Raymond Cody Winther, affectionately known as Cody to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Clarinda, Iowa, at the age of 74. Born on April 16, 1951, in Atlantic, Iowa, Cody was a man whose life was as rich and full as the fields he tended.
Cody attended a country school outside of Morton Mills and later attended Villisca High School, graduating in 1969. His early years instilled in him a love of the land, a trait that would define much of his life. Cody's work ethic was evident from his various jobs, which ranged from working for local farmers to working in a meat packing plant. His dedication and hard work culminated in a long career at Parker Hannifin in Red Oak. Cody served in the Iowa National Guard for six years, a commitment he undertook as a young father in the 1970s. He balanced his careers while also being a devoted father raising his daughter Charity and his sons Cody, Cole, and Heath.
Cody's life was not all work; his passions were as varied as they were heartfelt. He enjoyed going to the races in Corning on Saturday nights. He raised pigs for his children to show at the county fair, embodying the spirit of rural life. Fishing and hunting were not just hobbies for Cody; they were a way of life. He achieved “The World Slam” of wild turkeys with Cole, a testament to his skill and patience as a hunter. And as being a Winther, a good game of cards was inevitable.
Farming and custom haying kept him close to the earth he loved, and nothing brought him more satisfaction than being in his John Deere, watching as the fruits of his labor grew and flourished.
Cody was also known for his culinary skills, especially for the large, portioned meals he prepared for his family and for the hunters at the outfitter business he ran with his son, Cole. His generosity extended to the table, where good food, a cold beer, and warm conversation flowed freely.
Loving, wise, and generous – these words capture the essence of Cody. His wisdom was often shared in sometimes not simple, yet profound statements. When you were in his presence, Cody always made you feel like you shined the brightest. To know Cody, was also to know his big, loud laugh.
Raymond Cody Winther's legacy is one of love, dedication, and joy in life's simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Cody's life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, and his memory will continue to inspire those he left behind.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Raymond Laverne and Norma Augusta (Nelsen) Winther; sisters, Denice Comes and Mary “Suz” Buick; brothers, Mark Winther, Craig Winther, infant brother Warren Lee; nephews Layne Comes and Irvin J Lehman.
Cody leaves to cherish his memory his daughter and family, Charity, Tim and granddaughter Shelby Dale, husband Clayton, grandson Wyatt Myers, partner Allie of Osceola, IA; son and family, Cody, Nicole, and granddaughters Ava and Ivy Winther of Cedar Falls, IA; son Cole Winther, partner Drewshannon, her children Addison and Irvin C Lehman of Villisca, IA; stepson Heath and Tonya Rodney of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Debra “Chris” and Marvin Shipley of Tenville, IA; and many nieces, nephews, loved ones and dear friends.
Visitation is set for Thursday, June 12, from 5-7PM, at the Wolfe-Billings Funeral Chapel, Villisca. Funeral will be Friday, June 13, at 10 AM, also at Wolfe-Billings. His resting place will be Strand Cemetery of Corning.
