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OUR HISTORY
Our History
A Legacy of Compassion and Service
Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory is a family-owned business dedicated to serving central Iowa with locations in Urbandale, Adel, Winterset, and Perry. Our rich history is marked by a commitment to providing compassionate, personalized funeral services and a deep connection to the families we serve.
Founding and Early Years
The roots of Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory trace back to 1929 when Roy and Esther Caldwell began offering funeral services in the Des Moines area. They quickly established a reputation for personalized care and meticulous attention to detail. These standards laid the foundation for the enduring legacy of service that continues today.
Transition and Growth
In 1987, James and Karolyn Raddatz acquired Caldwell Funeral Home, which they renamed Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home & Crematory. They upheld the Caldwell tradition of exceptional service, further cementing the funeral home’s esteemed reputation in the community.
New Leadership and Expansion
April 2014 marked a significant milestone when brothers Mark and John Parrish purchased the funeral home from James and Karolyn Raddatz. Their vision and dedication brought new energy and growth to the business. The Parrish brothers continued the legacy of compassion and attention to detail that had been the hallmark of the Caldwell name.
Expanding Services
In October 2017, Mark and John expanded their reach by acquiring McCalley and McCalley-Collins Funeral Homes. Stephen McCalley had built and operated McCalley Funeral Home for nearly 25 years before purchasing Collins Oak Park Chapel from J. Thomas Collins in 2008, renaming it McCalley-Collins Funeral Home. The Parrish brothers integrated these funeral homes into Caldwell Parrish, enhancing their ability to serve families across a broader area.
New Leadership and Expansion
April 2014 marked a significant milestone when brothers Mark and John Parrish purchased the funeral home from James and Karolyn Raddatz. Their vision and dedication brought new energy and growth to the business. The Parrish brothers continued the legacy of compassion and attention to detail that had been the hallmark of the Caldwell name.
Expanding Services
In October 2017, Mark and John expanded their reach by acquiring McCalley and McCalley-Collins Funeral Homes. Stephen McCalley had built and operated McCalley Funeral Home for nearly 25 years before purchasing Collins Oak Park Chapel from J. Thomas Collins in 2008, renaming it McCalley-Collins Funeral Home. The Parrish brothers integrated these funeral homes into Caldwell Parrish, enhancing their ability to serve families across a broader area.
Further Expansion into Winterset
Shortly after purchasing McCalley-Collins, Mark and John recognized the need for new facilities to better accommodate families in Winterset. In April 2019, they acquired Ochiltree Funeral Service, which provided the enhanced facilities they were seeking. Lynn and Brenda Ochiltree had built and operated Ochiltree Funeral Service for nearly 22 years. This acquisition allowed Caldwell Parrish to better serve more families in the Winterset area with improved amenities and resources.
Expanding to Perry
In 2023, Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory expanded its services to Perry, Iowa, by acquiring Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care from Marcus and Mary Carris. The Carris family had built and operated the funeral home for over 20 years, establishing a strong reputation for compassionate care and professional service.
In July 2024, Caldwell Parrish further solidified its presence in Perry by acquiring Hastings Funeral Home from Chuck and Dina Hastings. The Hastings family had served the community with dedication and professionalism. This acquisition allowed Caldwell Parrish to merge Hastings Funeral Home into Caldwell Parrish - Perry Chapel, enabling us to better serve the Perry area with expanded services and resources.
Expanding to Perry
In 2023, Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory expanded its services to Perry, Iowa, by acquiring Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care from Marcus and Mary Carris. The Carris family had built and operated the funeral home for over 20 years, establishing a strong reputation for compassionate care and professional service.
In July 2024, Caldwell Parrish further solidified its presence in Perry by acquiring Hastings Funeral Home from Chuck and Dina Hastings. The Hastings family had served the community with dedication and professionalism. This acquisition allowed Caldwell Parrish to merge Hastings Funeral Home into Caldwell Parrish - Perry Chapel, enabling us to better serve the Perry area with expanded services and resources.
Commitment to Community
Throughout our history, Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory has remained deeply committed to the communities we serve. Our staff provides support, compassion, information, and direction to families and friends dealing with loss and grief. We actively participate in local events, support charitable organizations, and engage in initiatives that benefit our communities.
Looking to the Future
As we look to the future, Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service established by Roy and Esther Caldwell in 1929. We continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring that we offer the best possible care while honoring the traditions that have defined our history for nearly a century.
We are grateful for the trust and support of the families we serve and are committed to being here for you for many years to come.
