Harold Pirkle

Harold Pirkle, 63, of Grinnell, died on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Service arrangements are pending at the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory in Grinnell.

Condolences may be offered to his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Harold Wayne Pirkle was born on April 15, 1962 in Lakeland, Florida. He was the son of Rose Marie Pirkle and the adopted son of Fred Pirkle, Sr. The family moved frequently during his youth as Fred served in the United States military.

Harold honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He returned from the service, and began a long career as an over the road truck driver. He was united in marriage to Rose Mary Schwind on February 24, 2014 in Montezuma, Iowa. They couple lived in Grinnell.

Serving in the Navy and being a truck driver allowed him to travel and see the world. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed being around any type of machinery to drive or work on. He had also worked for the Wisconsin Southern Railroad and operated a mechanic shop while living in Horizon, Wisconsin. A stroke forced him in to retirement. He used this time to enjoy friends and he developed Facebook pages that he managed to remain in contact with the outside world. He enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music.

Harold is survived by his wife of eleven years, Rose Pirkle of Grinnell; his father, Fred Pirkle, Sr.; his siblings, Fred Pirkle, Jr., Donald Pirkle, and John Pirkle; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother.