Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory

10/07/2025

We are giving away a FREE pair of tickets to the upcoming Central Iowa Senior Education Conference! This event includes breakout education sessions on health, wellness, home, and retirement planning, along with access to more than 75 exhibitors, a hearty lunch buffet, and door prizes.

To enter the giveaway, simply tag a friend in the comments who would like to attend. Each tag counts as an entry.

📅 Monday, October 27th | 8:00 AM
📍 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA

Learn more at www.centraliowasenior.com

10/07/2025

Margo Reed Harper

Margo Reed Harper left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on October 3, 2025. She had bravely battled the effects of Lewy Body Dementia for several years and passed away at her home, surrounded by family and friends.

Margo was born on December 31, 1954, at Edgewood Army Arsenal in Maryland to William W. Watkins, Jr. and Louise E. Watkins. Growing up, she traveled extensively throughout the United States due to her father’s service in the U.S. Army. She graduated from McLean High School in McLean, Virginia, in 1973 and continued her education at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1977. In 1987, she received a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Margo worked as an operating room nurse and in transplant units at various hospitals in Illinois and Virginia. She also owned a legal consulting business, offering services to trial attorneys in the Washington, D.C. area. Margo was actively involved in the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants and served as a past officer of the organization. Before her retirement, she was an adjunct professor of nursing at George Mason University. Additionally, Margo was deeply engaged in the Catholic parishes she attended, serving as an Eucharistic Minister and leading RCIA programs.

On January 10, 2010, Margo married the love of her life, Kent. In the spring of 2013, they both retired and relocated first to Brunswick, Georgia, and later to Savannah, Georgia.

Margo is survived by her husband, Kent; her brother Whit Watkins (Kimberly Connelly); her stepson Christopher (Colleen); and her beloved grandson, Bryson.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A rosary service will immediately follow at 3:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John’s Catholic Church in Adel, Iowa, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa, at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation in Margo's memory to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31406, or to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1003 East Victory Drive, Savannah, GA 31405.

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10/07/2025

Susan Elaine Crosby

Susan Elaine (Shepard) Crosby passed away on September 24, 2025 at the age of 81.

Suzy was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on December 4, 1943, to Byron and Lois (Looney) Shepard. She was the third of four children. She spent her early childhood in Humboldt, Iowa and cherished many memories of growing up in the small town near her extended family. She was especially proud of her maternal grandmother Ella Marie DeReus’s Dutch heritage and her family’s role in founding the town of Pella, Iowa. In 1952, Suzy’s family moved to Des Moines. She greatly enjoyed her time at Theodore Roosevelt High School from which she graduated in 1962.

Suzy went on to attend Iowa State University, where she led an active social life from the beginning of her freshman year through graduation. She was crowned the Military Ball Queen her freshman year in 1963 and was very involved in the VEISHEA Committee all four years. In 1966, Suzy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Art & Advertising Design.

Suzy went on to lead a vibrant career as an artist specializing in advertising design and layout. Her early career included working as a fashion illustrator for Younkers department store, preparing advertisements that ran regularly in the Des Moines Register, followed by a job with the Minneapolis Star & Tribune, her favorite clients being the Minnesota Vikings and Target. She later worked as the Director of Advertising for the 18 Iowa Graham’s Department Stores at their headquarters in Ottumwa, Iowa.

On May 2, 1970, Suzy married the love of her life, Gene Crosby, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa. They spent the early years of their marriage in Mason City and Centerville, Iowa. The couple welcomed their daughter, Melinda (Mindy), in 1975 and relocated to Urbandale in 1978.

After moving to Urbandale, Suzy worked as a freelance commercial artist for several years, contracting with many Iowa companies. Later in her career, Suzy utilized her artistic talents to create one-of-a-kind party decorations and centerpieces for the West Des Moines party store, Papourri. She loved to collaborate with customers in planning their events, from the smallest of gatherings to large corporate events.

Suzy was very active in the Urbandale schools, serving as a multi-year member of the PTO and volunteering at various school functions. Hers was a familiar face often found working in the high school concession stands. Her daughter’s friends and teammates called her the cool mom, known for her kindness to all and her dance moves while chaperoning the middle school dances. As a part of her volunteer work, she was proud to have designed multiple Urbandale medallions commemorating the city’s history, including Saint Pope John Paul ll’s visit to Living History Farms on October 4, 1979.

