1945-2026

Karen Jane Robinson of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026. Karen was born on July 21, 1945, to Bennie and Freda L. Sheeder. She enjoyed her time on the farm, such as playing in the timber on wooden horses. Also, she attended a one-room school, similar to the school that she enjoyed reading about in the Laura Ingalls Wilder “Little House” series. She had a passion of reading all her life.

In 1963, Karen graduated from Guthrie Center High and then moved to Des Moines to work for a time. She attended Omaha Baptist Bible College, in 1964, and spent several summers working with missionaries in Illinois. In the summer of 1965, she returned to Des Moines and began working at the “Hob Nob,” a coffee shop at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. She was able to do her dream job as an “elevator operator,” something she had wanted to do since a child. She then got a job as a telephone operator with Bell Telephone and continued working for them for 31 years in Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas, offices.

On Oct. 11, 1970, Karen married Steve Robinson. Seven years later, two special Christmas presents came to them on Dec. 24, 1977. They adopted Philip, age 4, and Nathan, age 3, from the Philippines. Her family now complete, she then devoted herself to them.

Karen spent many years as a VBS director and teacher ministering to children and adults.  Another special calling was helping with church camp ministry as a cook and teacher. Also, she actively decorated the church for every season and occasion. She wanted to share the gospel whether at home, work, church or at camp. Karen also had a catering business for many years, which was a family affair. She loved traveling with her husband on cruises, which included Israel, Italy, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean Islands.

After her husband, Steve, passed, Karen moved to assisted living where she could enjoy her passions of reading and crafting. She loved playing bingo two times a week. They catered to her needs, and she felt like a princess, especially at her 80^th birthday party.

Karen received her glorified body on May 8, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; parents, Bennie and Freda Sheeder; sister, Sandra Sorensen; and brothers, Gary and Lyle Sheeder. Left to mourn Karen are her two sons, Philip and wife Krysten Robinson and Nathan Robinson; eight grandchildren, Stephen, Inez, Mia, Nathan, Simn, Pilar, Anevey and Philip Theodore, Jr.; a sister, Sherry, and her husband, Warren Gardner; as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews and a host of friends who held a special place in her heart.

Graveside Service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Union Cemetery, 1305 North St., Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made payable to Amazing Grace Baptist Camp, 4214 Eisenhower Road, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

Full details may be found at www.dengelmortuary.com.

1959-2026 

Nancy Maureen Simmons, 66, daughter of Wayne and Dorothy (McCarthy) Caltrider, was born Aug. 12, 1959, in Atlantic. She passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Nancy graduated from Adair-Casey High School. On Sept. 28, 1985, she married David Simmons, and, to this union, two children were born, Chris and Cassidy. Nancy worked as a cook for many years between Country View, Guthrie County Hospital and Guthrie Center Schools. 

She was a proud mother and grandmother. She loved cooking, spending time outdoors, planting flowers, raising a garden, caring for animals, the love of outdoors, and, especially, rocking on her front porch. She was always up for and loved an adventure with family and friends, especially going to garage sales. 

Nancy is survived by her husband, David, of Guthrie Center; son, Chris (Tara) of Guthrie Center; daughter, Cassidy (Nick) of Jefferson; grandchildren, Cullen and Jentry Simmons and Avery and Scarlett Lange; her mother, Dorothy Caltrider of Adair; along with extended family including nieces, nephews and many friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Caltrider; brother, Roger Caltrider; sister, Pat McKibbin; and father-in-law, Gerald Simmons.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at the Guthrie Activities Center, 209 State St. in Guthrie Center. 

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

1943-2026

William “Bill” John Clarke Jr., born Sept. 5, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away at home on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and as a loyal friend — someone whose steady presence, quick wit and genuine love of conversation made people feel instantly at ease.

Bill was the son of William Clarke, Sr. and Lucille Mae Clarke (LePorin). Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he graduated from Ritenour High School and carried his hometown pride with him all his life — especially as a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan for decades.

After high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Germany — an experience that deepened his sense of responsibility, resilience and pride in serving others. He brought that same steady dependability into every chapter that followed.

Back in the St. Louis area, Bill worked several jobs and — luckily for everyone who came to know their family story — met the love of his life, Jane Shick. They married on Jan. 7, 1967, and built a home filled with laughter, conversation and the kind of loyalty you could count on. Together they welcomed two sons, Sean William Clarke and Brian Matthew Clarke.

In 1976, Bill and Jane moved to Iowa with their two sons, settling on a farm near Jefferson in 1977. A city boy at heart, Bill threw himself into farm life — learning, adapting, and eventually taking over the family farm from Jane’s parents. He worked hard and took pride in doing things the right way, but he also knew how to enjoy the people around him; after a long day on the tractor, he was happiest swapping stories with friends over a cold beer at the lake.

