After a life of love and quiet grace, Earl Creps of Malcom, IA has passed.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
The work of a parent is rarely finished — it lives on in the children he loved.
Earl Creps, 91, of Grinnell (formerly from Malcom), died on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Scott Marcum officiating. The family encourages for those attending to wear casual attire (jeans, Iowa Hawkeye shirts). Interment will be at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Malcom.
The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home.
Memorials may be designated to the St. Francis Manor – Nursing Staff Fund and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.smithfh.com.
Earl was born at home on March 22, 1935, in Brooklyn, Iowa, to Ray and Blanche (Regner) Creps. He was raised in Brooklyn and attended school there. Earl left high school at an early age to help run the family farm, a responsibility that reflected his lifelong work ethic and devotion to family.
On November 8, 1959, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Shaffer in Brooklyn, Iowa. Together they shared 66 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, hard work, and simple joys.
Earl was employed for many years as a hired hand with Schafbuch Farms and also served 32 years with the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Family was at the heart of everything Earl did. He cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was known for his playful spirit and love of a good prank. Earl never knew a stranger-he would visit with anyone and was always quick to wave to those passing by.
He had a special appreciation for classic Chevrolet cars and took great pride in keeping his vehicles spotless. Earl also enjoyed helping his son by mowing and assisting with work at his property. In his quieter moments, he looked forward to his nightly ice cream and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Earl is survived by his wife, Bonnie Creps; his children, Linda Creps, Judie See, Sherrie Burch, and Rod (Tammy) Creps; his grandchildren, Crystal Burch, Curtis (Kim) Creps, Ashley (Matt Birkenholtz) Vande Wall, Kellie See, Stephanie See, and Jayden (Bri Mouchka) Creps; and his great-grandchildren, Easton, Tytan, Hudson, Gannon, Huxton, Haisley, and Layton. He is also survived by extended family, including Michael (Hope) VanDonselaar and family, Joshua (Ashley) VanDonselaar and family, and Jessica (Derek) Thomas and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Blanche Creps; his brothers, Paul Paynter, Ralph Creps, and David Creps; his nephew, Daniel Creps; and his son-in-law, Jim See.
