1936-2026

Roger Harold Tallman was called home to his Lord on July 31, 2026, in Guthrie Center. The son of Harold Claude and Lois Marie (Harwood) Tallman, Roger was born on the family farm north of Guthrie Center, on Jan. 17, 1936.

Roger spent his childhood on a farm and attended country schools before graduating from Guthrie Center High School in 1955. When he was 16 years old, he began driving a school bus. He often reflected that it seemed odd that he could legally drive children on a school bus at 16 years of age, but in order to haul hogs in a truck, he would have to be 18.

Roger worked for Guthrie Center Schools and Hagen Chevrolet before marrying Colleen Kay Williamson on Aug. 14, 1960. The couple were blessed with three children — Delores Lee Tallman, Karen Elaine Vannatta Kelly, and William (Bill) Roger Tallman. In 1961, Roger and Colleen moved to Panora, where they owned and operated the Standard Oil Station. After selling the station, Roger was employed by Kenyon Construction and John Deere before returning to Guthrie Center in 1970 to be employed by the Guthrie Center School District as mechanic and director of transportation. Roger retired in 1999 after working for the school for 32 years.

Roger and Colleen did everything together, and, in 1987, they started a concession business that they ran for 35 years; Roger’s funnel cakes were legendary! He enjoyed trying new things and added every menu item that would fit into that red trailer. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes not.

With his twinkling eyes, Roger was a natural at helping when Santa wasn’t available during the holiday season. For years, he would put on his red velvet suit and show up at local events to listen to Christmas requests from children of all ages.

A member of the Panora Church of the Brethren, Roger served as board chair for many years. He was a member of IPTA (Iowa Public Transportation Association) and board chair for six years. He served on the Guthrie County Extension Council and on the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Reserve, and was a member of the Guthrie County Fair Board for more than 25 years. Roger was proud of being awarded an honorary FFA Award by the Guthrie Center High School FFA Chapter.

Fishing and hunting were hobbies Roger especially enjoyed sharing with his son, Bill. Roger loved his cattle and farm work, but, most of all, he loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons and delighted in following their activities; only for his grandsons would Roger drive clear across the state to watch a show choir performance.

Anyone who ever has been on the receiving end of a prank phone call from Roger — or who ingested a chocolate-covered cotton ball on the platter of Christmas treats that Colleen took to the bus garage — knows about Roger’s ornery sense of humor. Nothing pleased him more than a prank that went as he planned or a funny story that made his audience laugh.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lois Tallman; his daughter, Delores Tallman; his son, William (Bill) Tallman; his son-in-law, George Vannatta, his sisters, Nancy Tallman and Ella Carhill; and his brother, Wayne Tallman. He is survived by his wife, Colleen; daughter, Karen (Darrin) Kelly; grandsons, Matthew (Mandy) Vannatta and Samuel Vannatta; step-grandchildren, Steve (Diane) Vannatta, Karen Vaske; great-granddaughter, Margot Vannatta; siblings, Vera Kenyon, Ilene Tallman, Flora (Alan) Wise, Lyman Tallman, Mary Lou Ludwig, Tonie (Peg) Tallman and Ruth Crawford; sisters-in-law, Patsy Tallman and Norma Thurman; brothers-in-law, Jim (Diane Williamson), Ken (Deb) Williamson; and many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Panora Church of the Brethren followed by burial at the Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Twigg Funeral Home in Panora.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1940-2026

Dennis Leon Cain, 85, son of Emmett and Bertha (Bean) Cain, was born Aug. 19, 1940, in Jefferson. He passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at his home west of Bagley.

He grew up west of Bagley on one of the Cain family farms. He graduated from Bagley High School then attended both Iowa State University and Buena Vista University for a year each. As a youth, he was active in Cub Scouts and Dodge Dodgers 4-H of which he was later a leader for many years.

In June 1963, he married Carol Elston of Perry. They settled and lived their entire life within 2 miles of where he grew up. They welcomed three children in quick succession: Christopher Lynn, Curtis Alan and Kimberly Ann. Denny and Carol worked hard on the farm raising crops, pigs and cattle.

Denny was a member of the Bagley United Methodist Church, the Guthrie County Youth Committee, Bagley Lions Club, and Bagley Fire Department. He was an original founder of the Guthrie County Cattlemen and was active with them for years. He was the Beef Superintendent of the Guthrie County Fair for more than 40 years.

