PM Diana wrote ...

May they rest in peace. My heart goes out to all the people involved. God Bless This Family.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

this is sad and my heart goes out to everyone in this tragedy <33

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:47 PM julie from milwaukee wrote ...

God bless everyone ...no exceptions

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:39 PM Donna wrote ...

From my family to your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you through this tradegy!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:35 PM a long time friend wrote ...

I used to work with Jack Kesterson and have remained friends with him for years now. My heart is deeply saddened with this tragedy for him and his family. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of them and they will all be in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with them now to help them through the hardest days to come.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:17 PM anonymous wrote ...

Our heartfelt prayers are with the families. We also reflect that Easter represents the hope of resurrection to eternal life in Christ; and that this coming Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday - a day where the infinite Mercy of Christ cannot be outdone. Thus, it is especially fitting to offer the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in prayer for the entire Sueppel family. http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/mercy/dmmap.htm

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:15 PM HarleyBoy wrote ...

A truely very sad situation that none of during this time of grief and shock truely understand why. Our hearts and prayers go to the mother and children and the grandparents and extended families & friends. Our prayers also go out to the biological parents & foster parents who were with these children in the beginning of their lives. This will sadden them greatly too for they too have lost part of their life through this tragedy.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 9:09 PM SR wrote ...

There are no words to describe the pain this family and community are feeling. Having gone to school with the Sueppel's and worked with Steve, I pray both Steve's family and Sheryl's family know so many of us share is this loss. May beautiful memories and the strength of family and friends carry them during this time.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:54 PM Nessa wrote ...

May God be with you in your time of need. May you find strength when you need it the most. May you be blessed with kind words and gentle touches. To the Families of this terrible tragedy, I am very sorry for you loss.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:49 PM Shannon wrote ...

It's truly heartbreaking. What sweet looking children.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Love from Denver

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:40 PM Nana wrote ...

I had Mrs. Sueppel for three years at Kate Wickham. She was a very nice person. I am sorry to hear what has happened.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:32 PM Anonymous wrote........ wrote ...

My deepest sympathies go out to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:21 PM Laura wrote ...

God bless this Large wonderful family. I will be praying for you.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:18 PM A. family wrote ...

We are truly sorry to hear of this family tragedy. Mom and her babies will watch over all of us from heaven.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...

God bless.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:58 PM mae wrote ...

I worked with Sheryl, she was a wonderful lady who adored her children and family. It saddens me to return to work without her character and cheerfulness.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:49 PM Pat wrote ...

To the extended Sueppel family and Kesterson family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:36 PM Danielle wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Sueppel's Families.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:27 PM e. johnson wrote ...

My prayers go out to the families, sheryl was a teacher at the school i attended in elementary school.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:27 PM tina wrote ...

As a parent who has lost a child, I can only imagine the sadness, emptiness and heartache the remaining family members are suffering. My husband and children and I will pray for your family. It is too late and past the point of wondering how could a father do this to his family. Obviously he totally felt he had no purpose here in this life. It's beyond comprehension how he could end these beautiful kids' lives. Heaven has another wonderful mom and four more little angels at it's gate.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:14 PM Anonymous wrote ...

God be with this family

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:14 PM Anon. wrote ...

Gods Speed to all involved....

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:08 PM slatons wrote ...

we send our prayers to both families. May God be with you.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:03 PM an Iowa student wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrible tragedy

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Monday, Mar 24 at 7:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...

you were the best teacher a kid could ask for...i loved the two yrs i had you...my sympathy goes out to the family!!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 6:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

God Bless the Sueppels and their families!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 6:30 PM Den wrote ...

Thoughts & Prayers from Overland Park,KS

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Monday, Mar 24 at 6:16 PM Emma wrote ...

i am sorry for the family and friends, i am sad and hope everyone else is ok.we will pray for u guys and hope it won't happen to the family again.i live in north liberty,iowa,so i am not that far away.have a great day.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 6:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My deepest sympathies go out to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 5:54 PM Kim M wrote ...

I Know that words at this time will not help your family but you must know my family and many other families are praying for you and your family.I hope the knowledge that those babies are with God and so are their parents. They can be a family in heaven.Will help a little. God Bless.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 5:09 PM bailea wrote ...

i will miss you guis i am relly said

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Monday, Mar 24 at 5:05 PM Lissa wrote ...

Its a very sad situation and is extremely upseting, but I do think that the families wishes be respected.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 4:57 PM a friend wrote ...

this is tragic and she is my friend

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Monday, Mar 24 at 4:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My heart goes out to both families.

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