1936-2025

Gerald (Jerry) August Suther, 88, of Panora, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Featherstone at Hickory Hill Senior Living in Iowa City in the presence of family.

Jerry was born Oct. 29, 1936, the son of Fred and Freda (Tegeler) Suther on a farm north of Frankfort, Kansas. He attended school at Reserville and later at St. Columbkille’s Catholic School in Blaine, Kansas. After graduating high school in 1954, he farmed with his dad, prior to joining the Army Reserves in 1956. He first learned to program computers at Automation, Inc. Tech School in Omaha, helping to launch a long career at Sperry Univac (later called Unisys) from 1962-1991, working as a programmer, systems analyst and district manager across many cities in Nebraska and Iowa. After retiring from Unisys, he worked as a recruiter for a data processing company and drove a limo for Brokers International to keep busy in his retirement years. Jerry married the love of his life, Doretha (Dee) Dekat, on Sept. 5, 1959, at St. Joseph Church in Flush, Kansas. 

Inspired by his dad’s singing at home after mass (and the many other musical members of his family), Jerry enjoyed cantering at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Perry) and later at St. Cecelia in Panora. One of Jerry’s great joys was composing a song, “Our Heritage,” about his family with his sister, Mary, and her son, Damian Gerstner. He had it copyrighted in 1996.

His Catholic faith has always been very important to him. Jerry was dedicated to the Knights of Columbus, as a member in Blaine, Kansas, as well as Perry and Panora. He joined the Fourth Degree Assembly in Des Moines and was active in the honor guard. He held many leadership roles, including Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight and District Deputy.

Besides music and faith, Jerry loved golfing, boating, fishing, hunting and computer puzzles. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Jerry is survived by eight children and their spouses: Tim (Peg) Suther of Winnetka, Illinois; Laurie (Mike) Masters of Waverly; Deanne (Curt) Reiter of Ankeny; Pat (Cindy) Suther of Waukee; Jerry (Jodi) Suther of Tiffin; Sheri (Patrick) Thesing of St. Charles, Minnesota; Mike (Kim) Suther of Marion; and Dave (Susan) Suther of Johnston; 26 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Joe, in Williamsburg, Kansas; sisters, Vera Strunk (Wamego, Kansas), Sr. Betty Suther (Concordia, Kansas) and Sr. Eleanor (Atkinson, Kansas); and brother-in law, Alvin Gerstner (Topeka, Kansas).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doretha; his parents, Fred and Freda Suther; his brother, Ralph Suther; his sister, Mary Gerstner; his grandchildren, Mark and Marie Grebin; and his son-in-law, Jim Grebin.

A rosary service will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. all at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Panora. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, rural Guthrie Center, following the services. Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Moments Hospice Foundation and St. Cecilia Catholic Church. 

1931-2025

Virginia H. Kinney, 94, of Yale and Perry, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. Virginia’s visitation will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Panora. Interment will be in the Richland Cemetery in rural Bagley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation in Virginia’s honor. Online condolences can be shared at www.caldwellparrish.com.

She was born on January 1, 1931, in Valley Junction, the first of three daughters to Theodore and Frieda (Clausen) Lueders. Her sisters, Bernice and Marilyn, followed.

On Aug. 10,1957, Virginia married Dean Kinney, and together they raised a large and loving family. She was a devoted wife, a deeply loved mother, a cherished grandmother, and a true friend to all she met. Known for her warmth and kindness, Virginia was also a talented cook whose homemade jellies, caramels, cookies and popcorn balls will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Virginia lived a life of faith and service. She was an active member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Panora and participated in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), altar guild, quilting blankets for missionary events, bake sales, camp at Okoboji, Sunday School teacher and many more volunteer services.

A graduate of Dawson High School and a lifelong resident of the area, Virginia held many roles throughout her life, including sorting eggs, an operator at the telephone company, Yale Café, Yale Teen Center, Panora Craft Care Center, Perry Lutheran Home, and Perry Senior Citizens Meals, among others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Frieda Lueders; her husband, Dean Kinney; sons, Steve and Mike Woodley; daughter, Barbara Jenkins; grandson, Mikey Woodley; great-granddaughter, Kristin Hancock; sons-in-law, Wally Jenkins, Joe Bowen and Dana Bowman; brothers-in-law, Richard Mitchell, Truman Loudenback and Lee Kinney; and sisters-in-law, Velma Loudenback and Erma Kinney.

