Keith "Tuff" Parr

Keith C. “Tuff” Parr, 61, of Castana, Iowa, passed away on April 11, 2026, at Pleasant View Care Center, Whiting, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Soldier Lutheran Church, Soldier, Iowa with Vicar Damon Hopkins, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Keith’s obituary. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Burial will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Mapleton, Iowa following the luncheon. A visitation will be 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Keith was born on June 28, 1964, and spent his life rooted in the communities of western Iowa. He was the son of Jack and Nora (Norby) Parr, who preceded him in death, along with his beloved wife, Marlene (Wacheldorf) Parr, and daughter, Stephanie.

On August 27, 1983, Keith married Marlene in Mapleton, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and quiet devotion. After Marlene’s passing, Keith and his son, Daniel, grew even closer, sharing a bond strengthened through loss, memories, and the enduring love they both carried for her. That connection meant a great deal to Keith and continues to mean so much to those who love them.

Keith attended Maple Valley schools and later earned his GED. He worked hard his entire life—farming and driving semi across the country. He was someone who wasn’t afraid of long days, physical work, or getting his hands dirty.

Keith had a quiet way about him—but if you knew him, you knew quiet never meant boring. He had a dry sense of humor and a wit that could catch you off guard. He especially loved teasing those closest to him, and in many ways, that was how he showed his love. If Keith was giving you a hard time, it usually meant you were part of his circle.

He found joy in simple things: riding his motorcycle, working with horses, mushroom hunting, grilling for family, and simply being present. He didn’t seek attention, but his presence was steady, dependable, and deeply felt. Many knew him by the nickname “Tuff,” and it fit—not just because he was strong, but because he was resilient. He was tough in the way that keeps going, that endures loss, and that loves quietly but deeply.

Keith was baptized at Soldier Lutheran Church, Soldier Iowa.

He is survived by his son, Daniel (Stephanie) Parr of Hornick, Iowa; his grandchildren, Kenneth Johnston, Seth Johnston, and Gabriel Johnston; his siblings, Kevin (Pam) Parr of Moorhead, Iowa, and Kimber (Shane) Bartlett of Fairfield, Texas; along with many extended family members and friends.

Today, we take comfort in believing that Keith is no longer separated from those he loved and lost. He is reunited with Marlene, with his parents, Jack and Nora, and with his daughter, Stephanie. That thought brings peace to hearts that are heavy today.

Keith will be deeply missed. His humor, his steadiness, his teasing, and his love live on in the memories we carry and the stories we will continue to tell. 

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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