Bryce William Johnson Parnell, 27, of Montezuma and formerly of Perry passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the University of Iowa Medical Center in Iowa City, Iowa, with his mom by his side.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at the Crossroads Church, 2810 First Ave. Perry, IA 50220. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, starting at 9 a.m. A light lunch will be served following the service. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Paton Township Cemetery in Paton, Iowa.
Bryce was born on Aug. 13, 1997, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Steve and Liz (Johnson) Parnell.
He was raised in Perry and graduated from Perry High School in 2016.
From a young age, Bryce showed a heart for others. In middle school, he regularly visited local nursing homes, spending time with residents, sharing conversations and playing games.
Bryce was a longtime member of Crossroads Church in Perry and was known for his infectious smile and vibrant spirit.
He had a remarkable talent for storytelling, able to weave a tale out of nearly anything, and he truly enjoyed connecting with people. His warm, outgoing nature made him instantly likable and a friend to all.
He had a deep love for the outdoors, country music, a passion for reading and a curiosity that led him to take things apart just to see how they worked, even if they didn’t always make it back together.
Bryce had a unique way of brightening every space he entered and making others feel valued and cared for. Though he lived with spina bifida his entire life, Bryce never let it hold him back. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
Bryce is survived by his loving parents, Steve and Liz Parnell of Perry; his siblings, Jason (Angie) Parnell of Jefferson, Mandy (Mike) Elmore of Washington, Steph (Adam) Jeska of Florida, twin brother Anthoy Parnell of Fort Dodge and Sean, Eli and Bray Parnell, all at home in Perry; and many nieces and nephews, Jacob, Karen, Paul, Charity, Liam and Emma Parnell, Simon, Clara, Sophie and Noah Elmore, and Thad and Lilli Jeska; as well as two great-nephews, Levi and Tytus.
He is also mourned by his aunts and uncles, Deb and Lowell Franz of Nebraska, Phil and Janise Parnell of Kansas, Dave and Alexa Parnell of Tennessee and Jay Johnson of Iowa; along with many extended family members and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alice and Merril Johnson; and his paternal grandparents, Veda, Shirley and Eli Parnell.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com. Checks can be written to Crossroads Church and designated to Bryce Parnell Memorial.
