1932-2025

Delbert Lee Artist passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2025, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center, at the age of 92. Born on Aug. 16, 1932, in Adair. Delbert was the son of Homer and Violet Artist.

Delbert graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1950, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to hard work and service to his community. He was a man of the land, a farmer who understood the value of honest labor and the importance of nurturing the earth. Delbert’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a successful insurance business owner and a respected crop adjuster, where his expertise and integrity were well-regarded by his peers. The Artist Farms have been a multi-generational operation in the Bear Grove Township area, and Delbert took pride in maintaining the operation. This was the same as the Artist Insurance Company that was started by Delbert’s father, Homer. In his professional life, Delbert was known for his generous spirit and friendly demeanor. He was a man who built lasting relationships, both in business and in his personal life. His work ethic was unparalleled, and he found great satisfaction in the challenges and rewards of his chosen professions.

Delbert’s life was rich with the love of family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara Jean (Charter) Artist. Barb and Delbert were united in marriage on June 30, 1951. Their children: Ricky Lee Artist (Julie), Craig Gene Artist (Rhonda), Randal Dean Artist, Teresa Ann Johnson (Steve), Michael Paul Artist (Jennie) and Mark John Artist. He was a proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren and a doting great-grandfather to a multitude of great-grandchildren. Delbert was predeceased by his parents, Homer and Violet Artist, and his brother, Dean Artist.

Throughout his life, Delbert’s interests were deeply rooted in the work he loved. Farming was not just a job for him; it was a passion that he pursued with dedication and joy. His connection to the land and his commitment to his work were a testament to his character.

Delbert’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity and a friendly smile that could light up any room. Delbert is a member of Bowman Chapel United Methodist Church. He was involved in several organizations through the years. One of his kid’s favorite memories was of him playing on a volleyball team for North Branch. The last 30-plus years, they have resided in Audubon, where he had many friends. A favorite activity was his coffee group at Darrell’s Café. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

As we say goodbye to Delbert, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love, hard work and the joy of family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. Delbert’s life was a journey of love, commitment and service. He was a pillar of strength for his family, a trusted friend to many, and a respected member of his community. We take comfort in knowing that his was a life full of purpose and that his spirit will remain with us, guiding and inspiring us always. Delbert Lee Artist will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

The visitation was held at Twigg Funeral Home, Thursday Feb. 27, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. The funeral was Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Bowman Chapel Church at 10:30 a.m. with burial service and lunch to follow.

1933-2025

William Richard Jordan, Sr., 91, son of Samuel and Frances (Lacy) Jordan, was born July 15, 1933, in Ross. He passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at his home.

Bill enlisted into the United States Navy, serving from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, Bill worked several jobs including boiler technician, tractor sales, garage maintenance, and was a truck driver for many years, working for Crouse Cartage for more than 20 years and even obtained his GED in 1982. On June 25, 1966, he was united in marriage to Linda Sue Lynam in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home in Audubon, Carroll, Kansas City, Chicago, North Carolina, Kansas and, for the last 10 years, in Panora.

He was a member of the Guthrie Center United Methodist Church, Life member of the American Legion, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for more than 55 years.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Jordan of Panora; daughters, Debi May (Steve) Barrington of Florida and Donna Trask of Tennessee; sons, William “Bill” Jordan, Jr. of California; Randolph Jordan of Arizona; and Scott Jordan of Panora; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister, Lee (Verdon) Sorensen of Shenandoah; and brother, Franklin (Pat) Jordan of California; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Andrew Barrington; sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Jim Young; two nephews, Mike and Jeff; father-in-law, Dale Lynam; mother-in-law, Betty Lynam; brother-in-law, Carl Kepple; and sister-in-law, Pam Lynam.

Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at the Guthrie Center United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1928-2025

Catherine R. Wilhelm, 96, of Dyersville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Catherine was born on June 15, 1928, to Michael (Fred) and Anne (O’Brien) Arganbright in Guthrie Center. She was one of 11 children, though one sibling passed away in infancy. Raised on a farm east of Guthrie Center, Catherine developed a strong work ethic and an enduring faith. She attended a country school during her early years and later graduated from Panora High School at the age of 16. Following her graduation, she taught at the country school for a couple of years before continuing her education at the University of Iowa, where she shared a room with her cousin.