Later in life, Suzy filled her time with the things she loved the most. At the top of the list was spending time with her granddaughters, Lucy and Penny. From the time they were born, she would make frequent visits to Omaha to see them, and later she was their biggest cheerleader at every sporting event she could attend. She also loved to travel; her favorite places included any ocean, Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Rocky Mountains. She cheered on the Iowa State football and basketball teams, as well as the Minnesota Lynx; she rarely missed a game, always ready with her gear and popcorn.

Suzy was passionate about her love for the arts and shared that passion with everyone she knew. Her extended family was often blessed to receive her one of a kind handmade birthday cards as well as beautiful personalized art pieces, into which she poured her heart and soul, that they will treasure forever. Suzy also loved meeting new people and made it her mission to bring a smile and light into the lives of everyone she encountered.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 55 years, Gene, her daughter Mindy Currans and husband Mike, granddaughters Lucy and Penny Currans, brother Jack Shepard and wife Martha, sister-in-law Sandy Frazer and husband Gary, brothers-in-law Lon Crosby and Bill Young, and many nieces and nephews. Suzy is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Sheron (Shepard) Young and Carolyn (Shepard) Guariglia, brother-in-law Ron Guariglia, sister-in-law Ann Crosby, niece Jeannie (Young) Sandin Whitt, and nephew Eric Frazer.

The family plans to have a celebration of Suzy’s life at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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10/07/2025

Julie Ann Rynearson

Julie Ann Rynearson, 58, of Lorimor, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Julie was born on May 3, 1967, in Osceola, Iowa, to Clifford and Merlene (Lewis) Rynearson. She graduated from East Union High School in 1988 and spent her life in Madison County.

Julie participated in the Special Olympics for many years and found great joy in being part of those events. She also enjoyed puzzles, coloring, and cats and dogs.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother, Jeff Rynearson (Brandy) of Montpelier, Virginia; her aunt, Ester Rynearson; and nieces and nephews, MaKayla McNeely (Kevin Jr.), Trenton Rynearson, and Emily Rynearson.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Barney Cemetery in rural Madison County.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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10/06/2025

Katherine Donnelly

Katherine Irene Donnelly Passed away on October 4, 2025. A visitation will be held at Saint Augustin's Catholic Church (545 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312) from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Blank Children’s Hospital.

Katherine Irene Donnelly passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, on her 86th birthday, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the third of four children of Bill and Irene Moorehead born on October 4, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa.

Katherine (Kay) received her education at Mason City High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. On June 13, 1959, she was united in marriage to Bob Donnelly at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mason City. Together they made their home in Des Moines, where they moved in 1966 and built a life centered on family, faith, and love.

Kay’s pride and joy and real career was raising four boys. She stayed home while her sons were young. After that, she worked as an administrative assistant for a few doctors’ offices and officially retiring from Blue Cross Blue Shield after 10 years in 2006. She was a voracious reader of thousands of books and newspapers of all varieties. Reading was her greatest source of relaxation as she devoured the opinions, knowledge, experience and dreams shared by others. Many Sunday afternoons were spent at the library, returning home with a stack of books that never seemed tall enough.

Always the last to sit down and the first to get up, mom never really finished a meal. The family comfort dinners her mother taught her were exceptional. Growing up, Mom’s Irish stew, chicken & noodles, and especially her fried chicken could have won awards. In retirement, she delighted in day trips with friends and family, puzzles and countless games of cards.

Above all, Katherine cherished time with her grandchildren. She was never one to seek the spotlight; instead, she quietly built her life around what mattered most to her—children, family, and marriage.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Katherine is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Irene Moorehead, husband, Robert Donnelly and sister Maxine Kemp.

Left to cherish her memory include her sons Tom (Amy) Donnelly, Denny (Janet) Donnelly, John (Erla) Donnelly and Mike (Kathi) Donnelly. Brother Dennis (Ted) Moorehead and sister Joanne Rebarcek. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren. Kathleen (Cam) Downey, Frances Donnelly, Robert Donnelly, Luke Donnelly, Molly Donnelly, Truitt Donnelly and Bennett Donnelly.

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10/05/2025

Donna L. Phillips

Donna L. Phillips, 82, of Peru, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at Azria Health of Winterset.

Donna Lee Warren was born July 23, 1943, at Weld County Hospital in Greeley, Colorado, to Donald and Betty (Longshore) Warren. When she was two years old, her family moved to Barney, Iowa, where she spent the rest of her life in Madison County. Donna attended school in Lorimor and graduated from Lorimor High School in 1961.

On August 15, 1965, Donna was united in marriage to Leon Phillips at the Truro Methodist Church. They were blessed with two sons, Chet and Clay.

