1971-2024

Darcy Jo Gliem, 52, daughter of Norman and Diane (Elliott) Downing, was born June 24, 1971, in Guthrie Center. She passed away Monday, May 20, 2024, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Darcy was raised in the Panora area and graduated from Panora-Linden High School in 1989. She went on to graduate from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, being the first in her family to graduate from college. In December of 1994, she married Travis Gliem and, to this union, two sons were born, Shane and T.J. They made their home around the Panora area. Darcy worked as an accountant for various companies and also did some consulting work. For the last few years, she enjoyed writing books.  

She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting and gardening.

She was a member of the First Christian Church, Panora.

Darcy is survived by her husband, Travis Gliem of rural Panora; sons, Shane Gliem of Panora and T.J. Gliem of Council Bluffs; her mother, Diane Arganbright of rural Guthrie Center; brothers, Scott Downing of Panora and Troy Downing of Fort Dodge. She was preceded in death by her father, Norman Downing, and step-father, Richard Arganbright.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the First Christian Church, Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial of her urn will be held following the services in Morrisburg Cemetery, near Stuart.

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

1939-2024

Joann Reil, daughter of Rob (RJ) and Ione (Muller) Carothers, was born Jan. 10, 1939, in Jefferson. Jo, as she was affectionately known, grew up on the family farm south of Bayard where she attended country school through the eighth grade and then graduated from Bayard Community School in 1957. As a kid, she was active in 4-H and showed her dad’s home-raised Angus cattle, played basketball and was in marching band.  

Jo dated Robert (Bob) Reil, the love of her life, all through high school, and they married at St. Patrick’s Church in Bayard on Aug. 31, 1957. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Thomas and Ann. Jo worked in banking and finance her entire life, starting her career with Bankers Trust in downtown Des Moines. After moving to Guthrie Center, Jo worked at Guthrie County State Bank before taking a program technician position at FSA, specializing in the farm loan program. In 1977 while still working full time, Jo assisted Bob to launch Bob and Jo’s Trailer Town in 1977 during the farm crisis. The business, which thrived despite the financial challenges of the time, became a successful family enterprise largely due to their hard work and sacrifice. Many of their customers and business associates became lifelong friends. Bob and Jo’s love of the RV business led them to wintering for several years in Yuma, Arizona, and then in Pharr, Texas, before Bob passed away in 2019. After Bob’s death, Jo proudly continued to live on and manage the south Carothers farm, which has been in the family since 1881. 

Over the years, Jo was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, the Guthrie Center Firemen’s Auxiliary, Harmony Hour, and was a long-time volunteer election worker. Jo’s passion was sewing, and she was a skilled seamstress. Over her lifetime, family members were gifted doll clothes, wedding apparel, tailored clothing, quilts, bags and other items. She was often asked to do alterations, which were completed with a smile. In retirement, Jo worked for a time at Grandma’s House of Quilting in Audubon. As a member of several quilting groups, including Memory Makers, Bayard Busy Quilters and the Audubon Quilters, Jo found not only a place to hone her skills but also a group of women who were her best friends. She loved quilting retreats where everyone teased her that she talked much more than she quilted! 

Loved ones claim that her butter horn rolls, potato salad and chocolate chip cookies were legendary. Family dinners always ended as everyone fought to take home the left-over rolls and complained that only the grandkids got the chocolate chip cookies. As the oldest Carothers clan member, Jo became the family genealogist, locating a whole branch of long-lost family members and expanding family history.   

After struggling with chronic illness for almost a year, Jo passed from this life on May 2, 2024, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She is mourned by son, Thomas (Serita) Reil, and daughter, Ann (Rick) Chalfant; grandchildren, Christopher Reil, Kassandra Reil, Kelsey (Chase) Gehrke and Nick Chalfant; great granddaughter, Timber Svendsen; brother, John (Elaine) Carothers and sister, Mary Jane Carothers; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends.  

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her parents.  

A luncheon will be served Monday, May 6, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center, Guthrie Center, with funeral services following at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guthrie Center. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center. Visitation will be Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 3-6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center.

