Darrell D Tallman was born in Guthrie Center to Charles Walter and Margaret (Vanderley) Tallman. He passed away peacefully Oct. 10, 2025, in Salem, Oregon, surrounded by family. 

Darrell grew up in a small farming community with his parents and nine siblings. He attended “Frog Pond,” a one-room schoolhouse, and worked on the family farm before pursuing studies at Iowa State University. He began his career in agriculture but soon discovered a natural talent for sales.

Darrell and Barbara were married in 1960 and together they raised three adopted children: Kris, Scott and Ken. The couple shared 62 years of marriage.

Darrell and Barbara lived in Denver, Colorado, where he advanced in the insurance industry. In 1974, they moved to Salem, Oregon, where he continued his successful career in insurance sales. Known for his dedication to clients, many remained with him for decades. Darrell earned numerous sales awards and built lasting relationships across generations. He retired at age 88.

Outside of work, Darrell enjoyed traveling, golfing, cribbage and spending time with friends and family. He was known for his warm smile, sense of humor and generous spirit. A trusted friend, colleague and mentor, Darrell left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Kris (Mike) Powers; son, Ken Tallman; grandchildren, Samantha, Jackson and Austin; great-grandchild, Thaddeus; siblings, Jack (Jan) Tallman, Norman (Opal])Tallman, Marilyn (Roger) Hansen, Shirley Tallman and Bill (Dixie) Tallman.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; son, Scott; siblings, Henry, Jerrod, Charles, Don, Jim and Denny; and nephews, Chuck and Mark.

A celebration of life was held Dec. 6, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian church in Salem, Oregon. 

1939-2025

Donald L. Hamilton, 86, son of Charles and Ruby (Jensen) Hamilton, was born at home on March 13, 1939, in Hampton. He passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center.

The family moved to Des Moines in 1951, and Don graduated from East High School in 1957. Following high school, he served in the Iowa National Guard. On Sept. 20, 1959, he married Mary Kay Keating, whom he met on a blind date. To this union, three children were born, Connie, Keith and Diane. In 1970, the family moved to Panora, where Don was the golf course superintendent at Lake Panorama. He later became the Water Superintendent at Lake Panorama for 21 years. Don retired from Lake Panorama in 2001. He then went to work, part-time, for Twigg Funeral Home until 2018.

Don was a member of the Panora United Methodist Church, where he was Lay leader for more than 40 years, taught Sunday School, worked with youth, was a Lay speaker, and led Bible studies. He enjoyed sharing the Gospel with people of all ages. He was an associate leader with Campus Life Clubs. Don was past president of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendent Association and past member of the American Water Works Association.

He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. All throughout his life, Don enjoyed spending his time helping others, no matter if it was family, friends or strangers. His greatest joy this side of heaven was his wife, Mary Kay. She was not only his wife, but his best friend, counselor and spiritual partner. Don believed when God made angels, he used Mary Kay as a pattern.

Don was very proud of his family. He enjoyed being together for all family gatherings and holiday celebrations. He fondly remembers camping trips, fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was proud of all their achievements in school and their careers.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Hamilton of Panora; children, Connie (Carroll) Gustin of Panora, Keith (Michelle) Hamilton of Georgia, and Diane (Mark) Smith of Slater; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Sue) Hamilton of Indiana; sister, Barbara Nobbman of Tennessee; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; sisters, Crystal Hamilton, Judy Bolton and Linda Porter; sister- and brothers-in-law; and a nephew.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Panora. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

1938-2025

Karla Caltrider, 87, of Casey, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Karla Jane was born on May 7, 1938, at the Larson Hospital in Adair, the daughter of Raymond Michael William and Lucille Marie (Hammond) Wesack. She grew up with her sister, Pat, and they shared a close bond as kids and into adulthood. On June 21, 1938, she received the sacrament of baptism, and on May 29, 1953, was confirmed, both at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. She grew up on a farm south of Adair and attended Adair Community Schools.  In school, she was active in music, band and the school plays; she graduated in the Adair High School Class of 1956. Following graduation, she attended Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri, and received her teaching certificate. 

Can you believe that a night out with a group of friends at an Adair area dance resulted in them all finding their perfect match? Karla met the love of her life, R. Keith Caltrider, and the couple married on Sept. 6, 1959, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. The couple was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Kevin. They made their home on the Caltrider Family Farm, now a Century farm, northwest of Casey for 57 years. As a family, they looked forward to getting away to Leech Lake, Okoboji and vacations with the Rumple and the Dolan families. 

After her kids started school, she operated Lollipop Preschool at the Casey United Methodist Church. Karla always stressed the importance of proper etiquette and education and dedicated more than 35 years to getting the young ones off to the right start. A former student, who is now in education, recently shared the impact Karla made on her, and she uses some of the same style of teaching to connect with the students in her classroom. During retirement, Karla also worked at Tiger Tikes Preschool in Guthrie Center and Von Maur.    

