1941-2024

Gary Clifford Russell (82) was born at the Boone County Hospital on Nov. 6, 1941, to Clifford and Majorie Russell.

Gary was the oldest of four children. He attended and graduated from Panora High School in 1959.

Gary joined the National Guard in 1963. After his service, he married the love of his life, Agnes Kelsey, on June 10, 1966.

Gary worked for Lawson Grocery Store in Boone. After Lawson’s was sold, he went to work for Fareway in Boone for the next 22 years. Gary then found his passion as the Supervisor of Inventory at Iowa State University where he retired in 2010.

Gary had a huge passion for stamp and coin collecting. He had a vast collection that he was very proud of. He enjoyed working in the yard, reading, collecting books and Indian artifacts.

He cherished his time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Agnes (Kelsey) Russell of Guthrie Center; children, Gordon (Cathy) Russell of Cedar Rapids, Dean (Emily) Russell of Seattle, Washington, and Brenda (Jim) Wickland of Guthrie Center; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; brother, David (Lori) Russell of Boone; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, one son-in-law, and an infant daughter.

Memorials may be directed toward the family to be used at their discretion.

1948-2024

Bill Ben Nickel, 76, was born Sept. 2, 1948, in Carroll, to Clifford and Fern (Scott) Nickel and was the youngest of five children.  

Surrounded by his family, he peacefully passed away at home Sept. 10, 2024.  Bill faced his battle with cancer with the unwavering determination and strength that shaped his entire life. Refusing to let the illness define him, he fought fiercely with sheer determination through every challenge. His legacy will forever be one of courage and a refusal to give up, no matter the odds.

Bill grew up on the family farm in Guthrie Center, where he attended grade school and high school, graduating in 1967. After graduation, he moved to Des Moines and was employed by Meredith Corporation.

On Nov. 25, 1968, Bill was drafted into the Army, serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He was honorably discharged on June 29, 1970.

During the summer of 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Margene Peters, at the A&W in Carroll. On March 20, 1971, they were united in marriage at Holy Family Church in Lidderdale. They were blessed with three wonderful children: Brent, Melonie and Amy, who in turn gave them eight beautiful grandchildren, with two great-grandchildren on the way.

During their marriage, Bill and Margene lived in several places, including Guthrie Center, Des Moines, Sheridan (Wyoming) and Perry, before purchasing a farm in Woodward, where they lived from 1986 until the present.

Bill was a hard worker and had several different occupations, often working two jobs at the same time. Among his roles, he drove a logging truck in Wyoming, operated machinery for Perry Asphalt, and worked at the Woodward State Hospital Farm. For 18 years, Bill was employed by Meadow Gold Dairy in Perry, first operating a novelty ice cream line and later becoming the plant manager. During this time, he also farmed 460 acres, some of which included a legacy family farm, while raising livestock. After retiring from Meadow Gold, Bill bought a semi-truck and drove for Heartland Express. In addition, Bill and Margene owned and managed rental properties, of which Bill handled all the maintenance.

Bill enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved fishing in Canada, first with his brothers, then with Margene, the kids, grandkids and friends. He treasured traveling with Margene in their motorhome, especially their three-month-long trip to Alaska. The couple also enjoyed spending winters in Arizona, where Bill loved four-wheeling, rock climbing in his side-by-side, and making new friends. 