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

1942-2024

Richard W Friedrich, 82, was born to Paul and Mildred Friedrich in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on April 3, 1942. He was later joined by his sister, Mary. As the son of a Lutheran pastor, Rich and his family moved from Colorado to northwest Iowa. He graduated from West Sioux High School and went on to study education at West Mar College in Le Mars. His teaching career brought him to Guthrie Center where he taught junior high history and pursued his master’s degree at Drake University. He would not be alone on those commutes to Des Moines for long. Soon enough, he was joined by Vicki Laughery, who was also working toward a teaching degree at Drake University. 

Rich and Vicki were married on a very hot day, July 22, 1972, at the United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. In their young married years, they enjoyed their church family, card club, gardening and traveling. Their son, Eric, was born six years later, followed by their youngest son, Christian, in 1984. Rich had a passion for education, which led him to teach 40 years as a history, civics and social studies teacher while also serving as principal at Guthrie Center Junior High. Rich is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a caring influence who was well respected. 

Rich and his family spent summers traveling (often on short notice) to Minnesota, National Parks, Civil War battlefields, and other historical sites (marked and unmarked). He loved to find locations less traveled via his famous Friedrich shortcuts. He enjoyed making Eric and Christian pose for pictures in front of the National Park and historic site signs. Rich appreciated time outdoors, fishing and relaxing on Silver Lake, and never missed a Clay County Fair. He enjoyed stamp-collecting, coin-collecting, sports and his favorite team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. His grandchildren always brought the biggest smiles to his face. He enjoyed all stages of their lives including holding them in his arms, bouncing them on his knee, gardening, hiding their pickle in the Christmas tree (a German tradition), picnics at Springbrook, and cheering them on in all their activities. 

Rich modeled his love for Christ in all areas of his life, from his many leadership roles at Immanuel Lutheran Church to his work with Lions Club and school activities. He was a faithful servant to the Lord, and it was important to him to bring other people to Christ. 

Rich will continue to be loved by his wife of 53 years, Vicki; son Eric Friedrich (Melissa) of Mount Ayr, and grandchildren Tatum, Alba and Morgan; son Christian Friedrich (Sarah) of Waukee and grandsons Joseph and Jacob; sister Mary Campbell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and nephew Chris Campbell (Claire) of St. Paul, Minnesota;  sister-in-law Debbie Ashman (George), brother-in-law Jim Laughery (Jody), sister-in-law Jan Mitchell (Scott); nephews and nieces George Ashman (Shannon), Heather Minarich, Anne Folkers (T.J.), Beth Laughery, Molly Johnson (Matt), Meggie Widholm (Jordan); and many great-nieces and nephews. We will greatly miss his smile and sense of humor.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Guthrie Center. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church followed by burial in Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center and luncheon at the church.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8

1937-2024

Duane L Clark was born July 11, 1937, to Clarence and Florence (Otto) Clark at their rural Lake City home. He passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center. Duane was baptized at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City and grew up on the family farm south of town. He attended school in Lake City, graduating in 1955. Duane loved the farm and helped his dad and brothers with everything. He was especially fond of the horses and that fondness was with him his entire life.

In November 1960, Duane married Susan McCrea. They had five children, Matthew, Michael, Jennifer, Scott and Chadd. Duane and Susan later divorced, and Duane moved to the Guthrie Center area. This is where he met and married Janet Nickel. Duane and Janet had one daughter, Cassandra.

Duane worked for farmers before he found his perfect job. He worked 25-plus years at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Youth Camp at Lake Panorama. Besides being the all-around maintenance man, he gave horse rides three days a week. This he enjoyed very much, and so did the campers. He and several camp counselors became close friends. Those friendships have lasted several years. Duane retired from St. Thomas Moore in 2011. He continued to give horse rides for another five years and fully retired in 2016. He kept the horse herd until 2022.

Duane is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Matt (Angie) Clark of Glidden; Jennifer (Scott) Helle of Rockwell City; Scott (Linda) Clark of Early; Chadd (Kirstin) Clark of Park Rapids, Minnesota; Cassandra (Matthew) Fronapfel of Guthrie Center; stepchildren, Alicia (Richard) Ciesielski of Guthrie Center and Curtis Nickel of Thailand. Duane had 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his parents, Clarence and Florence; infant son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Linda Clark; son-in-law, Scott Helle; and grandson, Anthony Clark.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Twigg Funeral Home in Guthrie Center. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guthrie Center. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Lake City. Online condolences may be left at wwwtwiggfuneralhome.com.

