Andrew “Drew” Lienemann

Organ, tissue and cornea donor

Age 18 – Waukee, IA

Donated on 1/13/2016

at Mercy Medical Center Des Moines

Honored by Iowa Donor Network

Drew Lienemann was 18 years old when he passed away. He was handsome, well liked, athletic, smart, funny, kind, and extremely strong in his Christian faith. He was a black belt in taekwondo and was undefeated in sparring competitions covering 29 states. He loved to work out and was very athletic and disciplined. Although he had just started his second semester of his senior year in high school when he died, he still had enough credit hours to not only graduate from high school, but also reach the sophomore year in college, thanks to his college credits.

Drew signed up to be an organ donor when he was 16 years old. He was able to donate his kidneys, corneas, heart valve, skin and connective tissue. These donations have helped 194 people so far all over the United States and other countries.

Drew’s Story

Drew Lienemann was 18 years old when he went home to his Lord. He was what most parents hope their son will be. He was handsome, well liked, athletic, smart, funny, kind, and extremely strong in his Christian faith. He was a black belt in taekwondo and was undefeated in sparring competitions covering 29 states. In addition, he was a multi-sport athlete in high school and captain of the football team. He had been offered multiple track, football, and academic scholarships. He loved to work out and was the most disciplined person I have ever known. He was even clocked running 21.5 mph on a treadmill. Although he had just started his second semester of his senior year in high school when he died, he still had enough credit hours to not only graduate from high school but was almost a sophomore in college with his college credits.

After he died, a high school student who is disabled and wheelchair bound told us that during his senior year Drew would sit with him each day at lunch so he wouldn’t have to sit by himself. He said they prayed each day before they ate their food.

Drew’s faith was important to him. He read many books about faith as well as regularly reading his Bible. He attended church and youth group weekly. In addition, he kept a daily prayer journal where he wrote down his innermost thoughts. We are most proud of his faith and know with certainty that we will one day see him again because of our common faith in Jesus Christ. Drew’s senior quote was “When I die, I want to be able to look God in the face and tell him I did the best I could with the gifts he gave me.”

Drew signed up to be an organ donor when he was 16 years old. He was able to donate his kidneys, corneas, heart valve, skin and connective tissue. These donations have helped 194 people so far all over the United States, as well as South Korea and Switzerland.