Easton Kotee

Easton Kotee, age 14, of Grimes, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2026, in South Dakota.

Easton was born on April 26, 2012, in Paynesville, Liberia. He moved from Liberia to Grimes in August 2024 and was preparing to begin his sophomore year at Dallas Center-Grimes High School.

Easton loved being active and was happiest when participating in sports or spending time with his friends. He enjoyed football, wrestling, soccer, basketball, track, and weightlifting. On the football field, he played linebacker and running back. Easton loved competition and was always willing to challenge himself. Although naturally shy, he was excited to try new things, learn, and become involved.

Easton will be remembered for his energy, his love of sports, and the joy he found in friendship and competition. His life was far too short, but he made a lasting impression on his family, friends, classmates, teammates, and others who knew him.

Easton is survived by his father, Otis Kotee of Fargo, North Dakota; his mother, Hajah Kaiuway of Grimes; his brother, Bishop Toekpei of Grimes; his sister, Yeeklyn Sameria Bunnah of Grimes; his grandmothers, Rose Kaiuway of Monrovia, Liberia, Fatu L. Collins of Grimes, and Annie Kou Konah of Monrovia, Liberia; his aunt, Faith Kaiuway of Monrovia, Liberia; his uncle, Altu Burnette of Waukee, Iowa; his aunt, Satta Fahnbulleh of Monrovia, Liberia; his uncle, Bishop Kaiuway of Perth, Australia; and his uncle, Samuel Dakersy of Monrovia, Liberia.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Voah Kotee and Robert Kaiuway, both of Monrovia, Liberia.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, at Heritage Elementary School, located at 500 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd in Grimes. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, at the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 400 SE Pleasant View Drive in Waukee. Burial will follow at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes.

A gofundme has been set-up to help assist the family at this time. For those wishing to donate, one can via: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-easton-kotees-family

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Easton's final arrangements.