During her second year at the university, she met Bob Wilhelm. The couple enjoyed attending Iowa Hawkeye games together. After a while, they parted ways and she took a teaching job in Ripley. At the close of her first year of teaching, she returned to the University of Iowa to visit her cousin, where she and Bob rekindled their romance. They married on Nov. 22, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guthrie Center.

After Bob’s graduation from pharmacy school in 1952, he took a job in Mount Pleasant before settling in his hometown of Dyersville in 1958. There, Bob worked as a pharmacist at the Corner Drug Store, eventually becoming its owner. Together, they raised 11 children, building a home filled with love, faith and family.

Catherine dedicated herself as a stay-at-home mother, creating a warm and welcoming environment for her children and their friends. She had an incredible ability to balance the demands of a large family with grace and patience. Her home was always filled with the aroma of fresh cookies or donuts after school and hearty, home-cooked meals in the evening. She cherished time with family and friends, always opening her heart and home to others. Catherine’s deep faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she prayed the rosary regularly at home, always lifting up prayers for the welfare of her family and friends.

As her children grew older, Catherine enjoyed working alongside Bob at the Corner Drug Store, contributing to their family business. She and Bob were deeply committed to their community, believing in the importance of giving back. They worked tirelessly to support their parish, hospital, schools and the restoration of the historical Dyer-Botsford House. Their faith was central to their lives; they spent countless hours in Adoration, leading the rosary, guiding tours of the Basilica, and serving as lectors during Mass. They were also active and strong believers in the Right to Life campaign. Catherine also found joy in singing with the Resurrection Choir.

Bob and Catherine shared a remarkable 71 years of marriage before his passing in December 2022. Together, they formed lifelong friendships, raised an incredible family, and left a legacy of love, service and faith.

Catherine is survived by her children: Pat (Lee) Kruse of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Mary (Mark) Gaul of Worthington; Dan Wilhelm of Dyersville; Deb (Boyd) Campbell of Rudd; Linda (Wayne) Overman of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Tess (Brian) Jones of Greer, South Carolina; Joe (Angie) Wilhelm of Castle Rock, Colorado; Janet (Dave) Sisk of Brownsboro, Alabama; Mike (Kathy Henry) Wilhelm of Centennial, Colorado; Connie Wilhelm (Kurt Rosenthal) of Springville; and Sue (Matt) Kramer of Greer, South Carolina. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Mike (Mary) Arganbright of Linden; her sister-in-law, Diane Arganbright of Panora; brother-in-laws: Paul (Rita) Wilhelm, Dave Wilhelm, and Merle (Sharon) Wilhelm; 36 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, Fred and Anne Arganbright, siblings: Donald, Tom, infant brother William, John, Vince, Jim and Richard Arganbright, Elizabeth Petersen and Mary Moylan of Panora, and one great-grandson, Dane Zeigler, in infancy.

Catherine was a loving wife, devoted mother and cherished friend. She loved to spend time outside in her gardens or on the front porch, savoring a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, if you were lucky, with whoever happened to be visiting. She spent many hours out there with Bob, taking in nature’s wonders. She also loved to rock her grandbabies, softly singing Bye-o-bye. Her unwavering faith, selfless spirit and boundless love touched everyone who knew her. She never lost her keen wit, even up to the end.

Visitation was Jan. 24, 2025, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Funeral services were Jan. 25, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica Catholic Church in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.

1945-2025

Robert Dean Derry, age 79, of Menlo, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning on Jan. 16, 2025, at the Des Moines VA Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

Bob, son of Everett and Elma June (Lewis) Derry, was born on Feb. 28, 1945, in Jefferson. He attended school in Bayard and graduated in the class of 1963.

On June 19, 1964, Bob was united in marriage to Cheryl Binkley. Three children were born to this union: Sheri, Greg and Jeff. Through the years, they lived in the Bayard, Bagley and Monteith areas.

Bob was enlisted in the Iowa National Guard from 1964 to 1970.

He was employed with Oscar Mayer for more than 25 years until they closed in 1988. Afterwards, he attended Southwest Iowa Community College and completed the Ag Industrial Mechanic program in May of 1991. After college, he worked several different jobs around the local area and continued farming and raising livestock.

On July 23, 2009, Bob was united in marriage to Martha Zollars. They lived South of Monteith until his death.

