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.

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.