Harry James Wright, 93, of Marshalltown, formerly of Ottumwa died October 31, 2026 at The Willows of Marshalltown.
He was born October 4, 1933 in Highmore, SD to Roswell F. Sr. and Gladys Martindale Wright. He married Shirley Need on October 18, 1958 and she preceded him in death on September 25, 2019.
Growing up in South Dakota, Harry spent his time catching wild horses, raising sheep and cattle, and assisting his veterinarian father on farm calls. He graduated from South Dakota State University. He then earned his Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa where he met his wife of 61 years.
Harry honorably served his country for 25 years, retiring as a Captain in the Iowa Army National Guard in Ottumwa.
He worked as the director and physical therapist for the Smith-Warren School for Handicapped Children. He worked at several nursing facilities in the area and for the South Prairie Area Education Agency. During this time, he used his love for horses and children through a horse-riding program for handicapped children using hippotherapy. Through this program the children were motivated to walk and found freedom of mobility through assisted riding on horseback.
Harry was a Master Gardener, an amateur magician, and a guitar player. Before moving to Marshalltown, he loved working with his horses, going on sleigh rides, and taking daily walks along “the ridge” of his pasture. He kept a lively menagerie of animals on the farm—including cats, dogs, ducks, a turkey, and the occasional sheep or goat—expressly to entertain his grandchildren and visitors.
He was a long-time member of the former First United Methodist Church in Ottumwa and most recently attended the Grace Evangelical Free Church of Marshalltown. Since October 2019, Harry resided at The Willows Memory Care, where he frequently shared his appreciation for his home, declaring it “a great place to be.” He cherished time spent with his family, listening to music, being outdoors, joking, and helping anyone in need.
Surviving are his children, Tim (Adrian Anast) Wright of Tucson, AZ and Diane (John) Hall of Marshalltown; 4 grandchildren, Raven Wright, Matthew Pixler, Pascal Wright and Megan (Gregory) Hazen; 6 great-granddaughters; Natalie, Maddalena, Olivia, Hannah, Chloe and Sylvie; two sisters, Margaret McKittrick of Webster, SD, and Gladys Ann (Dennis) Williams of Sun City, AZ; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Patrick Pixler; brother, Ross (Marian) Wright Jr.; and his sisters, Leonora (Leo) Fife, Kathryn (Walt) Pray, and Mary Fiala.
The Wright family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at The Willows of Marshalltown and Suncrest Hospice for their exceptionally loving and tender care of Harry during his final years.
Open visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday November 5th at Reece Funeral Home.
Family will be present to greet friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Friday November 6th at Reece Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin 1 p.m. Friday November 6th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Nancy Cameron officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to any non-profit hippotherapy program.
