Bizarre Wreck in Peosta Leads to Death of Elderly, Farley Couple
A fatal motor vehicle accident in Peosta, Iowa, claimed the lives of an elderly Farley couple earlier this month. On Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at around 7:53 AM, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Centralia/Peosta Fire Department responded to a report of a crash with injuries at the intersection of the Hwy 20 eastbound off-ramp and Sundown Road.
Authorities reported that Marvin Jarding, 85 of Farley, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 20 when he exited the highway onto the off-ramp. Marvin failed to stop at the intersection with Sundown Road, driving straight across and entering the ditch on the south side of the eastbound on-ramp. Before coming to a stop, the vehicle struck several large pieces of concrete at the bottom of the embankment.
Marvin’s wife, Mary Jarding, 81, was a passenger in the vehicle. Both sustained serious injuries and were initially transported to Mercy Hospital in Dubuque. Mary’s injuries required a higher level of care, and she was transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where she died the same day. Marvin remained hospitalized at Mercy Hospital and died on March 7th from his injuries.
The Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation into the accident is still active. No further details regarding the cause of Marvin’s failure to stop have been released. The accident stands out for the unusual circumstances of the crash, involving a vehicle leaving a highway ramp while crossing an intersection.
This area of Hwy 20 near Peosta was featured in a recent study by the Iowa DOT that found crashes here have nearly tripled over a two-year period. Now the Iowa DOT plans to eliminate several intersections along that stretch of road.
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