Virginia is survived by her children: Dorothy Funk, Cindy Bowen, Chris Kinney (Karole), Cheri Bowman (Greg), Janay and Jon Baumgartner, and Cathy and Cody Deakman. She is also survived by her sisters, Bernice Mitchell and Marilyn (Jerry) Schlemmer; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; four great-great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

1927-2025

Julia Ann Millhollin, 97, daughter of Earl and Dessie Vandevanter, was born Dec. 12, 1927, in rural Guthrie County. She passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at her home.

Julia graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1945. She married Clark Millhollin on Jan. 28, 1946, at the Christian Church parsonage in Guthrie Center, which was next door to where she lived. They lived a short while in Guthrie Center, Greenfield, Knoxville and Menlo before moving to California where they lived for 43 years. They moved back to Iowa in 1993 and made their home at Lake Panorama.

Julia is survived by her daughter, Deborah Berg of Florida; son, Mark (Jenny) Millhollin of California; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 70 years, Clark; daughter, Patricia Mahler; four sisters; and a brother.

Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.

1944-2025

Kenneth B. “Ken” Crouse, age 80, of Panora, and formerly of Carroll, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll with Rev. Jeremy Poland officiating. Casket bearers will be Todd Crouse, Jeff Pruitt, Joe Suefurt, Steve Gawley, Bret Richards and Pat Holloway. Burial will be in the Carroll City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday evening. Additional visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to Tori’s Angels or the American Truck Historical Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Ken was born on Oct. 2, 1944, in Boone and was the son of Paul and Ruth (Smith) Crouse. He lived as a child in Denison, moving to Carroll when the family relocated the family business. Ken was a proud member of what was to become the 1962 graduating class of Carroll High School and continued with the Alumni Association.

Ken met Sharon Holloway through a mutual friend, and it was to be a “forever moment.” They were united in marriage on Feb. 29, 1964. Ken had a lot of fun telling folks “he sure was lucky,” as he only bought anniversary gifts every four years! They were blessed with two sons, Scott and Matthew. Ken spent nearly 50 years dedicating his life’s work to Crouse Cartage Company. He took pride in helping prepare drivers for the truck rodeos both in Iowa and at national venues. He enjoyed being part of the Crouse bowling teams for several years. Following his retirement, Ken didn’t miss many “Wednesday Retiree Coffees.” Ken spent many years as a member of the American Truck Historical Society where he helped establish and attend several chapter groups as a regional vice president. He was very proud to have his own truck to drive to shows. For many years, Ken was a passionate follower of local dirt track racing, which led to an avid interest in NASCAR and some Indy races.

Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shari Crouse of Panora; sons, Scott Crouse (Laura) of Panora, and Matthew Crouse of Carroll; four grandchildren: Andrew Crouse (Alyssa), Toni Curry (Kyle), Matt Crouse, and Shealor Crouse (Laci); two great grandsons, Emmit Crouse and Marty Curry; sister Jean Watt (Monte); brother Jeff Crouse; sisters-in-law: Dixie Crouse, Rose Crouse, Pat Gawley (Steve), Sandi Richards (Kent), and Becky Muhs (Dean); brother-in-law Bill Holloway (Jan); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, O.E. and Helen Holloway; and his brothers, George and Larry Crouse.

1929-2025

Lela Rose Glade, 95, daughter of Walter and Lena Hambleton, was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Guthrie County. She entered her heavenly home on Saturday April 19, 2025, at the New Homestead Care Facility, where she had resided since January of 2025.

She graduated from Guthrie County High School in 1947. She attended one semester at Simpson College and returned home to teach at one-room school houses, including the Seely No. 5 country school. This was where her dad made sure he was farming with his Oliver 70 next to the school so he could stop to see and talk with her while recess occurred and he could eat his lunch.

Rose grew up in Guthrie County, enjoying life on the farm where they had apple trees, big gardens, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs and two work horses named “Mag” and “Cease.” Tethered together, one relied on the other. The blind one was the strongest, and the other led them to do the work.

As a young girl, Rose said she went barefoot nearly all the time, stating, “I only wore shoes to school and to special occasions.” She truly enjoyed sharing her love for animals such as cows, sheep and birds with her family, especially with her grandchildren.

