Ethan Christopher Marbery, age 53, of Bonaparte, Iowa passed away on January 26, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Ethan was born to Steven Marbery and Elaine (Knight) Marbery on March 8, 1972 in Columbia, MO.
Ethan wore many hats. From a very young age he dreamed of being a rodeo clown. His dream came true, and he was one of the best clowns in rodeo and in real life. If Ethan was in the room, you were sure to know it and he would do anything to get a laugh.
In high school Ethan was a very fast runner, outstanding track star and talented football player. He was an excellent athlete, breaking many records and was even offered a full ride to play football for Iowa State, but chose rodeo instead. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School class of 1990.
On July 24, 2010 Ethan married the love of his life, Shelly Folker in Farmington, IA. He was the proud father of four beautiful children and grandpa to his pride and joy, his grandson. He was a true family man and loved beyond measure by his family and friends. He never knew a stranger and will be greatly missed.
Ethan is survived by his wife, Shelly of Bonaparte, IA and children; Luredo Marbery of Portland, OR, Aletha (Ryan) Groene of West Point, IA, Alexis Overstreet of Houston, TX, Augustus (Daly) Overstreet and grandson Myhls of Mt. Hamill, IA. His mother Elaine Marbery of Sun Lakes, AZ, brother Blake (Melissa) Marbery of Chandler, AZ. Three sisters-in-law Jennifer (Todd) Hoskin, Casey (Darin) Breitenstein all of Farmington, IA and Fallon (Kevin) Link of Bloomfield, IA. Nephews and nieces; Julian Marbery, Adrian and Sara Breitenstein, Nivek, Nevaeh and Nalani Link. Also several uncles, aunts and cousins.
Through the years Ethan worked in fence building, construction, millwright, as an operations manager, and his favorite occupations of owning his own fencing company, Marbery Fencing, with Shelly and most recently becoming a licensed insurance agent for Fortress Insurance. He could do anything he set his mind to.
He was preceded in death by his father Steven Marbery, mother in law Melinda McCracken, father in law Stephen Folker and close friends Craig Potter, Matt Billingsley and Cecil Arnett.
A visitation with the family will be held at the Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow at the River Valley Campground Lodge, food will be provided.
A memorial has been established in his memory and may be left at the Schmitz Funeral Home or mailed to: 28755 Route J40, Bonaparte, IA 52620 for a memorial to be designated at a later date.