Denny enjoyed cattle, 4-H, ISU, sports of all kinds, watching old Westerns and traveling. Over the years, he and his wife, often with one or more of their children, traveled to Colorado (many times to visit family there), Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida (to visit his sister, Maria), Arkansas, Oregon and Washington (to visit Carol’s family). They also went on a number of cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. Denny loved Iowa State especially Iowa State Football. He had season tickets to football when his children were in high school and later with his daughter, Kim. He was looking forward to this year’s games. He was able to attend a bowl game with his son, Chris, and the Big 12 Championship game in Dallas with his daughter, Kim, and grandson, Evan. He enjoyed tailgating with their friends and any others he could find to talk to. Denny had a quirky, ornery sense of humor. He never knew a stranger and loved nothing more than talking to people.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Chris (Dawn), Curt (Karla) and Kim; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Trevor) Pederson, Zachary (Katlyn) Cain, Cody Cain, Brooke Cain, Cain Neuharth and Evan Neuharth; great-grandchildren, Wilder and Korrie Cain; sister, Marla (Jim) Ray; and sister-in-law, Linda (Bob) Doran. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the Event Center at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, Guthrie Center from 1-4 p.m. The Guthrie County Cattlemen will be grilling for the celebration. Please wear your ISU attire or favorite sports team.

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

1954-2026

Marianne (Zoul) Favaro, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at home on July 19, 2026, with her devoted husband, Bill, at her side. She was 71 years old.

Born on Oct. 7, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, Marianne was the daughter of Robert Joseph Zoul and Anna Maria Zoul and the middle of five children. When she was 7 years old, the family moved to Southern California, where Marianne would spend most of her life. Although born in Ohio, she proudly considered herself an original “Valley Girl.” California wasn’t simply where she lived — it was part of who she was. Petite, stylish and known for her striking blue eyes, Marianne loved sunshine, beautiful clothes and was always the life of the party. But those who knew her best will remember far more than her beauty. She was quick-witted, intelligent, endlessly curious and remarkably resilient. Marianne had an incredibly generous heart and a natural gift for making people feel welcome. Whether it was a holiday, a family gathering or an ordinary afternoon, she always made room for one more person at the table.  

She attended St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City, California, before marrying Thomas “Tom” Connolly Jr. in 1974. Together they built a home in Woodland Hills, California, where they raised their daughters, Shannon Leigh (Connolly) Downing and Brittany Leigh Connolly.

Marianne poured herself into motherhood. When Brittany faced serious health challenges as a child, Marianne devoted herself completely to her care while remaining a constant presence at St. Mel Catholic School, where the girls both attended. Her family was always her top priority, and she loved them fiercely.

As her daughters grew older, Marianne found a second calling in real estate. Her warmth, professionalism and gift for connecting with people led to a highly successful career spanning many years, earning her numerous awards and the respect of colleagues and clients.

Following Tom’s death, Marianne married William “Bill” Favaro in 1999. The two exchanged vows in Iowa, Bill’s home state. Together they shared a life filled with love, friendship, laughter and adventure. As they approached retirement, they fulfilled a lifelong dream of building their forever home on Lake Panorama, just outside of Des Moines, Iowa. There they enjoyed the slower pace of life, beautiful sunsets, new friends and creating memories together. Still, Marianne never stopped loving California, so they found the perfect compromise — spending their winters in Indian Wells, where they stayed warm and enjoyed a lifestyle that brought them so much happiness. Their beloved dog, Lola Peanut, was a constant companion and completed their little family. Wherever Bill and Marianne went, Lola was usually right beside them.

Whether in Iowa or California, Marianne loved being outdoors — sunbathing by the pool, taking boat rides on the lake, planting flowers, or simply walking around the neighborhood. She was an avid Notre Dame football fan and, more recently, discovered a love for Indiana Fever basketball. At the end of the day, she was just as happy relaxing with a good book and, of course, a glass of chardonnay. 

But nothing brought Marianne more joy than gathering the people she loved — both family and friends she considered family. Holidays were never just for blood relatives; she had a way of making sure everyone had somewhere to go and someone to celebrate with. She had a gift for throwing unforgettable parties, a tradition she proudly passed on to her daughters. Since 2004, one of her greatest joys, and something both she and Bill looked forward to each year, was welcoming their family to the “Lake House” for the Fourth of July. Those who had the privilege of being there know those times were filled with good company, spirited conversation and countless shenanigans around the tiki bar.

Even as her health wavered, Marianne never lost her playful spirit. Just a few weeks before her passing, she surprised her family by agreeing to spend a day at Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo, Iowa, with her only grandchild, Carter. To everyone’s amazement, she rode roller coasters, tackled a four-story water slide, and laughed her way through the day. Back at home, she remained Carter’s toughest Uno rival, always ready for one more game, which she usually won.

After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Brittany, in 2011, Marianne faced many years of chronic pain with quiet strength. While those who love her will miss her every day, they take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace and reunited with Brittany.

Marianne is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Anna Zoul; brothers, Thomas and Timothy Zoul; and her cherished daughter, Brittany Connolly.

