1934-2024

Orville Joseph Lawrence Leinen, son of Zeno and Viola (Schwery) Leinen, was born on Aug. 13, 1934, on a farm near Panama, Iowa. He died on March 21, 2024, surrounded by family in his home in Panora at the age of 89 years.

Orville was baptized in Panama on Aug. 19, 1934, and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Portsmouth, Iowa, for 12 years. He received First Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Orville grew to adulthood on his family’s farm (Peter M. Leinen Homestead).

In 1957, Orville was drafted into the Army and stationed with Btry A, 485th AAA Msl Bn (NIKE) Montrose Beach Park, Chicago 13, I11. Orv was advised from the beginning to never volunteer. Almost immediately, the drill sergeant asked for soldiers who knew how to drive.  Trying to follow the advice, he decided to not raise his hand while the other recruits around him did. Anyone who could drive was assigned to drive wheelbarrows. Then the sergeant asked for volunteers who were able to change the oil. The recruits were now hesitant to raise their hands because they did not know what the assignment would be. With a deep breath and a prayer, Orv raised his hand. The sergeant tossed the keys to Orv and from then on, his job was to drive and “keep it filled.” During his military career, he attained expert marksman with the M1 Carbine and 2nd class anti-aircraft artillery.

On Oct 3, 1959, Orville was united in marriage to Kathleen Schmitz at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. The wedding was a double ring ceremony with Jerome Nabity and Marleen Schmitz (twin to Kathleen). The Leinen family began farming on land near Portsmouth. The following spring, they moved and eventually purchased the Msgr. Peter Schmitz farm. To this union, four children were born: Karla Ann in 1960, Cheryl Rose in 1961, Peter Joseph in 1963, and Jeffry Dean in 1964.

Orville was a hard worker. He grew crops and raised hogs and cattle. Along with farming, he worked on the Milwaukee Railroad, and started custom disc sharpening, grinding and combining. He continually supported his wife in nursing and her custom-fitted bra company. Through this venture, they earned trips that allowed them to travel extensively and gain many friends. Additionally, Orville, Kathleen and sons developed the Harlan Country Club Estates.

Orville was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifetime member of the National Farmers Union. Orv enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing (even caught a marlin!). He also enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle and pitch. Arguably, his favorite past time was making jokes and teasing loved ones. When younger, he loved to play baseball and was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. Orville enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Orville was preceded in death by his mother, Viola, and father, Zeno; his brother, Harvey Leinen; sisters, Ursula Bruck, Eunice Blum, Verlee Leinen and Linda Daoust; and brothers-in-law Michael Bruck, Ralph Blum and Gilbert Loeffler.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Kathleen Leinen; his children, Karla (Thomas) Dougherty of Barboursville, West Virginia; Cheryl (Tim) Schwery of Underwood; Pete (Pam) Leinen of Harlan; Jeff (Janell) Leinen of Panama.

His 18 grandchildren: Joshua (Jessica) Dougherty, Rachel (Aaron) Thomas, Sarah Mitchell, Zachary Dougherty, Abigail (Matt) Cornelison, Elizabeth (Ryan) Richardson, Annabelle (Chase) Wells, Benjamin Schwery, Alicia (Josh) Yoder, Courtney (Perry) Krager, Brittany Leinen, Brandon Leinen, Jenna Miller, Camden Leinen, Joshua Cheek, Jonathan Cheek, Jocelyn Cheek and Jonas Reynolds. 

His 17 great grandchildren, plus a few on the way: Caitlin Dougherty, Bryson Dougherty, Eve Thomas, Callie Thomas, Elijah Thomas, Joel Mitchell, Emma Mitchell, Bailey Cornelison, Jemi Cornelison, Jaxton Cornelison, Gentry Cornelison, Quinn Cornelison, Elias Richardson, Audrey Richardson, Leo Richardson, Tate Richardson and Ryder Yoder.

His brother and sisters: James (Dorothy) Leinen of Denison; Mildred (Jerry) Brus and Zita (Gaylen) Smith of Portsmouth; sister-in-law, Charlotte Leinen of Harlan; brother-in-law, Mark Doust of Dunbar, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He will be dearly missed but we celebrate knowing he is with our Heavenly Savior. 

As Orv would say, “Now it is time to get to work.”

