Mary Curnes

Mary Curnes, 73, of Redfield, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Mary was born on February 16, 1953, to Kenneth and Thelma Bales in Des Moines, Iowa. She was raised on a farm near Pitzer, where she began her education in a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Winterset High School in 1971 and went on to graduate as a registered nurse from Methodist School of Nursing. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Francis.

Mary married Gary Curnes on November 21, 1973. Together, they built a family and welcomed two sons, Nicholas and Kenneth. Family was at the center of Mary’s life, and she gave her heart to caring for the people she loved.

Throughout her nursing career, Mary worked in many different areas, but her greatest joy came from spending 26 years as a school nurse with the Dallas Center-Grimes School District. To the children she cared for, Mary was much more than a nurse. She was a steady and comforting presence - a person they could turn to when they were hurt, frightened, or simply needed someone to care. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impression on the many students and families she served.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for the care she gave so freely, both in her work and in her family. Nursing allowed her to care for others, but caring was simply part of who she was.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sally.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; her sons, Nicholas (Michelle) Curnes and Kenneth (Shannon) Curnes.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery in Indianola. 

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