Bob was a true outdoorsman. He would take daily drives around the countryside and would often stop to go for walks to watch wildlife, identify trees, pick up nuts, hunt mushrooms or sit by the creek. Bob loved caring for the animals on his farm, many of which were more like pets. Through the years, he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and attending auctions — all of which were passions he shared with his family. Most of all, though, Bob cherished his time spent visiting with family and friends.

Proceeding him in death are his parents: Everett and June Derry; sister: Patricia Derry; and his step-son: Michael Vanhoff.

Bob is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Martha, and three children: Sheri (Randy) McCann, Greg Derry and Jeff (Natalie) Derry; six grandchildren: Zach (Amy) Derry, Levi (Shay) Derry, Kylie (Dathan) Smerchek, Emily McCann (Tyson Creswell), Trey Derry and Trever Derry; nine great-grandchildren: Aries, Alala, Lane, Colt, Nylah, Kane, Kora, Alivia and Emerson; six brothers: Ron (Joan), Lanny (Lois), Mike (Sherrie), Steve (Suzann), Rod (Brenda) and Andy (Tracy); two brother-in-laws and three sister-in-laws; and step-son, Leroy, along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives who dearly loved him.

A Celebration of Life and Heavenly 80th Birthday will be held Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at the Guthrie Activity Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center.

1932-2025

Ruby Iola Krakau, 92, of Guthrie Center, daughter of Albert and Florence (Nelson) Clausen, was born May 8, 1932, in Cass County. She passed away Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Ruby graduated from Exira High School in 1950. On Oct. 22, 1950, she was united in marriage to Floyd Mervin Krakau in Brayton. To this union, five children were born. Ruby and Floyd spent almost 73 loving years together. They made their home in Grand Junction until moving to Guthrie Center in 1959. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Guthrie Center and the Iowa District West Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML).

Ruby was a busy and social homemaker and an excellent cook and baker for her family and friends. A few favorites were her cranberry pudding cake, Danish coffee cake, and, of course, her secret lemonade recipe. She was an active community member, volunteering with the Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels and Guthrie Center Women’s Club. Her hobbies included porcelain classes, playing cards and bowling league. She enjoyed the annual Exira Fourth of July celebration, the Guthrie County Fair, especially the bingo stand, and always attended the Iowa State Fair on opening day. Most of all, Ruby loved spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruby is survived by her children, Merv (Barb) Krakau of Guthrie Center; Teresa (Doug) Kent of Guthrie Center; Tamela (Jeff) Booth of Guthrie Center; Bill (Mary) Krakau of Roland; and Tonya (Brad) Messner of Springfield, Missouri; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd; brother, Robert, and his wife, Leona; sisters, Marjorie, and her husband, Orville Krakau, Harriet, and her husband, Henry Alff, and twin sister, Ruth, and her husband, Jack Large.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Guthrie Center. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home in Panora.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church’s LWML, Guthrie Center.

1959-2025

Randal Dean Rogers, 65, son of Everett and Dorothy (Searl) Rogers, was born July 12, 1959, at the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center. He passed away Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at his home.

Randal graduated from Yale-Jamaica-Bagley High School in 1977. During high school, he worked at the foundry in Perry. He then became the town police officer in Bayard his last two years of high school. In May of 1977, the city of Coon Rapids hired him as their town police officer. In June of 1977, he and two other officers were in a vehicle accident after responding to a call. Randal was in the back seat of the patrol car when they were hit by a drunk driver. The two officers in the front were killed. Randal spent the next year and a half recovering at the hospital in Omaha. After his recovery, he returned home and started working as a janitor for Greene County Hospital. It was during this time he put himself through the Law Enforcement Academy. Unfortunately, because of his injuries, he wasn’t able to work full-time as a police officer. He was the first reserve deputy for Guthrie County. After retirement from Greene County Hospital, he worked as a security guard for Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson. He then worked security for Lake Panorama. He retired for good when he was 60.

During his teenage years, he started Civil War reenacting, then he later participated with WWI and WWII reenacting. He received the rank of Sergeant with the Civil War reenacting. He participated in many reenactments through the years for all three war periods. He also taught at Living History Farms where he learned blacksmithing. He volunteered at Living History Farms for around 12-15 years. 

Randal is survived by a daughter, Stephanie, and son, Randal Rogers II, along with his brother, Robert Rogers of Bayard, and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond.

Cremation has taken place, and graveside services will be held at a later date in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora. 

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