She is survived by her devoted husband, William Favaro; her daughter, Shannon Downing, and son-in-law, Brandon Downing; her beloved grandson, Carter Downing; her sisters, Joan (Zoul) Swick and Susan Zoul; her stepson, William Joseph Favaro; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

A funeral mass celebrating Marianne’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa, at noon, with a reception immediately following. A celebration of her life will also be held in California at a later date, where she will be laid to rest near Brittany.

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, was entrusted with her services.

1949-2026

Margaret Ann Reinhart, 77, daughter of Jerome and Alice (Otto) Bruening, was born Jan. 2, 1949, in Lake City. She passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Margaret graduated from Lake City High School in 1967. She then received her degree from the College of St. Mary’s in Omaha. On June 16, 1973, she married David Reinhart in Carroll. They made their home in Carroll for about two years where Margaret taught third grade. They then moved to Columbus, Nebraska, and Margaret continued teaching there for about six months before they moved to Guthrie Center. David went into partnership with his brothers running the grocery stores in Guthrie Center, Panora and Stuart. David ran the store in Stuart, and Margaret was the produce manager and worked in the office. They retired in June of 2022.

Margaret enjoyed being a grandmother and attended most every activity of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed being home.

Margaret was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guthrie Center.

She is survived by her husband, David Reinhart; sons, Matt (Nellie) Reinhart and Scott Reinhart all of Guthrie Center; four grandchildren, Mackenzie, Justin, Emersyn and Colson; brother, Tom Bruening of Minnesota; sisters, Barbara Moore of Ankeny, Marlene Feilmeyer of Ames and Pat DeLong of West Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Janice Tiefenthaler and Susan Demman.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guthrie Center. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, rural Guthrie Center. Visitation will be Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parrish Hall, Guthrie Center.

Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center, is entrusted with her services.

1943-2026

Billie “Bill” Lee Wilson, 82, son of Arch and Mildred (McKibben) Wilson, was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Jefferson. He passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines. 

Bill graduated from Panora High School in 1961. On June 27, 1964, he married Janet Kay Shelley in Panora. They made their home in Panora for a short time before moving to a farm south of Dawson, where they lived until 1971. They then moved to their current home south of Jamaica. Bill farmed and worked for North Central Gas Company (MidAmerican) in Perry until he retired around 2004. Bill continued to farm for another four to five years before he retired. 

Bill was an active member of the Jamaica Fire Department and the Jamaica Lions Club for more than 40 years. He also served on the Yale-Jamaica-Bagley School Board for eight years. 

He is survived by his wife, Janet of Jamaica; son, Rob (Jennifer) Wilson of Beresford, South Dakota; daughter, Lisa (Greg) Jones of Norwalk; five grandchildren, Christian, Katelyn and Hayden Wilson, Doug Jones, and Natalie (Jake) Fees; and one great-grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Eugene and Marion; and his sisters, Doris and Virginia. 

Visitation will be Sunday July 26, from 3-5 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home in Panora. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Please join the family at the Jamaica Community Center for meal and sharing of memories following the service. 

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1952-2026

 

G. Norman Thomas 74, was born January 5, 1952, in Denver, Colorado. He passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, after a fall at home, at Unity Point-Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

 

Norman graduated from Creston High School in 1970. He then went on to Southwestern Community College in Creston for two years and another two years at Northwest Missouri State University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 1974. Norman worked in maintenance for the West Des Moines school system for over 20 years. He then continued his career in maintenance for the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center, Iowa. He retired in his mid sixties and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, staying busy with his church and local community. He married former college-sweetheart Melody Ann Johnson in 2004.

 

Norm enjoyed attending all his step-daughters’ school activities and was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was a very active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Guthrie Center and was a former member of the Casey Volunteer Fire Dept.

 

Norman is survived by his wife, Melody Thomas of Yale; brother, Michael Thomas of Des Moines; sister, Mary (Eric) Hovelson of Clive; step-daughters, Marcia (Kevin) Johnson of Des Moines; Danielle (Dustin) Evans of Linden; Rachel Johnson of Ames; and Christina (Xavier) Johnson of Las Vegas; 5 grandchildren: Kailee Trotter and daughter Beverly; Garrett Johnson, Brooklyn Evans; Eli and Ivan Martinez. Niece, Emily (David) McCullough and daughter Mariella of Coralville; Nephew, Nicholas Howard (Janea) of Colorado Springs, Co.; Four Great Nieces, Ariel Howard and daughter, Nancy Howard, Kristin Pettinari and family; Evelyn Howard (Cody) and family; three Great Nephews, Nicholas Howard, Samuel Howard, and Gavin Holt.

 

He was preceded in death by his mother Nancy Jane Bauman and step-father Harold, brother Samuel Howard, and a niece Brooklyn Howard.

 

Graveside services will be 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at the Malvern Cemetery, Malvern, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the First Christian Church Fellowship Building, Guthrie Center, Iowa, with a light meal served.

 

Norman was a great son, brother, uncle, step-father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all of us.

 

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