Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory

08/24/2025

Kelsie Fisher

Kelsie Lea Fisher, 36, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Keystone Church in Ankeny. A Celebration of Kelsie's Life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, also at Keystone Church. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Colo Cemetery in Colo.

Kelsie was born on December 30, 1988, in Ames, Iowa, to Ron and Teresa Phares. She graduated from Colo-NESCO Senior High School in 2007. On September 20, 2014, she married the love of her life, Carl Fisher. Her greatest joy came on December 20, 2023, when she became a mother to her son, Crosby.

Kelsie was strong in her faith and cherished her time with her Keystone Church Connection Group. She loved being with family, spending time at the farm, and enjoying summers at Clear Lake. She adored being an aunt and especially enjoyed attending her nieces' and nephews' activities. Kelsie worked at Green Hills as a Restorative Aide, where she made lasting connections with residents and coworkers. She enjoyed softball, golf, CrossFit, fishing, coloring, baking for family gatherings, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Kelsie is survived by her husband, Carl; son, Crosby; father, Ron Phares; twin brother, Chad Phares; sister, Tara (Nick) Marler; grandfather, Harold Amundson; nephews, Mason and Ethan Marler; niece, Allie Marler; sisters-in-law, Julie (Jon) Holscher and Stephanie (Brian) Starrett; mother-in-law, Kyla Fisher; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Teresa Phares; grandparents, Reda Amundson and Harry and Vada Phares; mother-in-law, Patricia Mann; and father-and mother-in-law, Gordon and Judy Fisher.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in Kelsie's name for a college fund for her son, Crosby, to the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or to ValorFit.

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08/24/2025

Edward Niles

Edward Niles, age 93, of Johnston, passed away on August 23, 2025.

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08/24/2025

Kris Susanne DuVall

Kris Susanna DuVall, age 69, of Johnston, passed away on August 19, 2025.

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08/23/2025

Kenneth Freeborn

Kenneth Gene Freeborn, 71, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025. A celebration of life for him will be held at a later date.

Kenneth is survived by his twin brother Keith, and 4 other brothers, and 5 sisters and many extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Virginia Freeborn: and sisters, Sherry, Joan, and Debra: and brother Larry.

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08/22/2025

Ivan W. Marckmann

Ivan W. Marckmann, 96, of St. Charles, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Vintage Hills Care Center in Indianola.

Ivan William Marckmann was born January 18, 1929 to August J. and Ella M. (Fust) Marckmann on a farm 2 ½ miles south of Fontanelle, Iowa. He was baptized in Fontanelle Lutheran Church and confirmed by A.J. Seegers on June 6, 1943. He attended Summerset #8 rural school of Fontanelle and graduated from Fontanelle High School in 1947.

He proudly served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 and spent 20 months stationed in Germany. After he was discharged, he married Mary Maxine Murphy on April 26, 1953. This marriage was blessed with four children: Sherri, Roger, Brenda & Dennis. Maxine passed away on February 12, 1978 from a heart attack. On February 29, 1984 he married Dorothy Stuempfle Mowen, with whom he shared many happy years.

He was employed by the State of Iowa and worked for the Soil Conservation Commission for over 21 years in Winterset and Indianola. He served as a district Soil Commissioner and ASCS Co. Community Man. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset.

Ivan lived and farmed on a farm southeast of Winterset and enjoyed his garden and cows. His garden was always more than he needed but loved to share his bounty with everyone. Ivan also worked at the Iowa State Fair for many years, where his friendly nature and easy conversation led to lasting friendships. He also loved to watch and have his picture taken with several of the Rockettes. If you knew him well, you couldn’t get away without a hug and a smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Ella Marckmann; wives, Maxine and Dorothy; sons, Roger and Dennis Marckmann; sister, Fern Stolk; Dorothy’s sons-in-law, Andy Nelson and Doug McCauley; grandson, Mathew Mowen.

He is survived by his daughters, Sherri Marckmann and Brenda (John) Fickes; grandchildren, Shelby (Tony) Orr and John D. (Amanda) Fickes; 5 great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Teresa Marckmann. He is also survived by Dorothy’s children, David (Cindy) Mowen, Corinne Nelson, and Christine Mowen; grandchildren, Jennifer (Lewis) Moore, Ryan (Brooke) McCauley, Cole (Kelli) McCauley and Karlee Nelson (fiancé, Cameron Kluesner); and 7 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Vintage Hills of Indianola and Suncrest Hospice for their devoted care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am., Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset. Burial will be in the Fontanelle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to be designated to organizations meaningful to Ivan.

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08/22/2025

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08/22/2025

Kimberly Pierce

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kimberly M Pierce, beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend, who left this world on August 18, 2025, at the age of 50. Born on February 10, 1975, in Columbus, GA, Kimberly's journey of love and compassion touched the lives of all who knew her.

