Ed Criss

Ed Criss, 77, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away early morning on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Edward Earl Criss was born on September 1, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Virgil and Janice (Proud) Criss. He graduated from Afton High School in 1968.

In March of 1969, Ed was drafted into the United States Army and completed his basic and advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He served as an infantryman and deployed to Vietnam in August of 1969, where he was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. During his 363-day tour, Ed served in the Fishhook area near the Cambodian border, participating in search and destroy missions from various fire bases. For his service, Ed was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He returned to Fort Hood, Texas, in August of 1970 and completed his military service with the rank of Sergeant, E-5.

On March 25, 1982, Ed married Kylene Wilkie in Charleston, South Carolina. Together, they shared 44 years of marriage.

Following his military service, Ed spent many years working as an over-the-road truck driver before retiring. He was a member of American Legion Post 0096 of Lorimor, the VFW Post 8142 of Winterset, and was also a Mason.

Ed is survived by his wife, Kylene Criss; son, Jarod (Dawn) Criss; brother, Skylar (Donna) Criss; sister, Juanita (Denny) Gibson; grandchild, Lance Surber; uncle, Larry Proud; stepsisters, Denise and Mary; and stepbrother, Skip.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Janice Criss; sister, Susan Criss; stepmother, Lois Criss; and parents-in-law, Kyle and Wilma Wilkie.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. (The service will be livestreamed.)

Burial with military honors will follow at the Lorimor Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.