Roger M. Bristley

Roger Bristley, age 89, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025 at The Willows of Marshalltown.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 13, at 10:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown with Pastor Bryan Kunz officiating. Family and friends are also invited to attend a visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice, First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown, and www.jonathanshouse.org. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Roger and his family. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Roger Maurice Bristley was born August 20, 1936, in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was the son of Ralph Irvin and Sophia Elaine (Temple) Bristley. Roger attended Conrad High School and graduated with the class of 1954. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. Roger was an expert marksman, later becoming an instructor for the canon crew members. He was blessed with two daughters, Kim and Joni, from his first marriage. On August 6, 1990, he was united in marriage to Marsha Honegger in Linden, Tennessee.

During the start of his working career, Roger worked at Fisher Controls before shifting his interest into farming. He first worked for Orville Stover, later joining his father and uncle to work on the family farm. At one point, Roger also sold Trojan Seed Corn. In the late 1970’s, photography caught his eye, and he became a professional, opening Bristley Photography.

Roger was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown, where he had the opportunity to serve on several boards. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, square dancing, traveling, and woodworking. He truly loved taking pictures, and loved spending time listening to his wife play the piano. He had an extensive collection of coins, guns and cameras. He will best be remembered for his great smile and always being happy.

Roger will be greatly missed by those who love him, including his wife of 35 years, Marsha Bristley; his children: Kimberly (Ryan) Corbin of Sioux Falls, SD, Joni Preston of Castle Rock, CO, Heather (Ted) Graffam of New York, NY, Justin (Gina Stout) Avery of Warsaw, OH, and James Adams of Marshalltown, IA; his grandchildren: Ethan (Chelsey) Corbin, Seth (Jenna) Corbin, Jacob (Sofia) Preston, Alex (Nikki) Preston and Jenna (Joel) Kapp, six great-grandchildren, and his sister, Linda (James) Paydon, of Isanti, MN.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Sophia and his infant sister, Jean.