The tight-knit community of Waterloo, Iowa is rallying around one of its own, Andrew Howe, following a tragic accident that has left the well-known local business owner fighting for his life.
Howe, 38, is the co-owner of the popular restaurant Doughy Joey’s Peetza Joynt, a beloved establishment in the Cedar Valley region. Known for his generous spirit and tireless work ethic, Howe’s sudden accident has sent shockwaves through the community.
The incident occurred early Monday morning while Andrew and his longtime partner, Alison Blake, were staying at an Airbnb in Ankeny. While descending a staircase, Howe fell and suffered a serious head injury.
A friend who was staying with the couple discovered him and quickly woke Alison, who immediately called 911. Emergency responders transported Howe to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to address a traumatic brain injury.
Surgeons had to remove a portion of Andrew’s skull to relieve the intense pressure caused by brain swelling. He is now in the intensive care unit, placed in a medically induced coma to help his brain heal and prevent further damage.
According to Alison’s sister, Megan Tjernagel, medical teams are closely monitoring Howe’s condition through a series of MRI and CT scans. “Everything is still up in the air,” Megan said, adding that Alison has remained by Andrew’s side since the accident.
Andrew and Alison are not only partners in life but also in business. Together, they co-own Doughy Joey’s Peetza Joynt, a restaurant that has become a staple in Waterloo.
They are also proud parents to a three-year-old son, Lane. The news of Andrew’s accident spread quickly through the Cedar Valley, and the response from the community has been nothing short of remarkable.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Andrew, Alison, and their young son as they face mounting medical and living expenses. The original goal of $10,000 was quickly surpassed, with more than $13,000 raised by Tuesday evening from 159 generous donors.
The outpouring of love and support underscores just how deeply Andrew is cherished by those who know him. “He is the most giving and trustworthy guy,” Megan Tjernagel shared.
“He would do anything for anyone without expecting anything in return. And he’s just so much fun to be around.” That sense of selflessness and joy is what has endeared Andrew to so many in the community.
Before taking ownership of Doughy Joey’s Waterloo location, Andrew managed the Cedar Falls store and previously worked at the Waterloo Brown Bottle restaurant — the very place where he and Alison met.
His reputation for hard work is well known. “He would be the cook, the manager, the bartender — whatever it took,” Megan said. “He balanced it all perfectly.” Despite the current uncertainty, the plan is for Doughy Joey’s to continue operations.
“They will reassess as they go,” Megan explained. The hope is that with continued community support, the business can remain stable during this difficult time. In the face of adversity, the Cedar Valley community has shown its heart and resilience, wrapping the Howe family in collective strength and compassion.
Megan expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the family: “We just ask that everyone keeps Andrew in their thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of the support. It helps so much.”
To support the family, donations can be made by searching “Doughy Joeys” on GoFundMe.com.
