Cole J. Bristow, 43, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. His sudden passing leaves an unimaginable emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Cole was born on June 22, 1983, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Roy and Debra (Marshall) Bristow. He graduated from Denver High School in 2002 and continued his education at Luther College, Kirkwood Community College, Upper Iowa University, and Hawkeye Community College.

Since 2022, Cole had worked as the parts department manager at DR Powersports, where he brought his knowledge and experience to a field that reflected his love for motorsports and the outdoors.

Cole had a passion for life and the simple things that made it meaningful. He loved spending time outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, searching for agates, or taking a ride in a UTV. Slow-pitch softball held a special place in his heart, and he proudly served on the board of the Waterloo Softball Association. He was also a devoted Boston Red Sox fan.

Cole enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, especially making homemade soups and smoking meats. Cooking was one of the many ways he expressed his creativity and shared something he loved with the people around him. He grew up attending St. Paul United Church of Christ in Denver.

Cole valued his friendships deeply, especially the close-knit group of friends affectionately known as “The Grouple.” The friendships, laughter, memories, and experiences they shared were an important part of his life.

But more than anything, Cole’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family.

He was an incredibly proud father to Wesley, Echo, Oaklyn, and Ryot. Being their dad meant the world to him, and the love he had for each of his children was immeasurable. Whether it was the everyday moments at home, sharing laughs, or simply being together, his family was the center of his world.

Cole also shared nearly 13 years of love, laughter, and life with his wife, Jillian. Together, they built a family, a home, and countless memories. He loved Jillian deeply and found genuine happiness in making her happy. Their life together was filled with the ordinary moments that, in the end, become the most extraordinary memories.

Cole will be remembered for his deep love of family, his passions, his friendships, and the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him. His life was so much more than the years he was given, and his memory will live on through his children, the people he loved, and the stories that will continue to be shared about him.

Cole is survived by his loving wife, Jillian Pietan of Waterloo; their four children, Wesley, Echo, Oaklyn, and Ryot; his mother, Deb Bristow of Waterloo; his brother, Cayler (Abby) Bristow of Waterloo; and his nine nieces, Macie, Stella, and Fiona Bristow, Baylee, Emma, and Miley Pietan, and Jenna, Zella, and Delilah Pietan.

He is also survived by Jillian’s parents, Jeff and Joan Pietan of Evansdale; his brothers-in-law, Jeffery (Moe) Pietan of La Porte City and Bubba Pietan (Sam-U-Well) of Parkersburg; and his dear friends, lovingly known as “The Grouple“: Zach and Jen Wutzke, Ellen and AJ Sellers, Bryan and Amanda Schmitt, Emily and Sean Redmond, and Tanner and Kaleigh Bonorden. He leaves behind a large extended family, including beloved aunts and cousins, and his faithful four-legged companion, Hoyt.

Cole was preceded in death by his father, Roy Bristow; his paternal grandparents, Roy and Elizabeth “Betty” Bristow; his maternal grandparents, Harold and Geraldine Marshall; and his beloved dog, Jed.

A celebration of Cole’s life will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Washburn, Iowa. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a man who meant so much to so many.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to the GoFundMe established to support Jillian and their four children.

Condolences may be shared at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa, is assisting the family. For additional information, please call 319-233-3146.

Cole’s time here was far too short, but the love he gave, the family he built, and the memories he leaves behind will last a lifetime.