1957-2025

Jeanine Rae (Stanley) Chaloupka, 67, of Yale, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in downtown Des Moines. A service is being planned by the family for a later date. 

Jeanine was born Oct. 23, 1957, in Herndon, the daughter of Arthur and Eleanor (Moore) Stanley. She was their only daughter and has two brothers, Dean and Mark. 

Jeanine married her husband, Randy, in 1980 and they had a son, Samuel, in 1984. Jeanine was a hard worker and had many jobs while growing up, such as walking soybeans and detasseling seed corn, as well as helping at home. She was also active in high school activities such as NHS and lettered as a cheerleader.

Following high school, Jeanine entered DMACC in Ankeny to study bookkeeping and accounting. Following her graduation, she was employed at WIESE Corporation in Perry. After several years of employment there, she took a short break to start a family and help her husband with crop farming and raising cattle. When her son was a toddler, she went back to work at Farmers State Bank of Yale and a law firm in Guthrie Center. Health problems forced her into retirement in later years.

Jeanine was proceeded in death by her parents, Arthur and Eleanor. She is survived by her husband, Randy; her son, Samuel, and his wife, Jennifer; four grandchildren; and her brothers, Dean of Panora and Mark in Washington state. 

1944-2025

 Judy Kopaska, 80, passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, 2025. She was born on May 9, 1944, in Adair to Clyde Hallie “Hal” Kinman and Genevieve Marie (Hayes) Kinman. Judy graduated from Adair-Casey High School in 1962 and married the love of her life, Larry Kopaska, later that year at the Methodist Church in Adair.

Judy and Larry built a beautiful life together in rural Guthrie Center where they raised their family and worked side by side. Judy’s days were filled with love and dedication as a homemaker, farmhand and community member. Her passions for gardening, quilting, baking and camping showcased her creative and nurturing spirit. She also had an adventurous side, evident in her love for motorcycle rides and her time as a “snowbird” in Arizona and Florida, where she embraced new friendships and experiences.

Judy was a woman of many talents and roles. She touched countless lives as a high school cook and as a dedicated 4-H leader for the U.S. Sunbeams. Her warmth and kindness made her a friend to all — she truly never met a stranger. Judy’s faith was a big part of her life, and she was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family and friends, treasuring the laughter, love and memories they shared. 

Judy’s memory will be lovingly cherished by her three daughters, Mechiel (Kurt) Kalbach of Chattahoochee, Florida; Melinda (Monte) Jorgensen of Guthrie Center; and Melissa Kopaska of Rogers, Arkansas; her three grandchildren, Michaela (Tyler) Kinman, Madisyn (Ross) Wasson and McKlain Jorgensen; and her four great-grandchildren, Addy and Layton Kinman, and Kroy and Lyla Wasson, who were her greatest pride and joy. She is also survived by her sisters, Diana Jens and Janice (Veryl) Ticknor; her sister-in-law, Andrea (Steve) Brubaker; as well as nieces and nephews and their families.

Judy is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Larry; her parents, Clyde and Genevieve Kinman; her in-laws, Arnold and Lois Kopaska; her brother-in-law, Carl Jens; and her niece, Cathy Sadler. Though her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace and surrounded by those she loved.

A visitation to honor Judy’s life will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. A funeral service celebrating her extraordinary life will take place at the same location on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Homestead Activities Fund to continue supporting the community she held dear.

Judy Kopaska was known for her kindness, generosity and joyful spirit. Her loving presence will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be carried forward by her family and friends. Judy, you will be profoundly missed, but your light will shine in our hearts forever.

1942-2024

Sharon Louise Smith, age 82, of Panora, and formerly of Bayard, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Panora Specialty Care Center.

Sharon was born on Nov. 24, 1942, in Yale, and she was the daughter of Delbert and Dorothy (Bollerman) Deardorf. She grew up on her family’s farm near Yale and graduated from Yale High School. Sharon was married to Darwin L. Smith on April 7, 1963, in Guthrie County. She worked for several local businesses over the years. She loved her flowers, her rock garden, tending to her yard, her pets and traveling by motorcycle in her younger years.  

Sharon is survived by a daughter, Shannon Anderson (John) of Guthrie Center; a son, Joel Smith (Mary) of Bayard; four grandchildren, Jordyn (Melanie), Justyn, Chase and Traci (Andrew); three great-granddaughters, Payton, Keeley and Ruby; two sisters, Nadine Allen (Ron) and Sharol Rhoades; a brother, Bert Deardorf; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Dorothy Deardorf; a brother, Dale Deardorf; a sister, Pam Lynam; and a son, Darrin, in infancy.

According to Sharon’s wishes, no services will be held.  

The Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids assisted the family, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

1941-2024

Marian McQuaid died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2024, at Halcyon House, after a lengthy illness.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Richmond, Iowa, with Fr. Bill Roush officiating. Interment will take place at the Calvary Cemetery in Benton County, Iowa. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County or to St. James Catholic School for their lunch program. The Jones and Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Marian’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Marian Catherine (Nolan) McQuaid was born to Emmett and Lorna (Cox) Nolan in Cedar Rapids on Sept. 5, 1941. Marian graduated from Regis High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. Marian married Paul “Corky” McQuaid. They later divorced. Marian worked as a special education teacher, and later, a special educational consultant for Heartland AEA.

Throughout her life, Marian was involved in volunteer activities. In 2017, she was honored as Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair for her involvement in bringing the Main Street program to Guthrie Center. She was also a founding member of the Guthrie Center Arts Council and was active in Friends of the Mary J. Barnett Library in Guthrie Center. Marian was a lifelong learner. She was especially proud of becoming a Master Gardener in her retirement.                                         

Marian will be deeply missed by her daughter, Mary Catherine “Katie” Mitchell; son-in-law, Mark; grandchildren, Cecelia and Conagher Mitchell, of Riverside; and step-daughter, Julia McQuaid of Coralville. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

The family would like to give their profound thanks to the staff at Halcyon House and Hospice for their devotion and commitment to caring for Marian in her last days. 

1957-2024

Karla Kramer, 67, formerly of Panora, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Davenport after several years of declining health.

Karla Sue Bryan was born on Aug. 9, 1957, to James and Dorotha (Estell) Bryan in Winterset. She grew up on the family farm near Guthrie Center. She graduated in 1975 from YJB High School. On Jan. 26, 1980, she was united in marriage to John Lynn Kramer in Des Moines. He preceded her in death on Nov. 7, 2008.

Karla was employed for most of her adult life at Homesteaders Life Company in Des Moines. She enjoyed the work she did and the relationships she built with her colleagues. Karla took pride in the farm she lived on, spending many hours taking care of the property and providing a place where her sons and their families could enjoy during their visits. Karla loved hosting family, preparing delicious meals and baked goods for the holidays.

Karla was a member of a bowling league in Guthrie Center and was active in politics. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, doing puzzles and spoiling her grandkids.

She is survived by her children, James (Kate) Kramer of DeWitt; Donald (Zane) Kramer of Owatonna, Minnesota; and Kimberly Kramer-Rodriguez (Randy) of Long Beach, California; grandchildren, Michelle, Jonna Rae, AJ, Tena, Kathryn, Logan, Sofija, Roman, Kora and Asher; great-grandchildren Jayden, Xander, Mykah, Izabella, Ethan, Elijah, Lorelai, Danika, Viviane, Gabriella and Malcolm; brothers-in-law, Leverne Seversike and Chuck Vlasity; sisters-in-law, Bette Koeff and Mary Kramer-Long (Steve); and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn; her parents; her sister, Carole Seversike; sister-in-law, Jean Vlasity; brother-in-law, Bill Koeff; and two great-grandchildren, Isaiah and McKenzie.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 26, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

1938-2024

Betty Lou (Wetzel) Thompson, 86, daughter of Ralph Merle Wetzel and Sarah (Guss) Wetzel, was born July 24, 1938, in Manilla in Shelby County, Iowa.  She passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at Thomas Rest Haven, Coon Rapids.

Betty grew up on a farm in southwest Iowa and had eight siblings. Betty went to school and graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1955.

Betty married Jackie Cornell, and to this union a daughter, Tammy, was born. They later divorced. Betty married Gary Thompson, and to this union, a son and daughter, Brandon and Metinka, were born. They later divorced.

Betty went to DMACC and earned a small business management degree all while having young children.

Being a single parent, Betty worked hard to take care of her children. She worked at the local cable company, County Wide Plumbing & Heating, Dutler Construction, Thompson Electric, Mr. Bills Foodland, Wild Abstract Office, Guthrie Center Times and various jobs in accounting and office management and payroll. She also sold Avon and Hoda.

Betty traveled a lot in her younger years and liked staying close to home later in life. 

She enjoyed flowers, gardening, birds, her cats, collecting knick knacks, oil painting, sewing, and writing.

She is survived by her children, Tammy Cornell, Brandon (Geri) Thompson and Metinka (Brian) Slater; grandchildren, Kierra Cornell, Abigail Thompson, Tishara Lane, Talyn Slater, Devan (Dwayne) Seeck, and Misean (Fidel) Hernandez; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Roseanna Leib of California; Connie Hansen of Nebraska; and Marjorie (Mike) Crabbs of Guthrie Center; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Burton (Martha) Wetzel, Donald (Doris) Wetzel, Ralph G. Wetzel, Charles (Nancy) Wetzel; and sister, Elnora Purcell.

Cremation has taken place, and private graveside services will be held at a later date in Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center.

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