Obituary of Luca Andrew Banse

Luca Andrew Banse, age 14, son of Lisa and Andy Banse, brother to Bianca and Gino Banse of North Liberty, died Friday, August 7, 2026, at his home of an apparent epileptic seizure.

Luca lived with an unwavering love for his family, baseball, fishing, good food, and simply doing what was right. More than anything, he craved time with the people he loved. He would happily skip a social event for a few extra swings in the batting cage or some one-on-one time with his mom or dad. He was never embarrassed by affection. In fact, a public hug in front of his friends was just as welcome as a hug at home, and he would gladly hug just about anyone.

Luca had a special bond with his younger brother, Gino, who considered him his favorite person. Gino couldn’t say “brother,” so he called him “Bob-O,” no matter how many times he was prompted to say “Luca.” Luca was a natural second father to Gino. He gave him his first plastic bat before Gino could even stand, and today Gino has a healthy habit of hitting just about everything - and everyone - with it. Luca took particular pride in the fact that Gino appeared to be headed to be a left-handed hitter and pitcher. Like any older brother, Luca could also torment his sister Bianca, offer her plenty of unsolicited advice, and still be the first person to defend her when it mattered.

Luca carried a genuine light that people noticed wherever he went. Teachers, coaches, friends, and parents often commented on how naturally he connected with people and how easy he was to talk to. He had a gift for making conversation and making people feel comfortable.

He was proudly Italian and took the responsibility of judging everyone’s cooking very seriously, including his own family’s. Luca loved food and was surprisingly skilled in the kitchen. Even when he wasn’t supposed to be cooking, he could usually be found there, creating some kind of feast. On family trips, he often took charge of deciding where everyone would eat. And yet, for all his culinary opinions, he was perfectly happy to default to Chipotle whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Fishing was another of Luca’s great loves. From a young age, he would read fishing guidebooks to fall asleep, and he could find a way to steer almost any conversation back to fishing. Baseball was never far behind: bat selection, the Yankees, his dream of playing college baseball for the Hawks, and, ultimately, playing Major League Baseball. He was happiest with a baseball or a fishing rod in his hand. Getting him out of the driveway or garage after practicing was nearly impossible, regardless of whether it was snowing, raining, or blazing hot. Eventually, his family had to impose limits on his practice - not because he wanted to stop, but because he simply didn’t know how.

Luca was also academically driven and already thinking seriously about his future. He looked forward to taking college classes while still in high school, both to make himself a stronger baseball recruit and to prepare for a career. He considered engineering, law, and medicine, always thinking ahead and imagining the possibilities.

Above all, Luca was a boy who loved deeply and lived enthusiastically. He craved experiences and time with loved ones, not things. He loved his family fiercely, embraced people without hesitation, chased baseball and fishing with his whole heart, and brought an unmistakable light into the lives of everyone who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 4 pm Friday, August 14th. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville.  Following services, a time for family and friends to gather over Luca’s favorite type of food, Italian dishes in the fellowship hall of the church.  In lieu of flowers, Luca’s family would strongly encourage memorial donations made in memory to the Child Life Program c/o Stead Family Children’s Hospital @ UIHC in Iowa City. For a complete obituary, to share a thought, memory or condolence with his family, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.