Harold Leroy Dwinell

Harold LeRoy Dwinell, 85, formerly of Adel, died in his sleep on February 21, 2023 at the Aspire Care Center in Gowrie.

Harold Dwinell was born at home January 3, 1938 to parents Edward Challis and Ruth Viola (Burchfield) Dwinell. He grew up living on farms which taught him to work with animals and he loved animals all his life.  He loved to try and get squirrels to take a peanut from him, sometimes he succeeded.

When Harold was a teen his mother had a massive stroke, so being the youngest, he took care of the cooking for the family. Ruth would give directions until he learned to create on his own. This skill of cooking carried through his life making many meals for his family growing up, his own family and family holiday meals.

On May 24, 1958, Harold was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Hayes. The couple raised four children, Lou Ann (Bob) Snodgrass of Lynn Creek, MO, Lori Lea (David) Carlon of Gowrie, IA, Lynne (Jory) Hire of Nashville, TN and Lance of Iowa.

Harold worked for the railroad in his younger years, then at Wright Tree Service. He finished his working career as a semi-truck driver.

Camping was a family activity. Harold took his family trips across the country to see family in an old remodeled school bus, and to “Swalla’s” farm where the fire was always built up high.  Harold and Shirley also took many local trips with friends,  on his motorcycle to see the country and visit family.  In retirement, Harold and Shirley traveled in a motor home.

Harold loved playing cards, and teaching his kids and grandkids how to play cribbage.  Cribbage was one of his favorite pastimes at home, in a downtown tournament, or on the computer.

Harold enjoyed gardening, talking with “new” friends while camping, fixing bikes so people he cared about had a bike to ride, and watching animals in the yard.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Shirley; his parents; sister, Janice. He is survived by his children; 13 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; a brother, Ronald Dwinell; along with many extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March, 25, 2023 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, McCalley Chapel. A private burial will be held in the Oakdale Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparris.com. Memorials may be directed to the Cancer Society or to a local food pantry.