1933-2024

Kathryn Faye (Schoonover) Harvey passed away peacefully at home in Parrish, Florida, on April 19, 2024. She was born to Charles and Sara (Coppess) Schoonover on Aug. 27, 1933, in Gary, Indiana. Kathy grew up in Guthrie Center, was confirmed in the United Methodist Church, and graduated from Guthrie Center Community Schools in 1951. She was a scrappy guard, known as “Blondie” when she was selected for the Third (1950) and First team (1951) All-State Basketball Team. After graduating, she moved to Des Moines, playing basketball for AIB. She later worked for the Iowa State Conservation Commission. Kathy met her future husband, Harold, while roller skating, and they married in 1954. Within the first six years of marriage, they had five children. She was a homemaker and actively helped Harold in his home remodeling and income property business. In 1970, she went back to school and earned an LPN (nursing) degree and worked at the VA Hospital. Kathy was active in all the activities of her children, never missing an event. She had many hobbies: raising puppies, working at RVLL ballpark, cooking (she made the best beef and noodles), flower gardening, collecting antiques, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, knitting and playing bridge. Most of all, she loved being with her family, who remember her generosity, unconditional love and support for her family and all of her many friends.

Kathy will be missed by all; her children, Craig (Lisa) of Rosemount, Minnesota, Tom of Palmetto, Florida, David (Ellen) of Clive, Julie of Parrish, Florida; and eight grandchildren, Laura Friend (Joe) of Savage, Minnesota, Emily Tomes (Joe) of Lakeville, Minnesota, Taryn Chapman of Palmetto, Florida, Tyler Harvey (Amy) of Estero, Florida, Ross Harvey (Emily) of San Mateo, California, Allison Smith (Colton) of Golf, Illinois, Rob Harvey of Beaverdale, and Jake Harvey of Tampa, Florida; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Harold; infant son, Jeffery Allan; parents; sisters, Judy and Phyllis; half-brother, Melvin; nephews, Timothy and Richard; nieces, Tena and Karen; and brothers-in-law, Paul and Keith.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines with visitation from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

On behalf of Kathy’s family, we thank you for your prayers and support. Memorial contributions may be directed to a local hospice of your choice, or we ask that you to do something generous or kind for a family member or someone in honor of Kathy.

1923-2024

LaVerne Davis Johnson, 100, a cherished soul whose life journey began on July 10, 1923, in the heart of Iowa, near Bagley, completed his earthly chapter on April 18, 2024, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center, in the same state his story started. LaVerne’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, community involvement and the joy of simple pleasures.

Born in the rural tapestry of Iowa, LaVerne quickly became an integral part of the community, working on his large hog farm in Guthrie County. His dedication to the land and its people was evident in every task he undertook. LaVerne’s commitment to service shone brightly through his 35-year managing the Guthrie County Fair campground, a role in which he ensured that each visitor’s experience was as welcoming and enjoyable as possible.

In addition to his work on the farm and at the fairground, LaVerne also contributed his time and talents to the local funeral home. His presence there brought comfort and solace to many families during their time of loss. LaVerne’s deep roots in the community were further celebrated as he proudly attended his high school alumni reunion, being the oldest attendee for three consecutive years.

LaVerne’s interests painted the picture of a man who fully embraced life’s joys. He found great happiness in camping with his beloved wife, Pearl Gladys, with whom he shared a profound and enduring love. Together, they celebrated his birthdays camping. The family continued the tradition after the passing of Pearl Gladys. This past year, the family joined LaVerne in celebrating a memorable centennial celebration. The love story between LaVerne and Pearl Gladys was one for the ages. They were inseparable from a moment he saw her on the street in Guthrie Center, sharing 70 years of unwavering companionship. LaVerne often said that one must marry their best friend, and he was fortunate to have found his in Pearl Gladys. When she passed away in 2015, a piece of him did as well, yet his love for her remained unshaken.

LaVerne’s big smile, sheepish giggle and animated spirit made him the most engaging and genuine man one could ever hope to meet. His selfless and loving nature was the cornerstone of his character, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. LaVerne’s memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

Survivors include sons, Merlin Johnson of Panora and Gailen Johnson of Bagley; seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Darwin Hall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bertha (Marchant) Johnson; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Patrick Bennett; grandson, Jason Bennett; brother and sister-in-law, John (Helen); sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna (Eddy) and Nadine (Joe); sisters-in-law, Juanita (Jerry) Heiland, June (Jim) Anderson, and Shirley Hall; and brother-in-law, James Norris.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial was in West Linn Cemetery, near Linden. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice in LaVerne’s name.

1941-2024

Norma Lynn (Wallace) Louk was born on Nov. 25, 1941, on a farm near Yale. Her parents were Verne Wallace and Eva (Kriens) Wallace. Norma attended school at the Yale Community School where she played the tuba in band and loved to play basketball. Norma grew up playing outside, following her big brother, Mervin, around the farm. In her adult life, she enjoyed dancing with Gary, sitting on the deck drinking coffee or working in her many flower beds. Norma married Gary Louk on March 4, 1960. Gary and Norma were blessed with four children: Deb Louk of Yale, Denise Petersen (Dale) of Branson, Missouri, Dale (Beverly) Louk of Yale and Dee (Jay) Finnell of Adel. Norma loved children and had a special place in her heart for Roger (Brenda) Snyder, who spent a lot of time at the Yamaha shop and her niece, Roxanne Steburg. The family spent time together motorcycling, snowmobiling, boating, playing volleyball and just hanging out. Norma worked multiple jobs outside the home, including helping Gary run the Yamaha shop. Her favorite job was babysitting for the Kirtleys, Hansens, Wolfes, Snyders and Jenny Cornelius. Before her retirement, Norma spent many years working in the Panora Food Center. Norma was a member of the Pythian Sisters and the United Methodist Women, where she served as  Methodist Church for more than 30 years. Norma loved her community and was known to do anything for anyone. She had a heart of gold. She will be greatly missed by the community, her family and friends. Norma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Mervin Wallace; brother-in-law, Dennis Louk; and sisters-in-law, JoAnne Hughes and Sandi Ackerman. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gary, and her four children. Norma has 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