Bill especially cherished time with his eight grandchildren. He began a tradition of “Grandpa/Granddaughter Camping” and tubing at Lake Anita with his four oldest granddaughters, a tradition that continued for 11 years. As his two grandsons grew older, he was excited to take them fishing each year at Red Lake, Canada, always hoping they would catch a big one. He took great joy in patiently coaching them as they reeled in their catch. When the two youngest granddaughters were old enough, Bill proudly took them camping, often to their favorite spot, Spring Lake, where he taught them how to roller skate. Bill also loved spending time with friends, playing cards, and participating in the neighborhood’s beloved Margarita Mondays.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margene of Woodward; his son, Brent (Shantel) Nickel of Grinnell; daughters, Melonie (Jay) Slight of Johnston and Amy (Stacy Lilley) Nickel of Perry; his grandchildren, Emily (Ian) Webster, Casey Nickel, Jared Nickel, Jack Nickel, Taylor (Noah) Webster, and Madalyn Lee, Mackinzie and Natalie Lilley; his sister, Evelyn Mathews; his brothers, Wayne Nickel and Dan Nickel; along with several nieces and nephews. Bill is also cherished by many close friends who continue to share his memory. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Molly Mehalovich; brothers-in-law, Tony Mehalovich, Keith Mathews and Howard Peters; his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Nickel and Madelyn Sink; and his in-laws, Alvie Peters, Helen (Peters) Leonard and Carl Leonard.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel (1721 Park St., Perry). Family will greet friends one hour prior, beginning at 9 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Woodward City Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to sponsor an Honor Flight for military veterans in Bill’s memory. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com. 

1977-2024

Thomas Joseph (T.J.) Redfern, II was born in Guthrie Center on Feb. 15, 1977, to Thomas and Cindy (McCarty) Redfern. He was the youngest of three sons.

Growing up, T.J. enjoyed fishing, hunting and being just plain ornery. He graduated from Guthrie Center High School, where he participated in football, wrestling and swim team.

During his senior year, T.J. made his family proud and wrestled his way to the State tournament.

After graduation, T.J. worked in construction until he started trucking across the country, where he met several life-long friends. He did this until 2011 when he entered the insurance business.

By 2020, T.J. returned to his first passion — trucking. He took a leap of faith and bought his semi, becoming his own boss and a businessman.  

In 2009, T.J. met his wife Andrea during a roping tournament at the Dallas County Fair in Adel. The sparks flew, and they were married a few years later on Aug. 24, 2013. T.J.’s heart swelled when they welcomed their son, Kroy, into the world two years later. Two years after that, it swelled again when their younger son, Brylon, joined the family. 

T.J. had the same love for his nieces and nephews. As each one joined the family, he welcomed them with open arms — hanging out with them in the “cave,” teaching them to fish, taking them coyote hunting and horseback riding, competing in roping contests with them, cheering them on at sporting events, and teasing them endlessly with silly nicknames.

Many loved ones await T.J.’s arrival in heaven, including his father, Thomas Joseph Redfern, his grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

T.J. is survived by his wife, Andrea (Clark); sons, Kroy and Brylon; mother, Cindy; brother, Chad and his children, Delaney (Jeb), Dakota and Alexis; brother, Travis (Courtney) and his children, Mackenzie and Justin; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Sheryl Clark; brother-in-law, Travis (Christy) and his children Vada, Priya and Bodie; and brother-in-law, Dustin (Sarah), all of Guthrie Center. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and great friends also survive him.

T.J. joined his father, Tom, in heaven on Aug. 24, 2024, where they are likely fishing or playing cards. No matter what they are doing, they are laughing and happy. T.J. will be greatly missed by his family and friends who will remember his devotion to his loved ones, his fondness of music, and his great and unfailing sense of humor.

1947-2024

Donna Jean Johnson, 77, daughter of Albert and Inez Nelson, was born May 19, 1947, in Lohrville. She passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

She married Francis “Frank” Johnson on Nov. 7, 1964, at the Morrisburg Church. They lived near Dexter and then moved to Redfield. In 1970, they purchased the farm south of Panora. She worked road construction as a flag person and made sandwiches for the road crew before purchasing the farm. She farmed with Frank and then went to work at Stetson Building Products with accounts payable in the 1980s and worked there for 25-plus years. When they moved to Panora, she helped out at the Panora Ben Franklin Store and then worked at Panora State Bank until she had to retire due to health reasons.

She was very active in the Guthrie County Pork Producers alongside Frank and was a Master Pork Producer in the State of Iowa in 1991.They traveled to other states to promote pork in big city grocery stores. They hosted more than a dozen foreign exchange students and traveled to Brazil to visit them as well. She also volunteered at the 3C’s in Panora.

She loved Frank so much that she went to be with him just one day before his passing nine years ago.

