1948-2025

Patrecia Emley, age 76, of Slater, passed away Friday, Aug. 22, at the Israel Family Hospice House.

Patrecia Ann (Hodges) Emley was born at Guthrie Center on Nov. 12, 1948, the eldest daughter of John and LaVaun Hodges. She grew up on a farm near Yale and graduated “Class Valedictorian” from Yale-Jamaica-Bagley Consolidated High School in 1967. Pat was an accomplished musician, active in band and high school state competitions. Her talents went beyond music, attending a ballet school of dance instructed by the internationally renowned Betty Mae Harris in Boone. Pat attended Drake University, majoring in music.

Pat was united in marriage with her high school sweetheart, William Emley, at the “Little Brown Church” in Nashua on March 16, 1968. They made their first home in Long Beach, California, while Will served in the U.S. Navy. She was the proud mother of one son, Troy Matthew.

While Will was serving in the U.S. Navy, Pat found employment in a clerical position with the County of Los Angeles in the Department of Social Services. She advanced to the position of “Supervisor.”

Pat and Will moved to Ames in 1974. While Will attended Iowa State University, Pat found employment as a Budget Analyst with the Ames Laboratory on campus. She was employed with the Ames Laboratory for 40 years, retiring in 2015.

Pat and Will joined the North Grand Church of Christ in 1975. Pat used her God-given talents at the church. She played the piano, organ and keyboard regularly for 39 years.

As a hobby, Pat knit and crocheted. For a few years, she entered many of her creations in the Iowa State Fair, earning a showcase full of ribbons. In 1994, the Iowa State Fair offered the “Fastest Fingers in Iowa” competition. Pat was crowned the very first “Champion.” She was the reigning champion for several more years. Later in life, she crocheted hats for babies in hospitals and the annual North Grand Christian Church garage sale.

Pat enjoyed traveling and camping. She and Will traveled all over the United States, exploring historical sites, observing natural wonders and experiencing regional cultures. They visited most of the national parks in the United States and Canada, and many state parks. She enjoyed the cultural experiences. When the grandchildren were old enough, they became involved in the explorations.

Pat enjoyed retirement, with more time for the activities she wanted to do. She operated her life at the pace she enjoyed.

Mourning the loss of Pat is her husband, Will Emley; son, Troy (Jordan) Emley; grandchildren, Nolen Emley, Elizabeth (Brandon) Venneman and Spencer Emley; brother, Mike (Susan) Hodges; sister, Joy (Alan) Barnhart; and several beloved church sisters, brothers and family friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 29 at North Grand Christian Church with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Grand Christian Church Music Ministry.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.adamssoderstrum.com

Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements.

1933-2025

Clifford Earl Leib was born on March 2, 1933, in his family’s rural Guthrie County home to Ottis E. & Ruth I. (Moreland) Leib.  His family had moved to the home on March 1, as his mother had inherited it after her father passed and March 1 was the day farm renters moved during that time period.  That home place was recognized as a Century Farm in 1976 and is now called the River Ranch. Those original 80 acres remain in the Leib family today, a fact that made Clifford very proud. Clifford attended Seeley #7 through the eighth grade and then went to high school in town, graduating from Guthrie Center High School in 1950.

Clifford was a farm boy through and through. He often commented that his favorite toy growing up was dirt, especially the fine dirt in the driveway. One story he shared was when a hired man was cutting hay with horses in a field near their home, the team stopped and wouldn’t go any further no matter what the hired man did. He then realized the reason —Clifford was playing in the hay field and was in front of the mower.

Clifford worked alongside his dad and brother while growing up. One summer, he wanted to grow watermelons, and while the others were resting after the noonday meal, he spent his time tending them with a manure and water mixture.  His efforts were successful, and his family enjoyed watermelon far past the season, after storing them in the granary to protect them from freezing.  While the outside didn’t keep, the hearts were good well into the winter.

Education was important in the Leib family.  Clifford’s mother had been a teacher before marrying, and his dad worked with him to make sure he learned his multiplication tables during country school.  After high school, Clifford attended The Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, graduating in 1951. He studied accounting, and for some spending money, he worked in the Mutual of Omaha cafeteria where he got good supper meals. On the weekends, he also worked on a construction site.  Afterwards, he returned home and began farming with his dad and brother again, starting a large herd of sheep, which his dad took care of when he went into the United States Army in May 1953.  