Karla was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Casey and was active in LWML and sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, Casey Community Club, and Zetetic Club. She was a driving force and was compassionate about the restoration of the Casey Library. Karla and Keith played numerous roles at the Guthrie Center Community Theatre, including ones in “Hello Dolly” and were members of the 5×80 Country Club.

Karla loved spending time outdoors at the farm tending her flower and vegetable gardens that always seemed to flourish with her green thumb, a gift that even had people bringing her their dying plants to revive. Time inside was spent making crafts, painting and rolling out dough for her prized apple pie that was required at any family or town function. Did you know Karla had a competitive side? Whether it was cards with friends or playing murder with family, you could bet by the end she had called at least one person a cob! She loved Christmas time and had a large Santa collection. Karla was an avid Iowa State Cyclone and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Who did she root for when they played each other? 

Time with her grandchildren was always filled with adventure. Their memories include playing in her classroom when she was prepping lessons, baking gingerbread every Christmas, reading with her, helping her with her arts, crafts and plants and eavesdropping on the adults after bedtime through the grate in the floor of the front bedroom. The joy they brought to her days was evident in her smile when they were around.  

Karla’s loving and kind spirit and unwavering focus on her faith, family and friends will always be treasured by her children, Jennifer (Mick) Allen of Atlantic and Kevin (Michelle) Caltrider of Carroll; grandchildren, Alissa (James) Puffett, Benjamin (Kelsey) Caltrider, Trevor (Ry) Caltrider, and Paige (William) Badding; great-grandchildren, Xayne Howard and Hadley and Kennedy Caltrider; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lucille Hammond; husband, Keith Caltrider; parents-in-law, Charles and Irene Caltrider; grandson, James Howard; great-granddaughter, Ayreiz Howard; sister, Patricia Unrein; brother-in-law, Ray (Eva) Caltrider; sister-in-law; and Betty (Don) Slayton.

Visitation with the family present was at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Casey, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. A slideshow and recording of the service will be available on the funeral home website by end of day Tuesday.

A private family burial will be held in the Dalmanutha Cemetery, northwest of Casey.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Casey Library Betterment, Casey Service Club Grant Committee, Casey Historical Society and Country Grove at Heritage House.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Karla’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

1939-2025

Lillien Pauline Gilson, age 86, of Guthrie Center, died on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at her home and surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 30, 1939, in Monteith.

Lillien is known throughout the community for her quiet servant heart and hard work. From baking pies in her busy kitchen to leading considerable fundraising efforts or serving as a caregiver for many friends and family members who needed an extra hand, she diligently cared for the needs of others and always put them first. She spent her entire life loving those who needed it most.

She will always be remembered for her superior card-playing abilities, her excellent eye for finding just the right piece in tricky puzzles and her great love for children. She had a gentle way of making every child feel valued and treasured, as her lap was always full of children being rocked to sleep, reading a book, doing a craft or playing a game of pretend. As they grew older, she continued her commitment to them by being their biggest cheerleader at sporting events, music concerts, plays and other activities.

Lillien is survived by one sister, Mabel (Mike) Hamling of Granger; sister-in-law, Jeanie Michaelson of Guthrie Center; daughter, Peggy (John) Byrd and daughter-in-law, Roberta Gilson, all of Guthrie Center; grandchildren, Penny (Kory) Schramm of Johnston, Travis (Karla) Gilson of Grimes and Tara Reed of Guthrie Center; step grandchildren, Lee (Ali) Byrd of Ankeny and John (Kim) Byrd of Bloomfield; 14 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to her as “Auntie.” Lillien is preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers and two sisters, her loving husband of 42 years, John, and her son, Rick.

Because of her love of children and helping those in need, Lillien requested that memorials be directed toward St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

1927-2025

Neva June Langgaard (Brady) born on Sept. 8, 1927, to Harmon O. and Georgia Anna (Passmore) Brady.

Neva attended school in Guthrie Center. She enjoyed basketball during her high school days and often told stories of her days of playing. She told of only going to school for half a day when she graduated from high school due to the end of World War II. Neva worked in the grocery store in her younger years. After graduation, she had taken Normal Training in high school and upon testing and passing, she was able to teach school. She earned her teaching certificate and started teaching country school in August of 1945. She had 14 pupils — two kindergarteners, three second-graders, four third-graders, three fifth-graders, one seventh-grader and three eighth-graders. Neva taught for eight years in four different schools: Bear Grove No. 1 for two years, Bear Grove No. 5 for two years, Seeley No. 7 for 1 year, and Seeley No. 8 for three years.

