Dale Parrish

Dale E. Parrish passed away surrounded by family on December 9, 2022, at the age of 81 years.

Family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday evening December 16, 2022, from 4:00 until 7:00p.m., at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Burial will be at the Russell Cemetery following the service. Everyone is invited to Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton following the service and burial for a time of sharing stories and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of Dale’s family. The memorial contributions will be designated at a later date in ways to honor the well-lived life of Dale Parrish.

Dale Edward Parrish was born January 7, 1941, in Lucas County, Iowa to WC and Edna Myers Parrish. He grew up in Lucas County near Russell and attended country school, Chariton High School and spent his last year at Russell High School graduating in 1959.

The youngest of 7 kids, there was always family around. His father had been injured some years earlier, but still taught Dale a good work ethic in carpentry, in the fields and woodlands. Dale talked fondly of growing up, as there was always plenty to do and fun to be had. He was a hard worker and wasted no time in getting things done. He had a sense of urgency when working on a large project or just hanging a picture on the wall, he wasted no time. Dale moved from working on the farm to Pepsi and then to F W Means in Newton, Ideal Ready Mix in Russell, Nestaway in Chariton. After his return to the Chariton area, Dale farmed and founded his own construction business. He built houses with others and built a house in Williamson and several other buildings in the area on his own. During a downturn in local construction in the late 80’s he moved to Des Moines seeking new opportunities.

Dale started working at R&R Realty in 1987. Once he started, he connected with the leadership of the organization through trust, respect and loyalty, and he never looked back. He spent the past 35 years serving in many different roles for R&R, including maintenance technician, construction manager, and regional supervisor. Dale had his own personal touch, always starting any introduction or conversation with a sincere handshake and addressing those that he knew as “Partner”. He was known for his willingness to help others in any time of need. Dale represented the gold standard for providing excellent service to customers, but his greatest impact was on coaching and mentoring R&R employees and helping them realize their full potential. 

Dale was always concerned about others, always willing to help, but when asked if he needed anything his response was always “I’m okay”.

He endured 13 surgeries in 15 months as the result of knee replacements. Even with at times no knee and cement to take its place he was caught driving to the gas station on his motorcycle to get gas or digging cannas in the yard. He remained determined and self-sufficient. Retirement was never on his radar as he commented several times "I don't know what people do when they don't work and don't have a purpose."

Dale lived in his neighborhood for over 20 years, making many lifelong friendships with many of those who became like family. He had a lot of little people who he enjoyed watching grow up such as Claire Crees, Elsie and Owen Martens, and Zander Burroughs. If a neighbor had a problem, Dale was always there to help and found so much joy in doing so.  

He loved to socialize with friends and to meet new friends, he never met a stranger. He was a Harley guy and loved going to Sturgis and riding with friends. He would enjoy a good Bloody Mary and was a connoisseur of Coors Light. In his younger years, he enjoyed water skiing and boating with family and friends, spending many weekends at the lake. His greatest love was his family and he absolutely adored his granddaughter and great grandchildren. Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew him, including his children, Chris Parrish and Lisa (Ron) Fresh; granddaughter, Kelsey (Derrick) Lear; great grandchildren: Shane, Tristin, Ellie, and Kylie; sister, Colleen Seaman; along with many other close relatives, extended family, co-workers, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, WC and Edna Parrish; and siblings: Donald Parrish, Pauline (Floyd) Stevens, Lois (Howard) Beebout, Glen (Jean) Parrish, Wayne (Grace) Parrish, and Delbert Seaman.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/dale-parrish