He first went to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, then Fort Belvoir in Virginia where he went to Engineers School.  After finishing near the top of his class, he went to Germany where he drove a truck for his unit that built bridges. He made lifelong friendships in the Army.  He also traveled to Denmark to meet the extended Langgaard family, who were neighbors back home.  He was honorably discharged in 1955.

While in the Army, he started exchanging letters with Dorothy Kuper with the encouragement of two of their friends.  They met in person before he went to Germany and continued to correspond.  On Feb. 10, 1957, they were engaged and married on the very warm evening of Sunday, Aug. 11, 1957, in Ackley.  After the wedding, they made their home on a farm north of Guthrie Center, referred to as the Hess Place.

Their family grew while living there with the births of Mary Ellen, Ann Marie and Beth June. In December 1962, they moved up the road to the house that became their home for the next 46 years. In 1967, Sara Jo, arrived completing their family. Clifford and Dorothy bought their final home on Oak Street in August 2007, moving to town in 2008.

Clifford loved his family of women. Many evenings, he came into the home for supper exclaiming, “Here I am, you lucky women!”  He had a great sense of humor and was just plain ornery. He liked to joke and tease with his family, giving his girls a taste of what it would be like to have a brother. He made a special noise to get the girls moving up the stairs at bedtime that would still make them get a move on today. And putting his face into the screen of a kitchen window as he came in for supper would get the girls to shriek.

Clifford continued to farm and started raising hogs and cattle along with the row crops and the sheep. Known for wearing Key Imperial striped bib overalls, he worked hard and put in long days, as farmers do, putting his family’s needs ahead of his own. He sold DeKalb seed corn for 25 years beginning in 1962. It was an exciting day when the truck would deliver the many bags stored in the corn crib with planter plates decorating the walls. And then again when other farmers came to pick up their orders. Always a tall man, watching him easily swing his leg over the fence to feed the cattle north of their home with his strong voice calling, “Come, Boss” is a favorite memory of the girls.

The young family became members of the First United Presbyterian Church in Guthrie Center in 1959. Clifford was a devoted member and served as an elder throughout the years. Many family friendships were made at church and continue to be strong today.  Both Clifford and Dorothy were awarded a “Faithful Through the Years” award by the Presbytery of Des Moines in 2016. In June 2025, he was honored as the oldest member at the church’s 150^th anniversary service.

A farmer never really retires, and that was true for Clifford.  Even after renting out his farmland more than 25 years ago, he continued to help wherever he was needed.  He especially enjoyed being part of the harvest crew.  After moving to town, he still spent his days going to the country.

In the 1990s, his Army buddies started an annual reunion, which Clifford enjoyed immensely.  They traveled to Missouri, Kentucky and Colorado to reminisce and make new memories. The group even traveled to Iowa so that Clifford and Dorothy could share their home with them.  After the calves sold in January during their retirement, they also traveled to Arizona for more than 30 years to spend time with Mary and Steve’s family.  Being present for special events of their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brought smiles to their faces.

Throughout his life, Clifford was devoted to his family including his extended family.  While he quietly went about the business of getting things done, he still made time for them and made sure that all of his daughters were able to attend college.  He loved a good story or joke, and there was nothing better than hearing his deep laughter echo through the house. He had friendships with people of all ages and won the respect of many.  While his success in life wasn’t flashy, those who really knew him know that he was one of the most successful people they will ever have had the pleasure to know.

As the years passed, health issues made it harder to do the things he loved, yet he carried on. Planting a garden and flowers at the townhouse helped fill his heart and love for the land. In recent years, a ride in the country to see his farms and to see what others were doing always lifted his spirits. He loved sharing that time with his family and telling stories along the way.

