1934-2025

Verdell Louise Fehr, age 91 of Guthrie Center, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at The New Homestead Assisted Living in Guthrie Center. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the Apostolic Christian Church in West Bend. Burial will take place at the Apostolic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Services are entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of West Bend.

Verdell Louise Greinert was born on Aug. 21, 1934, to Edwin and Lydia (Meyer) Greinert on a farm near Fenton. A few years later, the family moved to a farm near Whittemore. She attended the Lutheran School in Whittemore and graduated from the Whittemore Public School in 1953. On July 25, 1954, she married Eldon Alfred Fehr at the Lutheran Church in Whittemore. The couple lived on a dairy farm near Rodman. Eight children were born to Verdell and Eldon while living there. In 1969, the family moved to a farm near West Bend. Another move was in 1975 to a farm in Curlew where they raised Holstein cattle and sheep. Verdell always helped with milking and caring for the calves. The last move was to Guthrie Center in 1986. Eldon took a truck-driving job, and Verdell went with him many times. They saw a lot of places together.

She is survived by sons and daughters: Alfred; Linda (Gary) Garloch; Sheila (Bob) Larson; Dale (Shelli) Fehr; Shannon (Jamie) Fehr; Marlene (Brad) Chalfant; and Diane (Duane) Abbott, as well as 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; two sisters, Barb Zaugg and Betty (Bill) Fandel; and sister-in-law, Mary Greinert. Verdell was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon; her parents, Edwin and Lydia; an infant son, Richard; daughter-in-law, Annette Fehr; brother, James Greinert; and brother-in-law, James Zaugg.

Family was always important to her, and she especially loved when her grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit. She felt extremely blessed to have such a loving family and friends. She enjoyed going to church in West Bend on Sundays, as it gave her the opportunity to visit with other friends and relatives.

The family would like to thank you for your many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy.

1952-2025 

Nancy Ann Chesnut, of Panora, formerly of Adair, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer.

Nancy was born July 23, 1952 in Atlantic, the daughter of Arthur and Geneva (Blum) Zimmer. She grew up in Casey, graduating from Adair-Casey Schools in 1970. She was married to Kevin Chesnut on April 24, 1971. They made their home in Adair before moving to Lake Panorama in 2016.

Nancy’s desire was to be a stay-at-home mom and wife, a job she truly loved and cherished. After her children left home after graduation, she worked part time to fill her time and had a couple of full-time jobs, but when her first grandchild was born, the best job she ever had became her passion, retiring to be an “available babysitter at the drop of a hat.” Her only rule was no grandchild entered her home or left her home until grandma got her hug. This rule became automatic over the years, even to their last visits the day before she passed away.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Kevin of Panora; daughter, Shea (Marty) Jorgensen of Dallas Center; sons, Troy (Salina) Chesnut of Creston and Kory (Charity) Chesnut of Earlham. She is also survived by her pride and joy, 11 grandchildren; and her sisters, Jeanne McPherson of Colorado; Linda Billheimer of Casey; and Deb (Kent) Downing Anita; brothers, Bob Zimmer of Casey and Bill (Linda) Zimmer of Mesa, Arizona; and sister-in-law, Christie (Vince) Crispi of Independence, Missouri.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; brothers, John Zimmer and Jim Zimmer; brothers-in-law, Kerry McPherson and Tom Billheimer; along with her sister-in-law, Colleen Tibben.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Panora. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

Memorials may be left to the Food Bank of Iowa or Children and Families of Iowa.

1930-2025

Rita Mae Powell (Sanborn), 95, passed away in comfort at the Stuart Community Care Center on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Menlo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Rita was born to Merle Morrison and Margaret Lavina (Stevenson) Sanborn on Oct. 17, 1930, in a farmhouse northeast of Menlo in rural Guthrie County. She moved with her family to a farm south of the railroad tracks behind the under bridge east of Menlo on the White Pole Road at the age of 9. She attended country schools until high school. When she was 10, the family moved to a farm they bought in rural Adair County, a mile east of the Schildberg Rock Quarry. She graduated from Menlo High School in 1949.

