1946-2025

William (Bill) Warren Masters, 78, son of Alva C. and Ruby Myrnell (Knauer), was born in Des Moines on Nov. 14, 1946, and passed away at his home in Guthrie Center surrounded by his loved ones on Jan 3, 2025.

Bill spent the younger years of his childhood in Guthrie Center. After his father’s death in 1953, Myrnell moved Bill and the rest of the family to San Diego, California, in 1954. Bill graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego in 1966. Bill served his country by joining the Air Force later that same year. He was a jet engine mechanic and spent the majority of his military career at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. After his honorable discharge in December of 1970, he returned to Iowa to make a home in Guthrie Center.

Bill was married to Carolyn Stewart in May of 1967. Three children — Tami, Nicole and Tim — were born to this union. They later divorced.

Bill began his civilian career working for the Guthrie County Road Department from 1971 to 1973. He then worked for The Des Moines Register until 1994. Bill loved to fix things and craft with his hands, so he decided to start his own painting and remodeling business and called it “The Masters Touch.” Later, Bill also owned another business, Breadeaux Pizza, in Panora until he finally retired in 2015.

In July of 1990, Bill married Judy Hill, and he welcomed her daughter, Trina Brusman, as part of the family.

After Bill retired, he and Judy took many memorable vacations traveling and spent their winters in Tucson, Arizona, where he volunteered as a maintenance worker at Gilbert Ray Campground and gained a whole new family of terrific friends.

Bill enjoyed spending time in the garage working on woodworking projects, traveling, wintering in Arizona and cruising around in his 1939 Studebaker Commander and entering it into car shows. Bill also enjoyed working in the yard, birdwatching and watching the other wildlife that frequented their acreage. Perhaps Bill’s favorite pastimes were cooking and gathering around the table to share memories and talk about the future with his beloved family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Tami Masters (David), Nicole Hansen (Ed), Tim Masters and Trina Brusman (Ulises); grandchildren, Nathan Somsky (Danielle), Owen Hansen (Mallory), Abby Hansen (Rush), Daniel Jensen (Kena), Teressa Stillwell (Nick), Heather Brusman (Kyle) and Shelby Brusman (Ashton); great-grandchildren, Carter Somsky, Dameon Lawrence, Dominik Stillwell, Finn Stillwell and Izabella Bookout; brother, Robert Masters; nephews, Dan Masters, Ken Masters, Ron Masters, Andrew Masters and Mike Mohr; and niece, Tina Mohr.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Masters (Caryl), and sister, Joyce Mohr (Gary).

Bill was a cancer warrior and fought a very brave fight as he was cared for by the oncology staff at the Des Moines VA Medical Center and nurses of Hospice of the Midwest. His family will be forever grateful for his caregivers and their tireless efforts to give Bill the best life he could have in his final months.

Bill will be greatly missed by many lifelong friends and family.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held at the Guthrie Activity Center, located at 209 State St., Guthrie Center, on April 13, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. The family looks forward to sharing stories and celebrating Bill’s life with everyone who knew him.

Bill’s remains will be laid to rest at a small, private graveside service at Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center at a later date.

1934-2025

Richard Louis Zapf, 90, son of Alphonse and Imelda (Loso) Zapf, was born Oct. 5, 1934, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at the Mayo Clinics in Rochester, Minnesota. 

He graduated from Cathedral High School, St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1952. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1954. He was stationed in Kansas, New Jersey and Arizona before being honorably discharged in 1955. He attended St. Cloud State College. On Dec. 28, 1957, he married Diane Baker in St. Cloud, Minnesota. To this union, one son and three daughters were born. After several moves, the family settled in Des Moines in 1965. Richard worked as a general merchandise manager for Super Valu, Des Moines Division. In 1988, Dick and Diane moved one last time to Lake Panorama.

Richard enjoyed golfing, woodworking and supporting junior golf in Panora, but his family was the true joy of his life. Dick was a man of faith and attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Panora.

Richard is survived by his son, Mark (Lynette) Zapf, of Rogers, Arkansas; three daughters, Chris (Robert) Dowd, of Altoona, Kathy Moline, of Panora, and Kelly (Sean) Mullane, of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Zapf of Cold Spring, Minnesota; and a sister, Jeanette “Pi” Peterson of Virginia, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane in 2012; brothers, Mike, Johnny and Frank “Butz” Zapf; and a sister, Maryann Zachman.

A rosary service will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and Mass/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. A celebration of life will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center.

Memorials may be directed to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 N. First St., Panora, IA 50216.

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

1926-2025

Mildred (Millie) Sloss Kent was born Nov. 24, 1926, at the family farm home of her parents, Samuel and Mary (Shroyer) Sloss, Sr., south of Guthrie Center. Millie and her twin brother, Willard, were so tiny that they initially slept in a warm chicken incubator in the storm cellar. In 1943, she graduated from Guthrie Center High School.

Millie married John Brotherson, and, to this union, two sons were born, Ronnie and Gary. In 1954, she married Ivyl Kent, and they had two sons, Doug and Dan. Millie was a hard worker and spent many years waitressing at Cronk’s Café and the Beef ‘N Brew. In later years, she worked for the Guthrie Center School District in the kitchen.

Family was important to her, and she delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She enjoyed playing cards and participated in regular groups that played cribbage, pinochle and pitch. Even in her 90s, she was still winning at cribbage. She was known for her apple pie, homemade buns and Christmas peanut brittle, all of which she generously shared.

Millie died Feb. 23, 2025, and is survived by sons Gary (Carol) of Burlington, Doug (Teresa) of Guthrie Center, and Dan (Cindy) of North Richland Hills, Texas; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; son, Ron; grandson, Jim; and her siblings, Edna Rhodes, Gerald, Phil, Max, Richard, Sam Jr., Lulu Cline, Willard and Maxine Miller.

Visitation with family will be held Friday, March 7, 4-6 p.m., in the Fellowship Building of First Christian Church, 104 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center. Per her wishes, there will be no service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the ACGC school lunch program in memory of Millie.

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.