Clifford passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2025, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Clifford is survived by four of his “better” daughters: Mary (Steve) Fogleman, Douglas, Arizona; Ann (Lewis) Polito, Hartford; Beth Leib (Lori Requist), Urbandale; and Sara (David) Hughes, New Virginia.  Also surviving are six grandchildren: Jennifer (Isaac) Chavez, Stockton, California; Trevor Polito, Hartford; Brandon Polito, Hartford; Rebekah Fogleman, El Paso, Texas; Joshua Hughes (Jack Ave), Des Moines; and Jacob Hughes, New Virginia; and four great-grandchildren: Neva Rose, Kaylee Elise, Olivia Joy, and Nathaniel John Chavez, Stockton, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents, Ottis and Ruth (Moreland) Leib; siblings, Roger (Rosemary) Leib, Beverly (Max) Uhlman, Joy (William) Scarbrough; and nephew-in-law, Alvin Sheeder; in-laws John and Marie Kuper; Mildred (Lawrence) DeWalt, Kenneth (Annie) Kuper, and Ruth (Bud) Murphy; niece, Debra (DeWalt) Peyton; nephews-in-law, Alois Vitasek and Craig Jensen.

Family members will be present for a visitation to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 701 State St., Guthrie Center. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. also at the church with a luncheon following.

Memorials will be distributed at the discretion of the family.

1933-2025

Betty Clouse was born April 16, 1933, in Guthrie Center and passed away on July 25, 2025, surrounded by family at her home. Betty was united in marriage to Vernon Clouse on June 24, 1951, in Yale. To this union, three children were born: Greg (Mick) Clouse, Nancy (Steve)Trumm and Mike (Brenda) Clouse.

Also surviving Betty are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; grandson, Ross; aunt, Leona; sister in law, Esther Clouse; brothers in law, Gerald Clouse and Phillip Clouse; and parents, Wilbur Stewart and Geneve Thompson.

Betty babysat many children and for a lot of people in the area. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Twigg Funeral Home, 506 Prairie St., Guthrie Center. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Bowman Chapel in rural Guthrie Center. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1926-2025

Paul Wesley Scott, 99, son of Sperry Wesley and Ida Mae (Malasie) Scott, was born May 28, 1926, on a farm in Aroma Park, Illinois. He passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Paul graduated from Kankakee High School in 1944. He enlisted into the United States Navy just two days later, proudly serving during WWII from 1944 to 1946. Paul was a machinist mate 2nd Class on an LST (Landing Ship Tank). Most of his service was spent in the China Sea where he and his shipmates narrowly survived the devastation caused by Typhoon Louise in 1945. Following his honorable discharge when the war ended in 1946, he attended the University of Illinois for one year. In 1948, he began his career working for Sears & Roebuck in Kankakee, Illinois. On June 6, 1954, he married Waneta Mae Dalton in Kankakee, Illinois. They made their home in Kankakee with their three children, Mike, Beth and Laura, until 1966, when they moved to Bourbonnais, Illinois. Paul was a loyal and dedicated employee for 40 years at Sears & Roebuck. He was loved by his fellow workmates and customers. Paul then retired in 1988. They lived in Bourbonnais until 1992, when they moved to Lake Panorama. They built their dream home on hole No. 9 on the Lake Panorama National Golf Course, overlooking the lake and instantly became enveloped in this small lake community. Paul made many friends and played a lot of golf. In 2012, they moved into the town of Panora to a smaller home, and then, in 2019, they moved to the independent living at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center. In June of 2023, Paul and Waneta moved to long term care at the New Homestead.

In his younger years, Paul enjoyed playing baseball, especially when his brother Morris caught and Paul pitched. Paul also enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, mowing, playing cards such as cribbage and euchre. He had a love/hate relationship with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears (but always remained a loyal fan). Paul fiercely loved his wife, his children and his grandkids. Those who were lucky enough to know Paul will remember him for his willingness to help others, his ability to make friends anywhere he went and his iron-grip handshake.

Paul was a member of the Panora United Methodist Church, Panora Masonic Lodge, the Masonic Lodge in Kankakee, Illinois, the Frank Grubb American Legion Post No. 372, Panora, Iowa, and the Kankakee American Legion Color Guard from 1949-1958.