Following high school, Rita went to work for Banker’s Life in Des Moines and lived at Esther Hall. After several months, she was chosen by her employer to attend school for keypunch operation. After graduation and working a few months, she married Donald B. Powell on Sept. 24, 1950, at Menlo Methodist Church, which she had attended since childhood. She was also baptized at that church. Rita attended youth conferences, including a trip to Cleveland, Ohio, by train, where she met her future husband. To this union, two children were born: Lisa Marie and Kevin Donald.

Her United Methodist membership later transferred to the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in 1958. Rita was a Sunday school teacher, served as vice president of WSCS one year, and was a lifelong member. She also oversaw the Children’s Christmas program beginning around 1966, serving as both Jr. and Sr. High UMYF Supervisor from 1968-1973. Throughout her years in the church, she served in many ways.

Rita also worked as a substitute elementary school teacher’s aide at Casey schools. She served as class parent several years when her children were in school and supported her husband in his farming operation from 1958-1964. She later worked for the federal government in Des Moines part-time from 1965-1978 and also spent a year in Guthrie Center working at a cassette factory. She then moved to Adair for nurses’ aid training and graduated.

When her husband was stationed in the military for one year in Trenton, New Jersey, Rita went with him and lived with family. She worked as a keypuncher. They decided she would go home to live with her parents while Don was stationed for two years in Japan. Rita worked as Dr. Osborn’s personal medical assistant at the Dexter Clinic and Hospital from approximately 1952-1954. When the family returned to Stuart, she served as a 4-H leader from 1966-1968 and was also an Adair County 4-H judge for several years. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the women’s league from 1959-1960 and even won a poem contest published in The Great Poems of the Western World. She also volunteered at the Stuart Community Care Center.

In 1972, the family moved to Menlo, where they lived for several years. Rita chaired her class’ 50th high school reunion and remained active in her church and community. She and Don continued their Methodist membership at Stuart for the rest of their lives. Rita was a member of several Menlo area clubs, including the Menlo Rural, Stuart Rural, and Menlo Retired Clubs — pitch and pinochle being among her favorites. She assisted at the Menlo Library, belonged to a rural home book club, and also crocheted booties for an organization in Des Moines.  

In 1970, Rita and her family were extras in the movie “Cold Turkey,” filmed in Greenfield. She and Don enjoyed winters in Bella Vista, Arkansas, after purchasing property there, and they loved camping, traveling and decorating for holidays and family gatherings. Rita continued to cook and bake at “The Willows” and managed her Adair County farm from 1969 onward. Her greatest love was her pond, where she spent peaceful hours fishing.

Rita is survived by her children: Lisa Marie (Daniel) Sheller of Urbandale, and Kevin (Janice Piatt) Powell of Stuart; grandchildren: Nathanial Kevin (Holly Peterson) Powell of Earlham, and Natalie (Chris) Starostka of Earlham; and great-grandchildren Ryker Nathanial and Harper Elizabeth Powell. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Doris) Glidewell of Greenfield; brothers-in-law, Charles Varley of Stuart and Dave Powell of Tucson, Arizona; and 16 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; brother, Virgil; parents, Merle and Margaret Sanborn; sisters-in-law, Lavonne Mowry, Dorothy Varley and Dorothy Sanborn; brothers-in-law Dean and Bill Powell; parents-in-law, Burton and Leola (Hubbard) Powell; and two nephews and one niece.

Professional arrangements by: Johnson Family Funeral Home and Crematory – Stuart.

1936-2025

Iris Jean Wiese was 89 years old when she passed from natural causes. She passed at Cogir at Glenwood in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by family on Oct. 26, 2025.

Iris was born July 10, 1936, in Guthrie Center. Her parents were William Lee Kirkpatrick and Fraces Jane Gustin. Iris married the love of her life, Wilfred Wayne Wiese, on March 5, 1955, in Denver, Colorado. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Iris’ occupation was a homemaker and caretaker. She enjoyed singing and playing her guitar and spent most of her life sharing in song at family events, nursing homes and when requested for specific events. She particularly had a heart of hospitality whenever guests were visiting. She loved being surrounded by people. Iris was involved with The Salvation Army church in The Dalles, Oregon, and the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Guthrie Center. Iris moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 2011 and was involved with the Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge.

