Will Moon Obituary, Walcott, IA, Iowa 80 Group President and Legendary Hawkeye Benefactor Dies at 64

The Walcott, Iowa, community, the trucking industry, and University of Iowa athletics are mourning the loss of Will Moon, longtime president of the Iowa 80 Group and one of the most influential supporters in Hawkeye history, who passed away on July 16, 2026, at the age of 64. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes recognizing a life devoted to business leadership, philanthropy, and service to his community.

A lifelong Iowan, Moon was a 1983 graduate of the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. He became a second-generation leader of the Iowa 80 Group, the family-owned company best known for operating the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, widely recognized as the “World’s Largest Truckstop.” Under his leadership, the company expanded its reputation as a premier destination for professional truck drivers and travelers while maintaining the family values of hospitality and customer service established by his parents, Bill and Carolyn Moon.

Beyond his accomplishments in business, Moon will be remembered for his extraordinary commitment to the University of Iowa. Alongside his wife, Renee Breckenridge Moon, he made one of the largest philanthropic commitments in the history of Iowa Athletics. Their generosity established an endowment supporting Hawkeye football operations, created the Will and Renee Moon Excellence Fund for unrestricted athletic initiatives, and provided significant leadership support for the Kinnick Edge Campaign to renovate the north end zone of Kinnick Stadium.

In recognition of the family’s transformative support, the University permanently named the head football coaching position the Moon Family Head Football Coach, ensuring the Moon name remains connected with Hawkeye football for generations to come. Athletic Director Beth Goetz described Moon as one of the University’s most loyal and genuine supporters, while longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz praised both his generosity and friendship, noting that countless student-athletes will benefit from the Moons’ gifts for years to come.

Friends and colleagues consistently described Moon as humble, approachable, and deeply invested in the success of others. Despite his business accomplishments and philanthropic impact, he preferred to remain out of the spotlight, choosing instead to focus on strengthening his community, supporting employees, and inspiring others through quiet generosity. Those who worked with him recall a leader who valued relationships as much as business success and who treated employees with respect and compassion.

News of his passing has generated heartfelt tributes from the trucking industry, University of Iowa alumni, Hawkeye fans, and residents of Walcott. Many have shared memories of his kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of the Iowa 80 Group while helping shape the future of Iowa athletics.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, July 20, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Runge Mortuary. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Church in Walcott, followed by burial at Walcott Cemetery and a luncheon at the church.

Will Moon leaves behind an enduring legacy in both business and philanthropy. Through his stewardship of the Iowa 80 Group, his dedication to the trucking community, and his transformational support of the University of Iowa, he made a lasting impact that will continue to benefit countless people for years to come. He will be remembered not only as an accomplished executive but also as a generous friend, devoted family man, and one of the Hawkeyes’ greatest champions.