Paul is survived by his wife of 72 years, Waneta Scott of Guthrie Center; children, Michael (Julie) Scott of Peru, Illinois; Elizabeth (Tim) Gates of Kankakee, Illinois; and Laura (Scott) Kemble of Panora; grandchildren, Maclain Scott, Phillip Scott, Molly Dalby (Brian), Andrew Gates (Heather), Josh Gates (Crystal), Sam Kemble (Melissa and son, Finn), Jake Kemble, and Annie Kemble; great-granddaughters, Audrey and Hazel Gates; great-grandson, Lane Dalby; sister, Gloria Goodin and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Morris Scott; brother-in-law, Larry Goodin; and sister-in-law, Sharon Scott.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Burial of his cremains will be in the Kankakee Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Kankakee, Illinois, at a later date.

Memorials may be left to the Panora Masonic Lodge, the Panora United Methodist Church or to the family.

1946-2025 

Danny Don Nickel, affectionately known as Danny to his friends and family, passed away peacefully in Audubon on July 11, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on Sept. 24, 1946, in Guthrie County, Danny was a man whose wisdom, generosity and passion for life left a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who knew him.

Danny’s early years were shaped by the loving guidance of his parents, Clifford and Fern (Scott) Nickel, whose values were deeply instilled in him. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Cheryl (Howland) Nickel, and together they built a life full of love and shared endeavors. Though his family tree bore the loss of many branches, including his parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orville and Thelma (Joens) Howland; brother, Bill Nickel; sister, Molly (Nickel) Mehalovich; and brothers-in-law, Tony Mehalovich, Keith Matthews, Darwin Howland, Dalton Howland and Jerry Lauritsen. Danny’s legacy continued to flourish through his surviving family members.

He was a cherished father to his daughters, Clarissa (Clair) Calmer and Jenny Fox. His role as a grandfather to Elizabeth (Jared) Hawks, Kady (Mitchel) Miller, Ashley Anderson and Kaleb Fox brought him immeasurable joy, and the light of his life shone even brighter with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Stetson Hawks, Ellie Miller, Cooper Miller, Bryson Anderson and Brailyn Anderson.

He is also survived by Wayne Nickel, brother, and Evelyn Matthews, sister. Sister and brother-in-laws, Margene Nickel, Donna (Marvin) Straight, Karen (Merle) Petersen, Sandi Lauritsen, Linda Jorgensen, Delbert (Jayne) Howland, Alane (Keith) Wilson and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Danny’s professional journey was marked by a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. His tenure at Emmert’s Manufacturing allowed him to showcase his talent to later begin designing and building fiberglass utility bodies. This experience laid the groundwork for his venture into self-employment, where his craftsmanship and innovation continued to thrive.

Beyond his work, Danny was a man of many interests. He could often be found with a fishing pole in hand, patiently waiting for the catch of the day, or in his workshop, surrounded by the scent of sawdust, meticulously shaping wood into masterpieces. His love for the outdoors extended to trail riding in his jeep and four-wheeling, activities that spoke to his adventurous soul and love for nature.

To describe Danny as wise is to acknowledge his profound understanding and insight into life’s complexities. His generosity knew no bounds, as he readily extended his help to those in need. His passion was evident in everything he pursued, whether it was a new project or time spent with his loved ones.

We bid farewell to a man who lived his life with purpose and joy. Danny’s memory will be treasured, his stories recounted with smiles, and his presence deeply missed. As the sun sets on a life well-lived, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit remains with us, guiding us like a beacon of light through the paths he once journeyed. Danny Don Nickel’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.

1963-2025

Kurt Alan Kalbach was born on June 22, 1963, to Janice and Harry Kalbach in Guthrie Center. He was raised in Menlo, where his lifelong curiosity and thirst for knowledge took root. As a child, he followed his father around the family’s gas station, learning everything he could about fixing cars, repairing tires and running the day-to-day operations. At just 14, he began hauling fuel for the station, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define his life.

Kurt graduated early from Stuart-Menlo High School in 1982 and went on to earn an associate degree in electronic engineering technology from the National Education Center. His passion for mechanics and problem-solving led him to a successful career with Xerox Corporation, where he became one of only 116 technical specialists in the U.S. servicing high-volume mainframe printers. Over his 17 years at Xerox, he earned multiple awards and certifications, reflecting his dedication and expertise.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kurt was deeply committed to his community. He followed in his father’s footsteps by serving with the Menlo Fire Department, where he volunteered for more than 20 years, earning multiple fire school certifications, and notably saving a life during a house fire. He served as assistant fire chief for nine years, embodying the spirit of service and leadership.