Iris is survived by her husband, Wilfred W. Wiese, of Vancouver, Washington; Ralph W. Wiese of Portland, Oregon; Daniel G. Wiese of Germantown, Tennessee; Patrick K. Wiese of Vancouver, Washington; and Rhonda E. Walz of Vancouver, Washington. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: James Wiese, Amy Crichton-Tunai, Timothy Wiese, Micah Wiese, Faith Gandy, Elisha Nelson and Jacob Nelson, as well as 14 great-grandchildren: Isabella Wiese, Manatu Crichton-Tunai, Keiliani Crichton-Tunai, Kaleyah Crichton-Tunia, Manuia Crichton-Tunai, Penelope Wiese, Ramona Wiese, Lucas Wiese, Joel Wiese, Anthony Wiese, Kassie Gandy, Jackson Gandy, Lucy Gandy and Cody Gandy.

A celebration of life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Saturday Nov. 8, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. led by Bill and Laurie Heiselman. Graveside service following memorial. For more information, call 360-931-4296. 

1932-2025

Joseph Louis, 93, was born Oct. 22, 1932, on a farm just south of Dwight, Illinois, the fifth child of Ludwig and Margaret (Goley) Louis. He was a graduate of Saint Paul Catholic High School class of 1950 in Odell, Illinois. Joe worked for Caterpillar Inc. as a crane operator in Joliet, Illinois, for a brief period before serving in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he attended the University of Illinois where he would receive his B.S. in mechanical engineering. 

While attending U of I, and during a visit back home, he met the love of his life, Joyce M. Coughlin. They were married in Kinsman, Illinois, on Sept. 8, 1956. Joe worked his entire career (35 years) for Sundstrand Corporation, initially in Rockford, Illinois, then loading the station wagon with their five kids to transfer to the new factory in Ames. Joe and Joyce remained in Ames until his retirement from Sundstrand in 1993, when they built and moved to their retirement lake home in Panora. They enjoyed their time on Lake Panorama boating, golfing, and teaching their grandchildren water sports. They also enjoyed wintering in Lakeland, Florida. Several years after Joyce passed, Joe relocated to a very nice independent living facility in Leawood, Kansas, in 2024 where his family visited him often.

Joe was always focused on his faith and family, and his interests included golfing, boating, hunting, woodworking and problem solving. He never argued but loved spirited discussions, sometimes stating, “I’m probably telling you more than I know.” Joe was a devoted Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and eventually joined a veterans’ group in Florida. 

Survivors include his five children: Michael (Kim) Louis of Ames; Robert (Diane) Louis of Davenport; Kevin (Ronnie) Louis of Casa Grande, Arizona; Jane Wasel of Scituate, Massachusetts; and Gary (Loretta) Louis of Overland Park, Kansas. He had 14 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death were his wife of 55 years, Joyce; his parents; his siblings: Mary Margaret (Lee) Masching, John (Kay) Louis, Vince (Jean) Louis, and Louise (Clarence) Masching; and a grandson, Joey Louis.

Services will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Panora on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and mass starting at 11:30 a.m. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center. 

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.

2005-2025

Devon Michael Ernst, age 20, of Adair, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. 

Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Adair with Pastor Andy Dunn officiating. Luncheon at the church will follow the service.

Open visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair. 

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair is caring for the Ernst Family at this time.

Devon Michael Ernst was born on Aug. 8, 2005, in Atlantic, the son of Michael Oscar Ernst Jr. and Billie Jo (Christensen) Ernst. 

He attended School at Adair-Casey/ACGC. Devon worked for Rose Acre Farms and was recently promoted to assistant manager. 

Devon enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending time with family and friends, and working out. When he wasn’t busy with work, you could find Devon turning wrenches or building his house. These activities were particularly special to him because they were enjoyed with his stepfather, Allen, who taught him many lessons not just about work, but life. Devon will be remembered for his humor and his many funny pictures. 

Left to cherish his memory is his dog, EZE; mother, Billie Ernst of Adair; father, Mike Ernst Jr. of Guthrie Center; brother, Brad Patterson of Moses Lake, Washington; sister, Mariah Ernst of Adair; grandmother, Charlotte Acker of Des Moines; uncles: Mark (Paula) Ernst of Waukee, Mitch (Christi) Ernst of Adair, and Daniel Christensen; along with many cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Devon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mike Sr. and Diane Ernst; grandpa, Bob Coe; stepfather, Allen Reynolds; aunt, Jennifer Flores, and uncle, Shawn Christensen.