Neva and Erwen went on their first date in February of 1949. The two went on a double date where they went rolling skating. The following June, Neva took a trip to California to visit relatives for four weeks, and Erwen sent her a letter each week anxiously awaiting for her to come home. Their courtship continued upon her return, and the two were married on June 18, 1950, at the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. Together, they lived in Guthrie Center with Neva’s dad after they were married. In 1951, they moved to the farm where Neva continued to reside. To this union, three children were born, Edward Erwen, Elizabeth Anna, who died at childbirth, and Tommie Eugene. Neva continued to live on the farm, watching the farm equipment, neighborhood traffic and the birds out the kitchen window every day.

Erwen and Neva loved to play cards and were in several card clubs. Neva continued to play cards after Erwen passed. After all the years of having chores with the chickens, goats and cows, Neva and Erwen took to traveling. They traveled to Florida, eating oysters right from the coast. Together, they took many trips to Denmark to visit Erwen’s family, maintaining strong relationships with their family overseas, even celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in Denmark the Danish way. Neva and Erwen took Tom and Janelle and then Ed and Kim on trips to Denmark, making sure they also knew their Danish family. After Erwen passed, Neva and her travel partner, Mona Sellman, traveled with the Heritage Club, going several places and one last trip to Denmark by herself. Neva always said travel when you can. 

Neva belonged to the First Christian Church, Victory Ladies Club and the Eastern Star. She loved watching basketball during March Madness and going to the grandkids’ sporting events. She was a great cook, always cooking for family gatherings as well as those who helped doing anything on the farm, including remodeling projects in the house. Neva was also a gardener and took great pride in her well-producing garden. She loved family gatherings, especially when the grandkids and great grandchildren came to visit. Neva’s kitchen table was always open to many visitors, and all were greeted with fresh rolls each morning.  Neva was always sending cards. She was great at saying thanks and wishing you a happy birthday.

Neva was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Erwen; children, Edward and Elizabeth; sisters, Ruth Brady and Francis Wasson; and brothers-in-law, Norman Langgaard and Dwight Wasson.

Left to mourn Neva is her son, Tom (Janelle) Langgaard, and daughter-in-law, Kim Langgaard of Guthrie Center; grandkids, Katy (Jason) Victora of Grimes, Kris (Sarah) Langgaard of Guthrie Center, Neil (Alicia) Langgaard of Missouri Valley, Brady (Jessica) Langgaard of Guthrie Center and Jami (Trevor) Jorgensen of Casey; great grandkids, Landon and Nolan Victora, Nora, Aaron, Ryan and Logan Langgaard, Michael Zane Langgaard, William and Eli Langgaard, and Boone and Blakely Jorgensen. Also left to mourn her is our Denmark family.

1940-2025

Charles “Chuck” Mason Hawley, 85, son of Merle and Alice (Underwood) Hawley, was born Nov. 7, 1940, in Anamosa. He passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Chuck graduated from Olin High School and Upper Iowa University. On July 20, 1963, he married Karen Manley in Springville. In 1963, he started his teaching career at Mormon Trail, Humeston, for four years. He then went on to teach two years at Wayne of Corydon. In 1969, he started his long career teaching and coaching at Panora-Linden, which later became Panorama Schools. Along with teaching general science, biology, speech and drama, he coached girls track, softball, cross country and basketball through the years. In 1997, he retired from teaching. Chuck received his school bus driver’s license when he was 16 and drove bus for himself and the other students while still in school. He also drove the bus for his teams while he was coaching. Following his retirement from teaching, Chuck would drive the bus for Panorama until 2013.

Chuck enjoyed fishing, hunting, softball, camping, four-wheeling and motorcycle riding. He also was the camp host at Nations Bridge for 15 years. Chuck was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the First Presbyterian Church in Guthrie Center where he served two terms as church Elder and was a very active member. He was a former member of the United Methodist Church. He was also listed in the Who’s Who of the Methodist Church.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Karen Hawley of Panora; sons, Todd (Liz) Hawley of Maryville, Tennessee, and Tim (Rosana) Hawley of Urbandale; daughters, Jyl (Cliff) Willoughby of Roxboro, North Carolian, and Debra Lemke of Guthrie Center; grandchildren, Emily (Ty) Cramp, Tarah (Gary) Smith, Lou Hawley, Kellyn Hawley, Eryn (Tyler) Moff, Devon (Hannah) Lemke and Lexi (Derek Wilson) Lemke; great-grandchildren, Mason and Kaitlyn Cramp; brother, Dale Hawley of Manhattan, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Fran Hawley; sisters, Ruth (Marvin) Clark, Laura Lee (Glen) Thumma, Wilma (Gene) Delancey, Linda (Ken) Gravert and Irene Hawley; brother, Wayne Hawley; and a sister-in-law, Jan Hawley. 

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, Guthrie Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Lunch will be served following the services at the church.

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

Memorials may be left to the First Presbyterian Church, Guthrie Center or to Hospice of the Midwest.