1937-2024

Rita Jo Halsey, daughter of Carl and Dorothy (Anderson) Paup, was born July 10, 1937, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll. She died peacefully at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center Aug. 8, 2024, with family beside her.

She graduated from Scranton High School and then went on to attend beauty school at Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines, Iowa. On Aug. 11, 1958, she married G. David Halsey at St. Mary’s Church in Guthrie Center. To this union, five children were born.

She enjoyed playing the organ, crocheting, feeding the birds and caring for her many beautiful flowers, especially her orchids. She had a very green thumb when it came to flowers and gardening. The Green Bay Packers was her and David’s team to watch until Aaron Rogers went to another team. She was an excellent cook, especially when it came to Christmas time. Her homemade candies and T-rings were enjoyed by so many as she gave them away for many years as Christmas gifts. Her pickled beets and lime green pickles were a hit at any family meal or gathering. The number of beautiful afghans she gave as gifts for graduations, weddings, new babies, special occasions, etc. were endless. Even with five children, her home was always in pristine shape. Some of her kids now claim that she had OCD before it was a “thing/disorder.”

She operated an in-home beauty shop for more than 50 years and even cut hair when she went to The New Homestead Independent Living in her early 80s.

Left to cherish the memories are her children, Tony (Sarah) Halsey, Paula Behrens, Alex (Patty) Halsey, Adam Halsey, Merici (Russell) Sheeder; sister, Jane (Gary Sherman) Higgs; grandchildren, Randi (Jon) Cretsinger, Austin Hertz, Grant (Lauren) Sheeder, Becky (Ryan) Elgin, Emily (Mark Charlet) Sheeder, Katie (Cole) Fenske, Maria (Paxton) Mareno, Patrick (Samantha) Halsey, Phillip (Allison) Halsey, and Nic (Nick) Halsey; as well as 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David, in 2013; parents and parents-in-law; special friend, Andy Foster; sister-in-law, Donna Feeley; niece, Teresa Feeley; sisters Donna MacDonald and husband, George; Peggy Scheffler and husbands, Francis and Cliff; nephew, Kim Laursen; brother-in-law, Norman Higgs; and son-in-law, Jeff Behrens.

1943-2024

Craig Alan Ditsworth, 80, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Aug. 16 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Des Moines Golf and Country Club (1600 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines).

Craig was born on Dec. 5, 1943, to Robert and Wanda Ditsworth in Algona and was raised in Bancroft; Ray, North Dakota; and Jefferson with his two siblings, Gary and Cheryl. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1962. He attended college at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri, and joined Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He graduated with a degree in accounting in 1966 and worked as a CPA at Meriwether Wilson & Co. for more than 45 years, serving as their managing partner for more than 20 years.

Craig was preceded in death by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Vickie Whiton Ditsworth. He is survived by his children, Kari Hensen (Andy), Jeff Ditsworth (Heather); brother, Gary (Reta); sister, Cheryl Hart (Ronnie); his four grandchildren, Juliet, Kelsey, Drew and Maxwell; his nieces and nephews; many dear friends he considered family; and his special friend, Pam Curtis.

Craig was an exceptional business leader and mentor, whose sharp instincts and strategic vision helped shape Meriwether Wilson & Co. into a firm of distinction. As the senior partner for more than two decades, his leadership, deal-making acumen, and critical decision-making were instrumental in driving the firm’s steady growth and building an unparalleled reputation in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Craig’s love for flying was a defining aspect of his life. Soaring through the skies in his Beechcraft Bonanza or sharing his passion for aviation with others, flying was more than a hobby — it was a cornerstone of his persona. Craig’s deep appreciation for the outdoors — whether fishing, hunting or camping — was a legacy he passed on to his children and grandchildren, ensuring that his adventurous spirit will continue to thrive through them. Craig was a storyteller, the life of the party and a loyal friend who cherished his relationships. He enjoyed golfing, exploring new technology, traveling and cheering for his beloved Iowa State Cyclones. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.

Tim Tyler, 72, of Dallas Center, passed from this life into eternity on June 3, 2024, at his home. His wife, Denise Tyler, 71, passed from this life on Aug. 5, 2024, at Madrid Home in Madrid. A funeral service honoring the life and legacy of Tim and Denise will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Family will greet friends prior, beginning at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in the Lorimor Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a future designation. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Timothy Joel Tyler

1951-2024

Timothy Joel Tyler was born in Creston on July 20, 1951, to Mary Jane Nissen and Orlo Kline Tyler. After graduating from East Union High School in 1969, Tim attended Southwestern Community College in Creston and graduated from Drake University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In July of 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Denise Hammans. After a long, successful career in the food industry, Tim embraced his passion for golf. He thrived on his role as a golf trainer for Callaway Golf and a salesman for Kinley’s Golf. Tim was known for his kindness and sense of humor. His laughter brought joy to his family and countless friends.