Rose and Gene dated before our dad went off to war, later marrying in 1950, a little after Eugene’s honorable discharge after serving two years in the Army in the Pacific during WW2. In 1951, they were blessed with the arrival of young baby, Ronald Eugene (wife Becky). A bit later, Nita (in Texas) our adopted sister grew up in the family as well, for a few memorable years. Then Randy (wife Dixie) was born, then Tom (wife Jan) and daughter Joanne (husband Jerry), then Dennis (wife Sandra), and then one more named Larry (wife Samantha). Now since, there are several grandkids.

Rose and Gene rented farms near Guthrie, Yale and Panora and created many fond memories. Farming became a way of life, and many stories ensued. While Dad was farming, Mom was by his side — or milking cows, or feeding pigs, or taking care of the chickens, ducks, the dog and lots and lots of cats. She did whatever needed done while caring for her family.

They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, the Bahamas, New York and other places through Vigortone Feed sales awards promotions, the Mid-America Dairyman’s Association, Archer Oil and more. Mom went to Alaska with Grandma Lena once, and once Dad, Mom, Dennis and I (Larry) drove on a 14-day adventure across Canada to Alaska. And she went at least two more times with Dad driving up the Al-Can Highway with other family members. Yes! They enjoyed traveling across the U.S. with us kids as well. She also participated and enjoyed being with my dad as he promoted collecting, displaying and parading antique tractors.

Visiting and working at her parents Goldmine Apple Orchard was always a wonderful family event. She helped all of us to retain great memories of the orchard as well. She loved her parents and siblings and always carried their fond memories as long as she lived on this earth.

In 1961, they moved to the farm where brother Randy and his wife, Dixie, currently reside. In addition to being a farm wife, and a mom to all us kids, at the age of 54 she graduated from DMACC with her degree in nursing as an RN. Later, she became a surgical nurse and then took on the duties as Infectious Disease Controller of the Guthrie County Hospital. She was always busy. Even as the children grew, she continued serving her community as a nurse, a mom and more. If you asked her if working at the hospital was hard work, she would jokingly say, “I work at the hospital to get away from the hard work at the farm.” She even retired twice from the hospital because they had called her back for a few more years, until the age of 74.

Soon after that, our dad passed away, she moved to Panora to a house that felt just like home. She had a love of art and music. Many of her children and grandchildren enjoyed visiting during the week to eat cookies and experience her great cooking. During the holidays, all enjoyed the loving atmosphere. If you went away hungry from her house, it was your fault!

At the age of 90, she said she didn’t think she should drive anymore. She knew something was changing. COVID hit and created an obstacle that many had to maneuver through. It was hard on her and others. As her dementia progressed, we saw pieces of her thinking and abilities slip away. But, through the tremendous support of family members, relatives and friends, she was able to be cared for in her own home until January of 2025.

Due to illness, she was hospitalized and then placed in the New Homestead Care Facility where she resided until her death at the age of 95 on April 19, 2025. She will be missed but not forgotten. As a Christian, we will see her again, returning in the Triumph of our Lord. Amen!

She was preceded in death by husband, Eugene C. Glade; a great granddaughter, Capri Jill; parents, Walter and Lena Hambleton; brothers, Dan, Dar, John and Doug; and sisters, Neva, Hope and Mary.

1923-2025 

Dorothy Jean Sloss was born Oct. 26, 1923, to William and Bertha Sheeder Richey in Guthrie Center. Dorothy was the second of five children. Her siblings include Lillian, Jim, Joan and Donna.

Dorothy passed away peacefully at The New Homestead on April 13, 2025. She attended Guthrie Center High School and graduated in 1941. Dorothy taught country school for several years. She married Willard Sloss on Jan. 18, 1950. To this union, three children were born: Michael, Randy and Teresa. Willard and Dorothy divorced in 1988.

Dorothy worked at the county farm in the 1970s. She was a caregiver, providing for her family and friends. She cared for her parents until their deaths. Dorothy was very artistic. She loved to paint, draw, sew, quilt and garden. The name Dorothy means “Gift of God.” “A good name is more desirable than great riches,” Proverbs 22:1. Dorothy loved to read and study, with the Bible being her favorite. She patiently waited for Jesus, her savior, to close her eyes and take her last breath.

She is survived by her children, Randy (Glenda) of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Teresa of Guthrie Center; her grandchildren, Brett Sloss of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Ashleigh Sloss of Old Hickory, Tennessee; her great grandson, Brayden Sloss of Old Hickory, Tennessee; and her sister, Joan (Harold) Rose of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bertha Richey; her brother, Jim Richey; her sisters, Lillian Stevens and Donna Marchant; and a son, Michael Sloss.