1946-2026

Linda Lee Richey, 80, daughter of Leland Eugene and Marjory Bess (McLaughlin) Gilmore, was born Jan. 27, 1946, in Des Moines. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Unity Point-Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Linda grew up in Linden, where she learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a young girl, she walked beans, babysat and helped at Gilmore’s Garage, the family business.

On Sept. 3, 1966, Linda married the love of her life, William “Bill” Richey. Together, they built a life centered on love, family and faith, sharing many wonderful years together.

Throughout her life, Linda was known for her strong work ethic and friendly smile. She worked at Look Magazine, Farm Bureau, Teale Insurance, the Panora-Linden Schools, Casey’s, Panora Oil, Jubilee and Ben Franklin. No matter where she worked, Linda formed lasting friendships and was admired for her kindness, dependability and willingness to help others.

More than anything, Linda cherished her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved, celebrating holidays, attending family gatherings and making memories with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose gentle spirit and caring heart touched countless lives.

Linda grew up in the Linden Methodist Church and then later became a member of the Panora Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and was a longtime member of UMW. She was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She enjoyed flowers in her yard, family vacations, going to Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball games, helping her children and grandchildren with band and their sporting events, going to their ball games and concerts.

Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Richey; her children, Bryan Richey; Jennifer (Tim) Hochstetler; and Kevin (Julie) Richey; her cherished grandchildren, Levi, Madelyn, and Laicey Richey; Spencer, Meridith and Sarah Hochstetler; Olivia and Grace Richey; and Samuel (Natalie), Nicholas, and Christopher Compiano; her great-granddaughter, Mia Compiano; her siblings, Lee (Carol) Gilmore and Carolyn Van Pelt; and many extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathy Dever; along with other cherished family members who welcomed her home.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 11, at the Panora United Methodist Church, Panora. Burial will be in West Linn Cemetery, near Linden. Visitation will be Friday, July 10, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home in Panora.

Memorials may be left to the Panora United Methodist Church or Tori’s Angels.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered love, prayers and support during this difficult time.

Though she will be deeply missed, Linda’s love and the many lives she touched will never be forgotten.

1942-2026

LaVerne Leroy Jensen, son of Christian Peter and Elena (Christoffersen) Jensen, was born on Feb. 5, 1942, in Kimballton. He passed away on July 1, 2026, in Guthrie Center at the New Homestead.

LaVerne attended Audubon Community School and graduated in 1960. He had many professions, including working at Southside Welding driving trucks with his brother-in-law, Dale Madsen, and his brother, Jerry. He married Eileen Marie Madsen on July 6, 1963, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Three sons were born in this marriage: Craig, Gary and Brian. In 1988, they bought McBride’s Resort in Protem, Missouri. During that time, LaVerne also worked during the winter months at Bass Pro Shop, building trailers.

He married Janice (Williams) Anderson on Feb. 24, 1996, and lived in Fairgrove, Missouri. They moved to Des Moines in June 2000, and he worked at Seneca in Des Moines, building vacuum pumps for trucks. In June 2010, they moved to Lake Panorama, where he enjoyed woodworking and tinkering in his garage.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jerry; his wife, Leanna; brothers-in-laws, Jerry A Jensen, James Anderson and Alan and his wife, JoAnn Haskins.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; sister, Dianne Furne (Wesley); his children, Craig (Julie) of De Soto, Gary (Linda) of Carroll, Brian (Brandi) of Earlham, Jeff Anderson of Panora, and Loni Anderson of Shelby. He had 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Roger (Butch) Williams, his wife Sally of Spirit Lake; sisters-in-law, Rosalie Jensen of Hamlin, Bev and Terry Rikter of Panora, Dee Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Nancy and Dwight Huffman of Terril, and Joy Anderson of Johnston, as well as many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

His favorite pastime was being a grandpa and great grandpa — he loved every minute of it!

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, with Rev. Sean Dougherty officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A reception took place following the committal service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. A family visitation was held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon. Memorials can be made to the family and will be designated at a later date.