A devoted homemaker, Kimberly dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating a warm and welcoming home. Her caring spirit and energetic personality were evident in every aspect of her life. Known for her infectious laughter, Kimberly had an innate ability to find the light side in every situation, bringing joy and humor to those around her. Kimberly was blessed with 24 years of marriage to her loving husband. She was extremely proud of her children, embracing the role of a mother with grace and dedication.

Kimberly had a profound love for animals and cared deeply for her pets, many whom she rescued, showcasing her empathetic nature. She enjoyed nothing more than spending quality time with those she loved. Other than home with her family, her happy place was the beach. Her love for the beach represented her free spirit, where she found peace and joy among the waves.

Kimberly is survived by her treasured husband: Todd Pierce; loving children: Jordan (Casey Marnin) Pierce and Christian Pierce; her mother: Doris (Dr. James) Zumstein; brothers: Matthew Wilson and Kerry (Samantha) Cannon; as well as her Mother-in-law’s: Kathy Pierce and Donna Benskin.

To honor her memory, a series of services will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Urbandale Chapel. A visitation will take place on August 25, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be on August 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Kimberly will be laid to rest at a private graveside service held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery on August 26, 2025.

Kimberly M Pierce will be remembered for her unwavering love, genuine spirit, and the light she brought into the lives of those she cherished. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.

Kimberly was preceded in death by: grandparents: Viola and Robert Conklin and her father-in-law: Christopher Pierce

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date.

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

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08/19/2025

Dianne Crilly

Dianne Franc​es Crilly, age 79, passed away Aug 17, 2025 after a short illness.

Dianne was the 2nd of 7 siblings and was preceded in death by her parents Ralph (Bud) and Paulesca (Pat) Crilly, and brothers Tom, Frank and Rick. She leaves 3 sisters, Betty Fink, Dee Polley and Lois Crilly, sisters-in-law Donna Crilly and Bonnie Crilly along with nieces and nephews Anne Crilly, Shannon Bendt (Tom), Sean Fink (Denise), Kevin Crilly (Sarah), Kurt Crilly (Katrina), Kristi Crilly, Dennis Polley (Kristina), Angela L'Amir, Casey Andrus and several great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life to be scheduled at a later time. Memorials may be donated to a charity of your choice, the American Lung Association, and/or to the EveryStep Hospice Foundation.

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08/19/2025

Your Plan, Your Wishes.
Join us Tuesday, August 26, for a free life-planning seminar at Hotel Pattee to learn how funeral pre-arrangements can give you and your loved ones peace of mind- today and for the future.

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Planning ahead is a gift to your family. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

08/18/2025

Charles Murphy

Charles Murphy, 84, of Winterset, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Charles was born August 9, 1941, in Winterset, the son of Kenneth Charles and Florence Jane (Kelsey) Murphy. He was the middle of three children, with sisters, Edna Louise and Kathleen. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1959. On December 24, 1960, Charles was united in marriage to June Wakefield. They were blessed with 64 years together.

Charles lived a full and active life. He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, farming, and was always tinkering, fixing, and repairing things. He was rarely seen without his pipe. In later years, he especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed collecting antique toy tractors, cameras, and arrowheads. Charles had many close friends from school and work whom he stayed connected with throughout his life. He and June loved to travel, often vacationing in Canada and even driving the Al-Can Highway to Alaska upon his retirement.

A man of strong work ethic, Charles was bi-vocational. He farmed the family acreage, raised cattle, and commuted daily to Des Moines, where he worked as a purchasing agent until his retirement in 2003 at age 62. Even in retirement, he kept busy with projects around their property.

He is survived by his wife, June; children, Jeff (Diane) Murphy of Des Moines, Beth (Jon) Milledge of Winterset, and Melisha (Randy) Pearson of Winterset; grandchildren, Stephanie George, Brandi Iverson, Kory (Laura) Edwards, Samantha (Nick) McDonald, Dylan (Kat) Martin, Gavin (Lexi) Milledge, Kaleb (Sarah) Pearson, Delaney (Christopher) Blackard, Isaak (Faith) Pearson, and Spencer Pearson; 21 great-grandchildren; his sister, Kathleen (Jacques) Trudeau; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Louise Van Bezey.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23, at the funeral home with burial to follow in the Winterset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Oak Grove Community Church.

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08/18/2025

: What are my options with cremation?

Cremation offers flexibility and a range of meaningful ways to honor your loved one. Ashes can be returned to your family, placed in a columbarium, buried in a cemetery, or scattered in a special place—whatever brings comfort and peace.

If a service feels right for your family, you have several options. Some choose a traditional funeral before cremation, which may include a visitation or viewing. Others hold a memorial afterward—at our chapel, your church, or any meaningful location. We also offer intimate graveside ceremonies and personalized services led by our certified life celebrants, with or without clergy.

Whatever you choose, we’re here to support you with care and guidance every step of the way.

Tap here to learn more: https://www.caldwellparrish.com/services/services-overview

08/18/2025

Brahmananda Makkapati

Brahmananda P Makkapati (84) passed away on August 17, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Windsor Heights Community Center (6900 School Street, Windsor Heights, 50324) on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Please check back for a complete obituary.

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