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Panora. Burial will be 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Panama, with military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8 p.m. all at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: Panora Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 42 Panora, Iowa 50216) or Mary’s Meals (marysmeals.org). 

1929-2024

Frances Catherine Chaloupka, 94, of Yale, daughter of W. Everett and Frances P. (Renfrow), was born July 21, 1929, in Des Moines. The Lord called her home Sunday, March 24, 2024, at New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Frances spent her early years in the Linden area, but as her parents moved further north in Guthrie County, she attended school in Bagley several years. Her final school years were spent attending Yale High School. As a child, she loved to ride her horse, and basketball was her favorite sport. She and Vernon married shortly after graduation and began their life together on the farm. Frances was given an opportunity to work part time at Farmers State Bank in Yale.  That eventually led to full-time employment that spanned more than 35 years. Along with raising their five daughters, Frances was also very involved in Eastern Star and United Methodist Women, particularly the annual turkey dinner every Thanksgiving. Gardening and baking were two of her passions, along with a good card game where she was extremely competitive. Every daughter and grandchild has a handmade quilt Frances constructed after retirement in 1994.  During the 73 years of marriage, Frances and Vernon enjoyed traveling, square dancing and weekly bowling league. When it came to music and sporting events of both her children and grandchildren, she made every effort to be there.

Frances is survived by five daughters: Catherine (Joe) Thompson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carolyn (Michael) Deardorff of Broomfield, Colorado, Connie Chaloupka (Mike Johnston) of Bagley, Celia (Tim) Morey of Tallahassee, Florida, and Cheryl Humphrey of Cary, North Carolina; 10 grandchildren: Laura Wining, Kimm Deardorff, Clinton Blackburn, Andrea Klein, Anthony Blackburn, Lindsey Morey, Travis Morey, Chelsey Parsons, Lewis Humphrey and Jacob Humphrey; and 18 great grandchildren.

Frances was deeply loved by all who came in contact with her. She was the heart and soul of her family. There wasn’t a child she didn’t greet with a hug. Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, her parents, and grandson, Daniel Blackburn.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in Richland Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1937-2024

Deann Safley Edwards was born Dec. 22,1937, in Jefferson to Byron and Verna Safley. The family lived and farmed in Greene County. Deann had one sister, Janet (Mills), and one brother, Richard Safley, who died in infancy. Deann graduated from Jefferson High School in 1956. She was united in marriage to John Atteberry shortly after high school. They established their home in Guthrie Center and to this union, four children were born: John in 1957, Scott in 1959, Kristin in 1960 and Kathryn in 1963. Deann was a homemaker until she was widowed in 1975. She then relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she went into business in interior design, and then became owner of the Fire Extinguisher Company of Louisiana. She was in business for more than 30 years and retired at the age of 84. Deann was married to Glen Edwards from 1995 until his death in 2006.

Deann loved the New Orleans area and enjoyed her camp in the bayou, boating, Cajun dancing, New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers football, church activities, and being involved with her family. She especially enjoyed her time with her grandchildren.

Deann died March 18, 2024, at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister; her husband, John; her daughter, Kathryn; her son, Scott; and her second husband, Glen. Deann is survived by her children, John (Chelsee) of Harvey, Louisiana, and Kristin Hafner of Gretna, Louisiana; three grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11 a.m., with visitation from 9-11 a.m. at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA 70058. Interment will be at a later date.

1937-2024

Theodore Eric Erickson, 86, son of Eric and Dorothy (Morlan) Erickson, was born April 21, 1937, in Des Moines. He passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lakeside Village, Panora.

Ted graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School in 1955, where he played baseball, basketball and football. He married his high school sweetheart, Elaine, and three children were born to this union. They later divorced. Ted worked as a barber for more than 30 years on the south side of Des Moines. He also was a high school basketball and football official for more than 20 years. On Aug. 15, 1970, he married Janet Lee Dorsett (Monroe) in Des Moines. They made their home in Des Moines before moving to Lake Panorama in 1973.

Ted served six years on the Lake Panorama Association Board where he was a vice president, served on the Guthrie County Hospital Board, Lake Panorama Water Board, was a Lake Panorama Chairman, and volunteered at Timber Creek Charities in rural Guthrie Center. In July of 1999, Ted started working for Brokers International as a corporate driver for many years.

