1949-2024

John Howard Woodvine, 74, son of Keith and Ursula (Pittman) Woodvine, was born Oct. 28, 1949, in Perry. He passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at the Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee.

 John graduated from Panora High School in 1967. He then enlisted into the United States Marine Corp., serving from January 1970 to January 1972. He then went to Drake University and earned his master’s degree. He moved to Tennessee and worked for the United States Postal Service.

John enjoyed doing leather work, bird watching, being out in nature, and working outside with his plants.

He is survived by his sisters, Sharon Miller of Boone and Debbie (Jim) Stephens of Johnston; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Woodvine.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the West Linn Cemetery, near Linden,.

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

1931-2024

Nancy Ann Turner, 92, of Linden, daughter of James “Bert” and Helen (Wasson) Kerr, was born Dec. 17,1931, in Panora. She passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at the Community Care Center, Stuart.

Nancy was a 1949 graduate of Panora High School. Upon completion of high school, she attended Mercy Nursing school in Des Moines until her marriage to Harold Turner. Nancy and Harold began their courtship after standing up for Harold’s older brother (Forrest) and Nancy’s cousin (Barbara) at their wedding. Nancy and Harold were married the following year on Aug. 11, 1951, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Close relatives did not believe the marriage would last, as they were both so darn stubborn.

After their marriage, Nancy moved to Georgia where Harold was stationed in the Army. When Harold was assigned overseas for the Korean War, Nancy moved back to Panora to live with her folks until Harold’s return and discharge from the army. Upon Harold’s discharge, they made their home on the family farm north of Linden. Nancy loved the farm life. She could be found tending large vegetable and flower gardens in the summer and canning produce to enjoy in the winter. There were always cookies and coffee available whenever anyone stopped by. She and Harold raised purebred Hereford cattle for many years and enjoyed going to cattle sales and shows. Nancy lived 72 years on the beloved family farm.

Besides farm work, Nancy also served as a school cook in Linden for several years in the 1960s, and, later in life, she worked several more years at the nursing home in Panora.

In retirement, Nancy had several hobbies that kept her busy, her favorite being quilting. She and her husband were fond of camping with friends and spending winters in Arizona during this time. They enjoyed 20 winters in Apache Junction, where they made many friends. They also loved to host their children and grandchildren over the holidays there.

Nancy was a member of the Iowa Hereford Auxiliary and the Linden United Methodist Church.

Nancy is survived by her son, Mike Turner of Panora; daughters, Kathy (Rick) Frees of Riverside and Karen (Jeff) Kennedy of Stuart; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; and son, James.

Cremation has taken place. The family invites those who knew Nancy for an open house at the Linden Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.

Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice.

1934-2024

Dorothy Maxine Kuper was born on March 21, 1934, in her family’s home near Ackley to John and Marie (Kannegieter) Kuper. Dorothy attended country school through the eighth grade. She then went to high school in town, graduating from Ackley High School in 1952. 

During the summers after high school, she worked in the Marshalltown Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Following high school, Dorothy enrolled in Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls and graduated with a teaching degree in 1954. She taught her first year in a country school while living at home with her parents. She then moved to Sheffield where she taught third grade for two years.

During college, Dorothy was encouraged by a girlfriend to write letters to a young man, Clifford Leib, from Guthrie Center, who was encouraged by an Army buddy to write to her. They corresponded and met in person in Des Moines when Clifford was on leave before going to Germany to finish his stint in the Army. After Clifford came home in 1955, they continued to date, and on Feb. 10, 1957, Clifford proposed to Dorothy and she accepted. They went to a movie that night, and she spent a great deal of time admiring her engagement ring instead of watching the movie.

On the very warm evening of Sunday, Aug. 11, 1957, Miss Dorothy Kuper became the bride of Mr. Clifford Leib in Ackley at St. John’s United Church of Christ.

After the wedding, they made their home on a farm north of Guthrie Center. Dorothy taught third grade in the Guthrie Center Community School District for one year after which she focused her attention on their growing family. In June 1958, they welcomed their first daughter, Mary Ellen, and in June 1959, Ann Marie joined their family. Beth June followed in June 1962. In December of 1962, they moved up the road to the house that became their home for the next 46 years. In February 1967, Sara Jo arrived and completed their family. Clifford and Dorothy bought their current home on Oak Street in August 2007 on the very day their 50th Anniversary was celebrated. They moved to town in January 2008.

Dorothy was a stay-at-home mother for many years gardening, canning, sewing the girls many outfits and doing some substitute teaching along the way. She raised and sold broilers and eggs for many years also. That money helped pay for piano lessons for the girls. In the 1960s, she taught a preschool class during the summer for children with learning challenges. During the 1972-73 school year, she had a long-term substituting job. The following year, she began teaching at Tiger Tykes Preschool, which she did for 24 years followed by two years at Jack and Jill Preschool in Panora. She also taught basic life skills at Country View Estates for several years. She helped cook the evening meal at Guthrie Grove several summers and at the Bar-L Ranch one summer through the years.

As a devoted member and elder of the First United Presbyterian Church in Guthrie Center, Dorothy helped provide the family a faith foundation that is important to this day. She was involved with other organizations including the Seeley Creek Club, the Association for Retarded Children/Citizens, United Presbyterian Women (UPW), GCHS Band Parents, Valley Dreamers 4-H Club, Association of Churches, Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary and the local food pantry to name a few. She was honored to receive an Honorary 4-H Membership award at the 1989 Iowa 4-H State Conference in Ames. And in 1997, she was honored to receive a Hardee’s Hometown Hero award at the Iowa State Capitol after being selected by WHO Radio. Both Clifford and Dorothy were awarded a “Faithful Through the Years” award by the Presbytery of Des Moines in 2016. In 2018, Dorothy received the PW Purpose Award from the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Des Moines.

In retirement, Dorothy and Clifford found joy in traveling to see family and friends across the United States. Being present for special events of grandchildren and supporting family and community continued to be important to Dorothy until recent health issues hindered her involvement.

A treasured family custom that began with the Kannegieter family, passed down to the Kuper family and Dorothy passed along to her own family is enjoying a cone or bowl of ice cream. Even when life gets challenging, it is always better with ice cream.

After a life very well lived and health challenges faced over the last six years, Dorothy passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Sept. 16, 2024, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center. She has been restored in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Clifford; four daughters, Mary (Steve) Fogleman, Douglas, Arizona, Ann (Lewis) Polito, Hartford; Beth Leib (Lori Requist), Urbandale, and Sara (David) Hughes, New Virginia; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Isaac) Chavez, Stockton, California, Trevor Polito, Hartford, Brandon Polito, West Des Moines, Rebekah Fogleman, El Paso, Texas, Joshua Hughes (Jack Ave), Des Moines, and Jacob Hughes, New Virginia; and four great-grandchildren, Neva Rose, Kaylee Elise, Olivia Joy and Nathaniel John Chavez, Stockton, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, John and Marie Kuper; siblings, Mildred (Lawrence) DeWalt, Kenneth (Annie) Kuper and Ruth (Bud) Murphy; niece, Debra (DeWalt) Peyton; nephews-in-law, Alois Vitasek and Craig Jensen; in-laws, Ottis and Ruth (Moreland) Leib, Roger and Rosemary Leib, Beverly and Max Uhlman, Joy and William Scarbrough; and nephew-in-law, Alvin Sheeder. 

Family members will be present for a visitation to be held on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 701 State St., Guthrie Center. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. also at the church with a luncheon following.

Memorials will be distributed at the discretion of the family.

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.