Donna was a devoted homemaker who also held a variety of jobs over the years, including working at Des Moines General Hospital answering phones. She was a member of the Peru United Methodist Church Women’s Society and had a wide range of interests. She earned a brown belt in Taekwondo and even went skydiving on her 68th birthday. She loved flowers and filled her yard with them, baked wedding cakes, and enjoyed traveling—especially to Colorado and Hawaii. Donna took countless photos on her trips and kept many albums full of cherished memories.

She also shared a special bond with her mother, and the two often enjoyed shopping trips to Des Moines, where they always made a stop at Bishop Cafeteria in Southridge Mall for a slice of chocolate pie.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Betty Warren; her husband, Leon Phillips; and her sister, Beatrice Iiams.

She is survived by her sons, Chet Phillips of Peru, Iowa, and Clay Phillips of Lawton, Oklahoma.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Ebenezer Cemetery, Peru.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

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10/05/2025

Ronald Ray Ricker

Ron Ricker, 81, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 1st while representing clients during proceedings at a law office. Despite heroic efforts to save him, he was pronounced in the E.R. at Iowa Methodist Medical Center/Unity Point. He was a talented and long-serving officer of the court.

Ron was born in Des Moines, IA, and grew up in the Saydel public school system. He graduated from Iowa State in 1966. After college, Ron joined the Army and served a stint in Vietnam. With his G.I. bill benefits, Ron attended law school and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa Law School. He practiced as a sole practitioner while affiliated with larger law firms.

Always trying to stay physically fit, Ron helped to found a running club that bears his name. Runners from all walks of life would meet in Ron’s driveway on Saturday during nicer months. After their runs they would enjoy coffee and camaraderie. When the weather turned colder, the running club would regroup after a run at a coffee shop. Although they began meeting years ago, the club still meets most Saturday mornings. Some early members have passed on, while new members have joined.

Ron was known as Uncle Ron to all his nieces and nephews, and he cherished time spent with them. He was even an “uncle” to the young children of friends and associates. A niece, who is now a junior in High school, responded after hearing about Ron’s passing, with a great deal of emotion, that “Christmas won’t be the same without Uncle Ron.” It was obvious that Ron loved kids, and kids loved him. At the birthday party of a nephew who was turning one year old, Ron had purchased a huge stuffed Teddy bear that the birthday boy couldn’t even get his arms around. The reaction to the present was priceless, and it was very gratifying to see the look on both Ron’s and the birthday boy’s faces. It is still mentioned to this day what a memorable moment Ron’s thoughtfulness had occasioned. That one-year-old is now 22 years old, proving that Ron was a true and caring uncle over many, many years.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Kathleen. They spent 54 years together. They were married during the summer before Ron’s last year of law school. Kathy taught school while Ron attended classes. Kathy and Ron moved back to Des Moines to begin their “real” life together after Ron got his J.D. Ron started out with a firm, but he eventually struck out on his own to make his own way. He was an excellent lawyer and did his best for his clients. Ron was a good man, a caring man, a loving man. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Ron is also survived by his brother, Steve Ricker. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Marie, and his brother, Doug Ricker.

Services will be held at Noon at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave., with visitation beforehand, from 11 A.M. until services begin. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials can be made to The Basilica of St. John or Dowling Catholic High School.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8 at The Basilica of St. John (1915 University Avenue, Des Moines), with visitation taking place one hour before services, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to The Basilica of St. John or Dowling Catholic High School.

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10/05/2025

Gail Monthei

Gail Robert Monthei, 85, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel in Perry, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel. Burial will follow at Rippey Cemetery in Rippey, Iowa.

Gail was born on May 28, 1940, to J.W. (Bill) and Vava (Wood) Monthei in Jefferson, Iowa. As a child, he lived on farms outside Jefferson and Rippey, before moving into Rippey in 1960.

He attended school in both Jefferson and Rippey, graduating from Rippey High School in 1958.

He started Monthei Repair in or around 1974, he also farmed for many years and raised livestock. Gail served as the Rippey Fire Chief for several years and was proud of his service to the community. Gail also enjoyed RV camping and taking the family on camping trips to Okoboji and other places. He was an avid Iowa State Fair goer and loved riding and working on his antique tractors.

Gail married Carolyn Schriefer on October 2, 1960, in Perry, Iowa. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage together. They had two children, Marc and Carrie. He later married Patricia Cary on October 6, 2018.