Ted enjoyed traveling, golfing and was an avid Hawkeye fan.

Ted is survived by his children, Ted (Cindy) Erickson, Kim (Lynn) Clayton, and Kathy (Mike) Woods, all of Des Moines; step-sons, Bill (Denise) Dorsett and Brian (Beth) Dorsett, both of Panora; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet; and sister, Jean Porner.

Per his wishes, cremation will take place and no services will be held. Burial of his cremains will be in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Timber Creek Charities, Panora EMS, or the Panora Fire Department.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lakeside Village and the nurses with UnityPoint Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Ted.

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

1948-2024

Joan Ann Miller, 76, daughter of Folmer and Frances (Andersen) Walters, was born Feb. 28, 1948, in Carroll. She passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines.

Joan was baptized June 27, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Audubon. She attended rural school then when they moved into Audubon, attended high school there, graduating in 1966.

After graduating, she met her husband, Gary Lee Miller, and they were married Sept. 23, 1967, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. They moved to Guthrie County, having Michelle in 1968, and in 1972 bought a farm and having Jill in 1973 and residing there until till their deaths.

Joan did various jobs throughout her married life, ending her last job for 21 years as being self-employed so as to be able to help her husband on the farm when needed. She loved farm life.

Joan was a member of the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. She had a love for the outdoors, going camping, swimming and hiking, but her favorite was her horse riding and showing. She passed this on to her girls and grandchildren, spending good times with them showing at IASC and trail-riding as a great family sport. Her dogs and cats were also a big part of her family as anyone who knew her would agree. She was active in 4-H and taught dog obedience classes for 10 years and also announced for the 4-H Horse Show for many years. But her greatest love was for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary; sister, Kathy Boust; brother-in-law, Bill Boust; and sister-in-law, Delores Walters.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Michelle Kay (Kevin) Heckman and Jill Mary (John) Thompson; grandchildren, Chris (Carly) Heckman, Colton Heckman, Clairissa Thompson, Katelyn Thompson, and Kaden Thompson; and great-granddaughter, Lainey Ann Heckman, all of Guthrie Center; brother, Gary (Sandy) Walters of Atlantic; sister, Judy (Gary) Duffield of Fort Dodge; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center. Joan’s wishes were for those attending the graveside service to bring one of their favorite flowers to place on her grave, if you wish. Following the graveside services, a celebration of life and luncheon will be held at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, Guthrie Center.

Twigg Funeral Homes is entrusted with her services.

1926-2024

Jeanette R. Wetzel, age 97, of Bayard, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Bayard with Carolyn Schwartz officiating. Organist for the service will be Martha Wolf. Casket bearers will be Jennifer Maskel, Nisa Newgard, Erin Kossow, Julie Wilson, Laura Tesch and Molly Wetzel. Honorary casket bearers will be Matthew Wetzel, Eric Wetzel, Luke Wetzel, Brett Wetzel, Nicholas Wetzel and Paul Wetzel. Burial will be in the Highland Township Cemetery near Bayard.

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids from 5-7 p.m. on Friday.  The casket will be moved to the United Methodist Church in Bayard at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday where visitation will resume until 10:15 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Bayard United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com  

Jeanette was born on May 16, 1926, near Bayard. After graduating from high school in 1943, she attended Iowa State Teachers College until certified to teach country school. She taught for two years until her marriage to Albert Wetzel on Sept. 22, 1946. She lived more than 77 years in the same home, raised four children and assisted in farming. Jeanette also lived her entire life within three miles of her birthplace. After retirement, she and Albert traveled, visited children and grandchildren, and continued to be active in the Bayard United Methodist Church, a church she attended all her life. She lived an independent life in her home, which was her desire and for which we are most grateful. Her farm legacy is a part of all of us.

Jeanette is survived by her two sons and their families: Jim Wetzel (Linda) of Olathe, Kansas, and Steve Wetzel (Ly Bibiana) of Bradenton, Florida; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Maurice Nielsen (Marylin) of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; two daughters-in-law, Bonnie Wetzel of Cedar Falls, and Sue Wetzel of Fleming, Florida; a brother, Philip Miller of Waterloo; and other extended family members.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Wetzel; her daughter, Linda Nielsen; her son, David Wetzel; her parents, Clive and Jennie Miller; and a brother, Wayne Miller.