1942-2026

LaVerne Jensen, age 84 of Panora, and a former Audubon resident, died on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, with Rev. Sean Dougherty officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A reception will take place following the committal service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. A family visitation will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon. Memorials can be made to the family and will be designated at a later date.

1961-2026

Michael Lee Clouse, 65, son of Vernon and Betty (Stewart) Clouse, was born Jan. 22, 1961, in Guthrie County. He passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home in Guthrie Center.

Michael graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1980. Following high school, he worked in Jefferson at a Shelter Workshop. He then worked at the grocery store and Dollar Store in Guthrie Center. On June 16, 1988, he married Brenda Jackson in Guthrie Center, where they made their home. Michael took over the lawn care business from his father, Vernon, at this time. Michael continued working before turning the business over to his son, Curtis, when his health wouldn’t let him continue.

Michael enjoyed fishing and riding his tractor.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Clouse, and son, Curtis Clouse, both of Guthrie Center; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ross; brother, Greg; and sister, Nancy Trumm.

Cremation has taken place, and visitation will be held Friday, July 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center, with graveside services following at Pleasant Hill (Bowman) Cemetery, rural Guthrie Center.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1944-2026

Karen (McCool) Anfinson, 81, of Guthrie Center, passed away suddenly on May 7, 2026. She was born Nov. 20, 1944, in Guthrie Center, to John Clark (J.C.) and Ruth McCool.

Karen grew up in Guthrie Center. She attended school there and graduated in 1957. The highlight of her senior year was that her girls basketball team won the Iowa state tournament. Karen was known for her famous hook shot and still holds some scoring records. She was eventually inducted into the Iowa High School Girls Basketball Hall of Fame.

On Dec. 4, 1966, Karen married Rudolf Johnson. This marriage ended in divorce in the spring of 1984. On June 1, 1984, she married Robert Anfinson. They spent most of their married life in Missouri, where they first owned and operated a Dairy Queen and eventually managed a series of motels.

After Robert’s death in 2008, Karen remained in Springfield, Missouri, until 2024, when she moved to Minnesota to be closer to her brother, Robert.

Karen is survived by her brother, Robert, and his wife, Susan, who live in Circle Pines, Minnesota. Karen’s niece, Kristin Walls, and family live in Columbia, Missouri, and her nephew, Dan McCool, and family live in Overland Park, Kansas. Karen’s three step-nieces and step-nephews and their families live in Minnesota, California and Wisconsin.

1940-2026

Edward Simons, 85, of Adair, formerly of Stuart, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, June 12 at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Stuart. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Ed was born on Oct. 24, 1940, to Edward and Mary Catherine (Scharfenkamp) Simons in Carroll. Shortly after, the family moved to the Stuart area. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School until high school, and he graduated from Stuart High School with the class of 1958. After graduation, he attended barber school in Des Moines and made his career barbering in Stuart for more than 30 years. After retiring from the barber shop, he owned and operated a liquor store in Stuart. He also worked at Schildberg Construction.

On Aug. 20, 1966, he was united in marriage to Mary Lee Barnes at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. To this union, three children were born: Tracy, Jacqueline and Scott. The family made their home in Stuart. Mary Lee passed away on Oct. 17, 2000. He later married his wife, Margaret in 2003, and the couple made their home in Des Moines before moving back to Stuart and lastly Adair. Ed never knew a stranger and would frequent many events in Stuart. He cherished the time he was able to spend with his family and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Lee Simons; sons-in-law, Patrick McCorkel and David Jones; and nine siblings.

He leaves behind his children: Tracy Jones, Jacqueline McCorkel and Scott Simons; grandchildren: Amber Simons, Courtney Jones, Cassandra Jones, Tyler (Victoria) McCorkel and Dannielle (Chase) Dress; great-grandchildren: Oliver, Henry, Maisie and Payton; wife, Margaret Simons; brothers, Gene (Mary) Simons and Leroy (Joann) Simons; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.