Denise Lynn (Hammans) Tyler

1951-2024

Denise Lynn (Hammans) Tyler was born in Creston on Dec. 26, 1952, to Mona Irene Simons and David “Richard” Hammans. After graduating from East Union in 1973, she had a passion for loving life and taking care of her two children, Joel and Marc. She found solitude in singing at church in the choir and leading the worship at various churches from around the area. She was also known for her sense of humor and lighting up a room. She also embraced gardening and cooking from scratch. Sewing was also high on her list of favorite things to do.

Proceeding them in death were their parents and their son, Marc Tyler. Left to lovingly and tenderly remember them are their son, Joel (Kelly) Tyler of Urbandale; Tim’s siblings, Susan Lura of Oklahoma, Mary Beth Tyler of Missouri, Jill Tyler (Steve Miller) of New Hampshire, and Ned (Leslie) Tyler of Creston; Denise’s siblings, David (Kathy) Hammans of Urbandale and Susan (Bill) Jaggi of St. Louis; and a host of other beloved family and friends.

1940-2024

Judith “Judy” Darlene Nelson, aged 83, passed away peacefully at Pine Acres Facility on Monday Aug. 5, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Judy was born Nov. 10, 1940, in Knoxville. After graduating, she began a career with many talents. She spent her years waitressing, owning bars in several locations, and obtaining her CDL certification. One of Judy’s greatest achievements and hardest work was redesigning and operating the Hudson House in Panora. 

Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her free time, Judy enjoyed watching sports and crafting: painting, knitting and sewing. She loved to be in her flower garden at Pine Acres. It was joy, not work, for her. Judy was also known for her quick wit. She was an active member at the West Des Moines Christian Church and of the community. 

Those left to cherish her memory are Deb and Joe Milewsky of McGregor and her sons Michael (Bonnie) and Mitch (Josh) Ryan; Denise and Lon Seemann of Woodward and their children Brock Seemann with his sons Karter and Klayton and Brittany (Jordan) Allsup with their daughters Harper and Hadley; and Cozy and Rod Nelsen of Guthrie Center with their children Kennedy (fiancé Hudy), Jazlyn, and Noah Nelsen. Additional loved ones entrusted to honor her memories are many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Proceeded in death by her mother, Margaret; stepfather, Orlin; brother, Bud Headrick; and sister, Linda Vestal. 

A funeral service will be held for family and friends on Saturday Aug. 10, at 11 a.m. with an hour visitation prior at the West Des Moines Christian Church (4501 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines). Her final resting place will be the Liberty Cemetery north of Woodward. Memorial contributions can be directed to the family in Judy’s honor.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Pine Acres for their love and care of Judy these past years.

1924-2024

Mamie Barr Hafner, 99 years and 11 months, was the youngest child of Samuel and Zada (McMerty) Barr. She was born Sept. 2, 1924, in rural Clark County.  She passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Community Care Center in Stuart.

Mamie went to country school in rural Clark County and attended high school in Osceola. On Aug. 6, 1942, Mamie married Dwight Hafner at the Jamboree Celebration in Murray. To this union, four children were born. Dwight and Mamie were in North Carolina while Dwight was in the Army. They moved back to Iowa and farmed with family in rural Guthrie County. In 1948, they bought a farm southeast of Panora where they farmed, milked cows and sold Grade A milk until 1979 when they built their house in Stuart.

Mamie enjoyed gardening and the many flowers she planted around the house. Inside, Mamie enjoyed sewing, making quilts, and rag rugs, anything to keep busy. She and Dwight always worked together after their retirement from the farm until he passed in 2014. Mamie moved to the Stuart Community Care Center in November 2017.

Mamie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwight, of 72 years; two sisters; a brother; son-in-law, Walter Craft; and grandson-in-law, Reggie Koop.

Mamie is survived by her children, Ernie (Nancy) of Fairfax, Missouri; Derald (Margot) of Franklinton, North Carolina; Earl (Ronda) of Panora; and Gail Craft of Mineral City, Virginia. Mamie was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Mamie will be missed by family and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in Morrisburg Cemetery, rural Stuart. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

1945-2024

Peggy Kay Simmer, 79, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Friday, July 19, 2024, at Silver Cross Pavilion at Friendship Manor. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at St. James Lutheran Church, 3145 31st Avenue, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Cremation will take place following the funeral service. Memorials may be made in care of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

Peggy was born in Jefferson on May 3, 1945, the daughter of Keith and Dorothy Schoonover Brutsche. She married Larry L. Simmer on Jan. 15, 1963, in Guthrie Center. 

Peggy retired after years of clerical work for Herman’s Hosiery, Montgomery Elevator, John Deere and Company and Simmer Chiropractic. 

She was an active member at St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island. She enjoyed reading, hunting with family, attending as many of her grandchildren’s events as possible and gatherings with family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Larry Simmer, Rock Island; sons, Rodney (Jill) Simmer and their children, Austin, Lauren, Rachel and Hannah, L. Scott (Jeanine) Simmer and their children, Jared (Kelcy), Kelan, Drew, Malerie, Sam and Seth and Todd (Angela) Simmer and their children, Seth and Cole; great-grandchildren, Ila, Kayden and Remi; and sister, Carol (Gerald) Schlieman, Granger.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com