Gail is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Marc Monthei; daughter, Carrie McCain, sister Judy Wills as well as many many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, his brother, Keith Monthei, and his parents Bill and Vava Monthei.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family in Gail's name for a memorial to be decided at a later date.

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10/03/2025

Cesar Balmore Garcia Rivera

Cesar Balmore Garcia Rivera, de 30 años, residente de Perry, falleció inesperadamente el martes 30 de septiembre de 2025 en el Hospital St. Luke's de Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Habrá una visita el miércoles 8 de octubre de 2025, de 5:00 p.m. a 7:00 p.m., en Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, ubicada en 1721 Park Street, Perry, IA 50220. Después del servicio, César será trasladado a su natal El Salvador para ser sepultado junto a su familia.

Cesar nació el 9 de mayo de 1995 en El Salvador, hijo amado de Rafael García Alarcón y Rosa Alva Rivera García. Fue un hombre profundamente dedicado a su familia: siempre presente, siempre atento. Era el corazón del hogar, un hijo cariñoso, un hermano entrañable y un tío entregado. Su presencia serena brindaba consuelo a quienes lo rodeaban, y mantenía un lazo inquebrantable con sus hermanos.

Apasionado por los viajes, Cesar vivía con un espíritu libre. Sentía un gran orgullo por su automóvil Dodge Challenger 2020 y disfrutaba pasar tiempo con sus amigos y seres queridos. Siempre dispuesto a ayudar, llevaba alegría a cada lugar que visitaba. Su sonrisa cálida es un recuerdo constante de su nobleza y gentileza. Fue muy querido por muchos, incluyendo un amplio círculo de amistades que siempre hablaban con admiración de su carácter y generosidad.

Le sobreviven sus padres, Rafael García Alarcón y Rosa Alva Rivera García, en El Salvador; y sus hermanos: Ana Carolina García Rivera (Mario Silva), Salvador García Rivera (Noelia), Manuel García Rivera (Juana), Josué García Rivera y Marlon García Rivera (Adriana), todos residentes de Perry. También le sobreviven sus sobrinos y sobrinas: Alba García (Josep García), Daniel García, Nakael García, Rafael García, Chanell García, Luna García, Kai García, así como muchos otros sobrinos, sobrinas, tíos, tías, familiares queridos y amigos.

La luz de Cesar tocó muchas vidas, y su ausencia dejará un profundo vacío en todos quienes lo conocieron y amaron.

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Cesar Balmore Garcia Rivera, 30, of Perry, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, located at 1721 Park Street, Perry, IA 50220. Following the service, Cesar will be transported to his native El Salvador to be laid to rest among family.

Cesar was born on May 9, 1995, in El Salvador, the beloved son of Rafael Garcia Alarcon and Rosa Alva Rivera Garcia. He was deeply devoted to his family, always present, always caring. Known as the heart of the family, Cesar was a loving son, a cherished brother, and a devoted uncle. His calming presence brought comfort to those around him, and he shared an unbreakable bond with his siblings.

Cesar had a passion for travel and enjoyed life with a free spirit. He took pride in his 2020 Dodge Challenger and loved spending time with friends and family. Always ready to lend a hand, he brought joy wherever he went. His warm smile is a constant reminder of his kind and gentle nature. He was loved by many, including a wide circle of friends who often spoke highly of his character and generosity.

He is survived by his parents, Rafael Garcia Alarcon and Rosa Alva Rivera Garcia of El Salvador; and his siblings: Ana Carolina Garcia Rivera (Mario Silva), Salvador Garcia Rivera (Noelia), Manuel Garcia Rivera (Juana), Josue Garcia Rivera, and Marlon Garcia Rivera (Adriana), all of Perry. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Alba Garcia (Josep Garcia), Daniel Garcia, Nakael Garcia, Rafael Garcia, Chanell Garcia, Luna Garcia, Kai Garcia, and many other nieces, nephews, beloved relatives and friends.

Cesar's light touched many lives and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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10/03/2025

Wendy Sue Rech

Wendy Sue Rech, 76, passed away at Kavanaugh House on September 28, 2025 in Des Moines, IA.

A visitation will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church (1025 28th St., West Des Moines) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. also at the church.

Wendy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Stephen; her sons Jon (Amy), Tim (Tami), and Mark (Katie); sister, Kim Welch; brother, Steve Burch; and eight grandchildren.

Please check back for the full obituary.

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10/02/2025

Joseph Sabers

Joseph L Sabers, 75, of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA.

Joe was born on December 9, 1949 to Clarence and Deloras (Funke) Sabers. He was raised on the family farm in Worthington, Iowa. He attended St Paul School in Worthington through 10th grade. He graduated from Dyersville Beckman High School in 1968. He received a degree in Biology from Loras College, Dubuque, IA in 1972. He then continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the College of St Teresa, Winona, MN.

Joe had an abundance of curiosity and wanderlust. There was always a map or atlas within his reach. He hitchhiked solo for four months to Alaska and back. Joe returned to work as a nurse in Rochester, MN where he fortunately met Mary Ellen Hoss. He was then admitted to the Mayo Clinic School of Nurse Anesthesia. He received his Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Degree in 1978. The wanderlust bug bit him again and he and Mary Ellen traveled for a year throughout the United States and Canada.

On his return he worked as a CRNA in Wisconsin. In 1980 he moved to Ames, IA to work as a CRNA with Anesthesia Associates of Central Iowa at Mary Greeley Medical Center for 35 years. It was also in 1980 he married Mary Ellen Hoss and they moved south of Ames. It was here they built a house, returned to their farming roots and started a family. Hay farming was now part of his life as well, again for 39 years.

It was thought that in an earlier life he may have been part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Always inquisitive of the history and times before him, his family heard many facts of history, words of wisdom. These were lovingly called :"Joeisms". Many have since heard his story how he hoped to meet his demise in a fight with a grizzly bear. No bear was brave enough to take him on.

Family was a priority for Joe. He cherished the time spent fishing with his grandkids.There were plays and sporting events to attend, I-Cubs games, throwing rocks into any puddle or body of water around, reading books, flying kites. He was proud of his four children. They learned a great work ethic as the haying season found them side by side with their dad. He never sought attention or accolades. He cared for his patients. He quietly helped others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, niece Laurie Sabers, nephew Ron Jurgens, great nephew Caleb Jurgens, brothers-in-law Richard Jurgens and Joe Fleming

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Ellen, 4 children: A.J. (Kim); Alex (Christa); Mark (Chelsie); Emily (Bob) Godbersen; 9 grandchildren: Aria, Gabrielle, Austin, Colin, Margot, Van, Jay, Camryn, Demi; sisters, Ruth Jurgens, Lila (Steve) Geers, Virginia Fleming, brothers, Loras (Jo Anne), David (Kathy), Dan (Debbie); and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to Dr Michael Bird for his care and understanding. Special thank you to Kavanagh House for exceptional care.

Visitation will be on October 5th, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory in Urbandale. Mass of Funeral Service will be on October 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am with a short visitation before the service starting at 9:30 am, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines. A luncheon will follow the Mass of Funeral Service.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here: Joseph Sabers livestream

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary Greeley Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com

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10/02/2025

Jodi Carlisle

The world lost a bright light when Jodi Carlisle left us on September 27, 2025. She passed in the peace of her own home, held in the love of her family, after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer.

�Jodi Carlisle was born on December 26, 1963, in Atlantic, Iowa, to Kathleen Roselle Hohenberger and Frank Leroy Comes, and cared for as well by her stepfather, Jim Hohenberger. She grew up with her siblings - Jeff Comes, Jill (Roger) Myers, John (Terri) Hohenberger, and James (Theresa) Hohenberger, whose bond with her remained a source of love and strength throughout her life.

She attended the University of Northern Iowa, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Scott Carlisle, and graduated with a PR/Marketing degree in 1987. On August 13, 1988, Jodi married Scott, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and devotion to family. Jodi loved to travel with family and friends. She especially loved the ocean, where she found joy in soaking up the sun. It was her place of renewal, a reminder of the beauty and expanse of life itself.

She worked with Bankers Life and Casualty for 38 years, where her kindness, dedication, and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike.

Jodi's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband of 37 years and their two children, Austin and Aly, who were the light of her life. Her love for her children and family was fierce and unwavering, and she poured that same boundless love into all who were fortunate enough to know her. To be in her presence was to feel seen, cherished, and uplifted.

Jodi will be remembered as the kindest, courageous, most generous, and open-hearted woman. She was a remarkable wife, contagiously filled with joy, and the world's best mother. Her legacy of compassion, laughter, and strength will live in the hearts she touched. May she rest peacefully, forever carried in the love of those she leaves behind.

We invite family and friends to join us in honoring and celebrating Jodi's life on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Together we will gather to share memories, reflect on her remarkable spirit, and find comfort in community as we celebrate the love she brought into our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, in memory of Jodi Carlisle, to support the ongoing fight against pancreatic cancer. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated.

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