1934-2024

Joan Kathryn Staver, 89, daughter of William and Agnes (Lynch) Breitbach, was born on Sept. 30, 1934, in Bankston. She entered into Eternal Rest on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in her home at Lakeside Village, Panora.

Joan graduated from high school in 1952 in Bankston. She moved to Dubuque, where she met Donald Joseph Staver; they married on June 23, 1956. They raised a family of five children. In 1991, they retired to Lake Panorama in Panora.

Her greatest joys were family and faith. She loved hosting family gatherings, spending time with friends, playing golf, games and euchre, and traveling.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Don) Berryman, Lynn (Dave) Breitbach, Donna (Steve) Brody, Laurie (Jim) Knight, and son, Donald (Jenny) Staver, Jr; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by three of her seven siblings, Rose (Fran) Brune, Dorie (Wayne) Dodds and William (Jeanne) Breitbach.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Joseph Staver, and four of her siblings: Jim Breitbach, Ramona Kluesner, Edward Breitbach and Thomas Breitbach.

Memorial Mass services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Panora, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. Burial of her urn will take place in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving care provided by Lakeside Village and Hospice of the Midwest, the faithful guidance of Father Higgins of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, and the overwhelming support of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Iowa at website: www.soiowa.org

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

1989-2024

Jacob Miller, age 34, of Panora died on Jan. 31, 2024, at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City, Florida.

Jacob was born on Sept. 7, 1989, to Scott and Sherri Miller in Des Moines. Jacob was a 2008 graduate of Perry High School and attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and Iowa State University.

He loved sharing his passion for basketball with coaching in Des Moines and pickup games with his nephew, Lincoln. He especially loved teaching finer points of the golf game and swimming to Lincoln and was looking forward to doing the same with his nieces, Ellie and Rylee. He loved his Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers, and he also loved to argue with anyone who wasn’t a fan of these two teams!

Jacob is survived by parents, Scott and Sherri Miller; brothers, Eric (Darcy) Miller and Josef (Kayla) Miller; brother-in-law, Matt Bryan; nephew, Lincoln; and nieces, Ellie and Rylee.

Jacob was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Bryan; and his grandparents, Joan and Warren Miller, Jimmy Miller and Carol Sprott.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 20, 2024, at the Perry Golf and Country Club, from 2-4 p.m.

Memorials can be made directly to the family, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City (he loved that wave!) or Tori’s Angels.

Online condolences can be given at www.caldwellparrish.com.

1927-2024

Marilyn (Molly) Jane Gerlich, 96, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center. She was the daughter of Paul and Gladys Adams and was born April 22, 1927, in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Molly graduated from Galena High School in Galena, Illinois, in 1945.

On June 10, 1946, Molly was united in marriage to Irvin Gerlich in their hometown of Galena. To this union, five children were born. In 1964, The Gerlich family moved to West Des Moines. Molly was a homemaker and loving mother, always placing the needs and happiness of her children and family above her own. After Irv’s retirement, the couple moved to Lake Panorama where they made their home in 1979. They developed Boulder Cove Colony and Clover Ridge, then leased Lake Panorama National Golf Course to construct the Conference Center. Before his passing in 1997, Molly and Irv made significant contributions to the foundation of what Lake Panorama is today.

At age 78 and while at a 60th class reunion, Molly reunited with her childhood friend, Jim Hartman. Their friendship grew, and they were married on Dec. 31, 2005. They lived at Lake Panorama and then moved to a retirement community in West Des Moines for 12 years until Jim’s death in 2018.

Molly is survived by her son, Jay (Karen) Gerlich of Panora; daughter, Jule (Ted) Reynolds of Des Moines; daughter, Lonna (Kevin) Nauman of Panora; son-in-law Stan (Kim) Thornberry; special nieces Ellen (Dave) Elliott, Jane (Bob) Frazier; and nephews Jack (Jackie) Lickes and Keith (Donna) Gerlich; her deeply loved eight grandchildren, Ann Stutler, Curt Thornberry, Maggie Armstrong, Mari Brown, Erin Gerlich, Adam Reynolds, Liz Ratcliff and Wyatt Nauman; nine great-grandchildren; and her amazing life-long friends, Norma Clegg and Marilee Rice.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, Irv Gerlich; infant daughter, Lora Lee; daughter, Lynn Thornberry; second husband, Jim Hartman; sister, Carmen; and brother, Jack.

Molly was very active and enjoyed life to the fullest. There was seldom an empty day on her calendar. She loved dancing, big band music, golf, bridge and many long-lasting friendships. She was a member of PEO Chapter BY, Questers, United Methodist Church, and Lake Panorama Women’s Golf League.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Brethren Cemetery, Panora.

Memorial contributions can be made in Molly’s memory to the Panora United Methodist Church.