Araceli Martinez Zarco

Araceli Martinez Zarco (84) passed away on June 9, 2026. Visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Araceli Martinez-Zarco was born in March 1942 to Joaquin Martinez and Mercedes Zarco in El Salvador. She peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 8:36 a.m.

Araceli spent her early years as a hairdresser in El Salvador. She made the courageous decision to immigrate to the USA in 1978 in search of greater opportunities and a brighter future for herself and her family. Through hard work, determination, and sacrifice, she built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

A devoted mother, Araceli, lovingly raised her children and took great pride in her family. She was a caring and dedicated grandmother who treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Her strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her loved ones served as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Araceli demonstrated remarkable creativity and determination when she launched her own business in 1990. A gifted entrepreneur, she began handcrafting and selling fabric dolls and later became well known for selling pupusas at the Des Moines Farmers Market, Beaverdale, and other Festivals. She was honored as the first vendor to introduce pupusas at the market, sharing a cherished part of her Salvadoran heritage with the community.

Araceli was a woman of deep faith whose relationship with her Lord and Savior guided every aspect of her life. Her faith gave her strength during difficult times and inspired her to show kindness, compassion, and generosity to others. Through her example, she touched many lives and left a lasting impact on those blessed to know her.

Araceli is lovingly survived by her children: Claudia Steele, Helen Martinez, Antonio Alberto Vasquez, and Salvador Moises Vazquez; her grandchildren, Jordan Steele, Jonathan Mathew Charlier, Gabriela Picasso, Salvador Vasquez, and Marielos Vasquez; her brothers: Tito Martinez and Mario Zarco; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Araceli will be remembered for her strong faith, hardworking spirit, generous heart, and deep love for her family. Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched and in the cherished memories of all who knew and loved her.