Donna is survived by her son, John (Margo) Johnson; daughter, Sheila (Andy) Allen; grandsons, Dalton (Dakota) Allen and Levi (Maddie) Johnson; granddaughters, Jaden Johnson, Bridgette (Luke) Skalla, and Beth (Jeremy) Gregory; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Marilyn Bettis of Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; sisters, Sharon Daisy and Edna Anderson; and brother, Bill Nelson.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Morrisburg Cemetery, rural Stuart. Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1926-2024

Theodore “Ted” K. Hansen, 97, son of Vernon and Leta Hansen, was born Sept. 13, 1926, in Inglewood, California. He passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Ted graduated from Granger High School in 1945. He was then drafted into the United States Army during WWII. Following his honorable discharge, he married Norma Jean Kahler, and to this union, five children were born. They lived in Indianola while Ted went to Simpson College until his graduation. He then went on to Iowa State University and Drake University and earned his master’s degree in education. They moved to Granger, and in the mid 1950s, they moved to Guthrie Center, where Ted built their family home and raised their children. Ted taught sciences at Guthrie Center High School from 1954 to 1962. He was the elementary principal from 1962 to 1988, when he retired. Ted also owned and operated Guthrie Center Plumbing and two laundromats during his time as principal. Ted also did custom woodworking for homes, and he made the cross that is in the sanctuary at the Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. He touched many lives in the Guthrie Center Community and Guthrie Center school system.

Ted enjoyed golfing, fishing, jewelry making, woodworking and supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the Omar B. Shearer Legion Post No. 124, Lions Club, High Finance, and served on the New Homestead Board.

Ted’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially happy hour at his home on Friday nights. He will be missed dearly by many.

Ted is survived by his son, Gary Hansen of Iowa City; daughters, Kathy Horner of Des Moines, Cindy (Don) Slaybaugh of Guthrie Center, Tami (Bill) McCool of Waukee, and Sherry (Randy) Rhoades of Guthrie Center; 10 grandchildren, Kourtney (Jerome) McComb, Justin (Tabby) Slaybaugh, Amanda (Ryan) Steffensen, Nick (Beth) McCool, Mallory (Jesse) Cunningham, Zach (Whitney) McCool, Maleah (Gunner) Strauser, Chelsea (Billy) Baudler, Cerissa (Ben) Smith, and Keaton (Brey) Rhoades; and 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma, in 2020; son-in-law, Bill Horner; great-grandson, Will Cunningham; and sisters, Lucille and Loree.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center with visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be held immediately following the services at the Lincoln Cemetery, Granger.

Memorials may be left to the Guthrie Center Elementary School.

Twigg Funeral Home is entrusted with his services.

1955-2024

Susan M. Hansen, age 69 of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on July 31, 2024. 

Susan was born May 21, 1955, in Panora. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Virginia Hansen, of Panora. 

She is survived by her sister, Karla VanWinkle, brother Carl “Skip” (Teresa) Hansen, her son, Cameron (Kelly) Rodgers, her daughter, Rebecca (Brandon) Foster Newcom, her stepson, Mike Corbin, and her very much-loved grandchildren, Samuel, Laine, Whitnye, Brooklynn, Braylen and Brycen.

Sue first began her career in The United States Army, serving as a M.P. After her last station at Fort Campbell, she joined the Clarksville Police Department. Throughout her career, Sue displayed unwavering commitment and dedication to serving others. She went on to give almost 30 years of dedicated employment to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. She retired in October of 2022 as Sergeant Sue M. Hansen.

In addition to loving her country and being a true patriot, Sue was an avid lover of gardening, reading, cooking, the great outdoors, and time with her family. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was particularly fond of sharing her passions with those she held dear — evident in her attempts to teach her daughter the art of canning. 

Services were held Aug. 11 in Clarksville, Tennessee. Sue’s family received friends at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, followed by a memorial service that celebrated her life at 3 p.m. In honoring Sue’s legacy of dutiful service to her community, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard reverently concluded the services with the rendering of honors. 

Sue’s family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Panora Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. 

Sue will be missed by her family, friends and her community she proudly served. For friends and colleagues who were not able to attend in person, condolences and words of comfort may be shared with her family at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com.