Life took an unexpected turn in 2007 when Kurt faced challenges that led to his time in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Even in adversity, he remained committed to learning and growth, training multiple service dogs to detect low blood sugar for diabetes patients. In 2020, due to changes in laws and good behavior, Kurt was released early. His family had always stood by him, and his sisters Colleen (Dave Hodson) and Julia (Travis Green) were there to support him as he reintegrated into society. While on probation, he obtained his CDL license and began working for Logan Contractors Supply.

Kurt’s passion for cars never faded, and he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing another 1979 Pontiac Trans Am with the iconic gold eagle on the hood. Technology, however, proved to be a challenge — learning to use a smartphone and navigating Facebook took some time. In 2020, after hearing a 38 Special song on the radio, he attempted to reconnect with Mechiel Kopaska, whom he had dated years before. Though he initially misspelled her name, fate intervened a year later in 2021 when another 38 Special song inspired him to try again. This time, he found her through her sister, Melissa Kopaska, and their connection reignited instantly. His resilience and faith never wavered, and he credited God for guiding him through his trials and reuniting him with his true love, Mechiel Kopaska.

Kurt and Mechiel spoke nonstop for days, and in April 2021, she visited him. Their love story came full circle on Sept. 17, 2021, when Kurt proposed at a 38 Special concert in Omaha, Nebraska, during the song “Caught Up in You,” specifically the line that said, “You’ve got me down on my knees.” He moved to Florida to be with Mechiel, and on May 7, 2022, they were married on Howard Park Beach in Tarpon Springs, surrounded by family and friends.

In April 2023, they moved to Tallahassee to pursue their dream of developing an RV resort, living full-time in their RV. Kurt worked as a CDL driver for RIS Insulation, where his compassion for customers and coworkers shone through. Kurt embraced the motorcycling community, becoming a Road Captain in the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and was responsible for the content in their monthly newsletter. He also joined the Tallahassee Region Antique Automobile Club of America, where Kurt proudly showed his Trans Am. His beloved 1979 Pontiac Trans Am was a source of pride, winning multiple awards including a costume contest where he and Mechiel dressed as Bandit and Frog, and he was featured on the cover of Motoring Tampa Bay and in a YouTube episode of “Junkyards and Barn Finds with Sean.”

His love for riding extended to the Southern Cruisers Riding Club (SCRC) and the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), where Kurt shared his testimony with troubled young men at Liberty Wilderness, hoping to inspire change in their lives. He was also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders where members attend the funeral of members of the U.S. Military and first responders.

He attended New Walk Church online out of Zephyrhills, Florida, and participated in weekly Bible study on Zoom.

Motorcycling was an integral part of his life: Kurt had completed 66 of the 99 Freedom Rocks in Iowa and was scheduled to complete the remaining 34 this summer. He cherished his visits back home to Menlo, where he spent time with “the Menlo Boys,” reminiscing and sharing laughter over the good old days. He and Mechiel would later move to a local campground, where they became camp hosts. Sundays were marked by the unmistakable scent of smoked meat, as Kurt developed a passion for barbecue, learning techniques from his brothers-in-law Dave Hodson and Travis Green and studying “Chud” online for the latest methods.

Kurt Alan Kalbach passed away on May 28, 2025, at 10:10 p.m. at HCA in Tallahassee after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his wife, two sisters and a dear friend. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents, Janice and Harry Kalbach, and in-laws, Judy and Larry Kopaska. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mechiel; his sisters, Colleen (Dave) Hodson and Julia (Travis) Green; his aunt, Marion Johnson; his uncle, Gilbert (Charlotte) Bentley; and a host of cousins and friends, all of whom he considered family.

Kurt’s life was a testament to redemption, love and unwavering faith. He often said his story could be a Lifetime movie — and, indeed, it was a life full of drama, heart and triumph.

In lieu of flowers, all donations collected will go to the Tallahassee Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Menlo Fire Department.  Donations will be accepted by mail to 5753 Highway 85 N, PMB 5282, Crestview, FL 32536.

A celebration of life will be held in the Tallahassee, Florida, area and in Menlo. Future dates to be determined.