1934-2024

Melvin Dean Turk, 89, son of Arthur and Agnes Turk, was born June 8, 1934, in Shelby. He passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Community Care Center, Stuart.

Mel graduated from Oakland High School and then enlisted into the United States Army.  After he was honorably discharged, he enrolled at Iowa State University in Ames where he met and married Evelyn Andersen. One year later, they became the parents of twin boys, Mitchell Dean and Michael David. After completing his education, he taught school for two years, and then he began his career in the pharmaceutical field, working for several companies in sales and management. While living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, their third son, Matthew Darin, was born in 1967. They then moved back to the Des Moines area where the three boys graduated from Ankeny High School. Following living in Ankeny, they bought an old house near Saylorville Lake and spent about five years remodeling it inside and out. His next adventure was moving down to the lake home near Branson, Missouri, enjoying that life for several years until the boys convinced him he should move back up here near family in his old age.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, his two beloved twin sons, Mitchell on Nov. 17, 2018, and Michael on March 2, 2023, and two older sisters, Audrey Zimmerman and Lavonne Rafuse.

He is survived by his son, Matthew (Pam) Turk of Hillsboro, Oregon; mother of his children, Evelyn Turk of Waukee; daughters-in-law, Deb Turk and Mari Turk; six grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Porter, Adam (Michelle) Turk, Danny Turk, Sam (Bre) Turk, Jonathan (Sara) Turk and Zachary Turk; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Ann Graybill.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, near Van Meter. Following the services, everyone is invited to Evy’s home in Waukee for fellowship.

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

1942-2024

Eddy Leroy Tinnean, 81, was born Aug. 23, 1942, to Roland and Pearl Tinnean. He received his wings to celebrate his homecoming with Jesus on April 19, 2024.

A celebration of life was at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd.) on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Visitation was from 9-10 a.m. followed by the celebration of life at 10 a.m. The service was livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4252296.

Leroy spent his first four years living on a farm near Gretna, Nebraska, then moved to the small town of Greenwood, Nebraska, where he spent his free time helping do chores around the house. They included gardening, pulling weeds, mowing the yard, pulling weeds, doing dishes, pulling weeds, making his bed, and pulling weeds.

He attended Greenwood Elementary School, where he excelled in history and art. He attended high school at Ashland-Greenwood High in Ashland, Nebraska, where he played basketball and got the nickname “Twinkletoes.”

Leroy attended Nebraska Vocational Technical School in Milford, Nebraska, where he received his drafting technology degree. Later in life, he became a pastor with a heart in serving people.

In January of 1965, Leroy had his first child, Jeffrey “Scott” Tinnean, and in July of 1966, his second child, Troy Douglas Tinnean.

After a short engagement, he increased the number of his family by two and married Nancy Glenn Wright on Aug. 5, 1978, who had a 7-year-old son, Sammy Scott Hanna. Nancy stood by Leroy’s side through thick and thin over their 45 years of marriage.

Leroy had a talent of using his hands to create wonderful sculptures, pictures and toys out of wood and was a talented illustrator and teacher, sketching “Chalk Talks” when he would preach from the pulpit.

Leroy and Nancy moved after living in Greenwood, Nebraska, to Panora to the very house they honeymooned in and spent the next 26 years before moving to a cooperative in Ankeny.

Leroy loved every community he lived in. He was an assistant scout master in Greenwood, teaching young boys about the wonders of nature and the great outdoors, and headed up the volunteer fire and rescue department in Greenwood, Nebraska. In Panora, he devoted much of his time always helping others in the community. In Ankeny, he was on the board of directors at the cooperative, writing the newsletter and helping with various wood projects. His daily goal was to help people end their day better than it started.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Nancy; his three sons, Scott, Troy (Karen), and Sammy; his brother, Larry Tinnean (Susie) and nephews and nieces, Stacy Roberts and Todd Tinnean; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jessica, Jeremy, Abigail, Brock, Milissa, Jennifer and Cameron; as well as his great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Reighann, Christian, Allen, Khloe, Xavii and Gael.

A memorial in Leroy’s honor has been established with Message in Motion Ministries for the printing and distribution of Passports to Heaven.