In time, Bill and Jane retired to their home on Lake Panorama, where he lived until his death. They shared nearly 60 years together — hardly a day went by that they weren’t side by side. They spent several winters in Arizona and later in Naples, Florida, and they loved seeing the country: browsing flea markets and antique shops, taking trips to Las Vegas, driving the boat while Jane and the kids waterskied, or enjoying a cozy night in with the Cardinals on TV. No matter where he was, Bill’s top priority was always family, with friends a close second — and he was the kind of person who never turned away someone in need, always ready to lend a hand without keeping score.

Bill is survived by his son, Sean Clarke and Liana, of Naples, Florida; his son, Brian Clarke and his wife Angela, of Long Grove, Illinois; and six grandchildren: Christian, Alexander, Isabella, Ricky, Bobbi and Angelyse.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Jane Rae.

A visitation with the family was held Saturday, April 25, at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Bill’s sons, Brian and Sean Clarke, delivered the eulogy. The United States Army Honor Guard presented the American Flag. Services were directed by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson. 

1931-2026

Donald “Donnie” William Hennen, 94, son of George and Evangeline (Shell) Hennen, was born June 19, 1931, in Panora. He passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center.

Donnie attended school in Panora. In 1948, he married Bonnie Louise Trent. To this union, four sons were born. They mostly made their home in the Panora area. Donnie worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years, owned and operated the DX station in Panora for 14 years, and then went on to help area farmers. He was always doing something. In July of 2021, he became a resident of Panora Specialty Care Center.

Donnie enjoyed fishing, hunting and tinkering with any engine. He was a great gardener and enjoyed doing anything outside.

He was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Donnie is survived by his sons, Mike (Jinny) Hennen and Brian “Pete” (Becky) Hennen, both of Panora; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; sons, Mark and Timothy; brothers, Melvin, George, Jr., and Dean; and sisters, Nina and Betty.

Cremation has taken place, and visitation will be Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial of his cremains will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Morrisburg Cemetery, rural Stuart.

1941-2026

Merwyn (Merv) Jay Kinman, 85, of Waukee, passed away on April 18, 2026. He was born on Jan. 12, 1941, in Adair County to L. Hugh and Mildred Kinman. Merv will be remembered for his kindness, humor and dedication to his family and his business, Kinman Glass. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda; his son, Doug; his daughter, Laura (Brian) Manatt; his granddaughters, Clair, Payton and Lucia; and daughter-in-law, Braedi Kinman, and his grandson, Cole Kinman; his sister, Mary (Graeme) Doyle; a niece and two nephews; and many other family members and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his son, David; his parents; his brother, John; and his sister, Darlene.

A celebration of life will be held at Iles Jordan Creek Funeral Home, 7150 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, on April 27, 2026. Visitation is at 10 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m. A reception will be held at the funeral home following the services. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Branch, Iowa (in rural Guthrie County).

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to be made to the Guthrie County Community Foundation, 1915 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

1963-2026 

Sharon J. Jessen, 62, was born on April 22, 1963, in Illinois to John and Jeannette Haila. She passed away on April 18, 2026, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Sharon lived in California as a child. She loved playing outside with friends in the cul-de-sac her family’s home was part of. In 1972 her family moved to West Des Moines, where she entered fourth grade. She continued her education, graduating from Valley High School in 1981. She subsequently attended Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. Following graduation, Sharon worked at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and then at American Federal Savings and Loan in Des Moines where she learned how to operate a computer.

Sharon met Steven D. Jessen of Guthrie Center at a Merry Mixers square dance, and on March 11, 1989, she married him at the Valley United Methodist Church in West Des Moines. The newlywed couple made their residence in Guthrie Center where Steve was employed as a farmer and an assembler of farm machinery. Sharon found employment at the newspaper office as an ad creator and feature writer interviewing retired people and telling their stories for the paper.

Sharon left the newspaper office when she became unable to work due to a chronic illness called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). She was later diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. She worked from home as a freelance graphic artist creating business cards and invitations for family and friends on her home computer. She also worked as a personal historian putting together life story books.

Sharon was active before her lungs became compromised, causing her to require supplemental oxygen. She engaged in activities such as singing, walking along the country roads and in the fields with her beloved dog Goldie, playing tennis, gardening, and helping her husband with the cattle and on the farm. She also enjoyed working on her computer, creating movies from photographs and music videos for songs she had written. Her hobbies included designing and creating handmade greeting cards, reading about subjects that interested her — especially spirituality and metaphysics — and playing word games and online poker, which she was particularly successful at.

Sharon is survived by her beloved husband; her two brothers, Eric and his wife Lynn of Longmont, Colorado, and John and his wife Mary of Ames, and their two sons. She was preceded in death by her parents. Sharon was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her.