1963-2026

Craig Eugene Hastings passed away due to complications from a sudden heart attack on Jan. 21, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on April 8, 1963, in Riceville, a few minutes after his twin brother, Craig came as a surprise to his parents, Verdina and Charles Hastings. 

Craig is survived by his devoted wife, Kerry; his daughters, Corinne and Libby; his parents, Charles and Verdina; his brothers, Curt and Chris (Trudy); and many nieces and nephews. Craig was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck; his grandparents; and relatives.

Craig grew up in Jefferson and was a high school wrestling state qualifier. He went on to wrestle at Buena Vista College where he majored in math and chemistry. During his time at BV, Craig was also student body president, in the school band, and managed to meet and fall in love with his wife, Kerry. Craig went on to get his master’s degree in molecular biology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He spent the majority of his career working for Pioneer Hy-Brid Seed Company, focusing his time on genetic engineering. Research he contributed to was published multiple times throughout his career, and Craig was proud to improve crops in countries that struggled with famine and food insecurity. 

Craig was an avid reader and an advocate for access to education. He spent his free time working with St. Patrick Catholic School in Perry, where his children both attended, as the president of the school board, the secretary-treasurer for the St. Patrick’s Church Foundation, and as a counselor for families seeking financial aid as well as a member of the Des Moines Diocese School Board. Craig believed that anyone and everyone who wanted to learn deserved an education. 

Craig was also a loving father and uncle. He would drop everything to be there for those he loved — all they had to do was ask. From attending every single event for his children to moving them in and out of never-ending apartments, he was always there. He was a seasoned storyteller, known for elaborating on a few details here and there, but he knew how to hold your attention. He loved rules and structure — more than his children or wife enjoyed at times. 

Before succumbing to complications from his initial heart attack, Craig had a few days where he was able to share some final moments with his family. Between funeral home stories and funny memories, he raved about his daughters, his wife and his great, big family that he loved so dearly.

Craig donated organs that saved three lives, made tissue donations that will save countless others, and gave his heart to research. He was generous in life and in death, which brings his family light in the midst of this awful tragedy. 

Craig’s family would like to thank the nurses, first responders and doctors that supported and cared for him in his final weeks. The family would especially like to thank Halli Weddle, Craig’s niece and an EMT who went out of her way to provide him additional care.

“The ones that love us never really leave us.” – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Iowa Public Radio in Craig’s honor.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Perry.  Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson. Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

1941-2026

Paul Pieper, 84, of Stuart passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan 22 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. Luncheon will immediately follow the Mass. Private family burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Stuart. Memorial contributions will be divided equally between the Stuart Public Library, the Stuart EMT, the Stuart Fire Department, and Stuart Police Department Community Programs. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Paul Frederick Pieper was born on Oct. 22, 1941, to Marvin and Alene Pieper in Stuart. He attended the Guthrie County one-room schoolhouse and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Stuart, and graduated from Stuart High School in 1959. He later graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in engineering.

Paul began his career in Des Moines building grain bins before returning to the Stuart area. Paul purchased his first farm and began the work he loved most.

The best decision Paul ever made was marrying Sharon Van Der Sluis. They married young and began a wonderful life adventure together that led to a remarkable 63-year marriage. Together, they farmed full-time and raised four boys, building a family that grew to include 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Paul loved the land and built a seed-selling business. He enjoyed tilling the soil, working with fellow farmers, and being surrounded by wildlife. Paul also raised a lot of livestock over his farming career: stock cows, bred heifers, feeder cattle, lots of farrow to finish hogs, a few milk cows and even a horse or two. As he grew older, the wildlife became his pets — feeding deer in the front yard and raising different varieties of fish in his pond. They also loved sitting on the front patio of their beautiful farm, feeding birds and hummingbirds, and simply enjoying the view.

Paul loved to fish, especially at Lake Okoboji, but it was less about what he caught and more about being in nature, surrounded by friends and family. The fishing guides always said that he was a week too late or a week too early. However, we always managed to catch a few fish and create some great memories. That’s where he was happiest — together, sharing stories, laughter and time.

Mo and Gonzo were his two favorite dogs, Paul would make special trips just to get his furry friends French fries or salted nut rolls. Paul was proud of his community and served on the school board and the care center committee, and re-activated the Penn Stuart Pioneers 4H chapter. A lot of Guthrie County Fairs followed afterwards.

Paul enjoyed playing cards at the 5×80 Country Club and dominoes with his grandchildren. He appreciated the small joys of life — especially fruit and ice cream.

Paul was a mentor to young farmers and a trusted listening ear for friends and family. He took pride in hearing others’ ideas and was always a shoulder for anyone who needed to talk things through.

One of his great joys was his pickup trucks. He truly loved his trucks — and some of you may not know this, but Paul was colorblind, so he relied on Sharon to help pick out the color and then tell him what it actually looked like.

After retiring from farming around 2006, Paul discovered a new passion: woodworking. In his shop, he created special projects for family and friends — each one made with care and pride. Paul was also a regular at coffee in Stuart, where he loved swapping stories with friends around the table.

He always had a sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes on friends and family. Laughter was a big part of who he was.

Paul and Sharon also enjoyed spending 14 winters in Texas, where they formed many lifelong friendships.

Paul showed us what a good life looks like: love your family, care for the land, serve your community, and always make time for others. His legacy lives on in the farm he cherished, the projects he built with his hands, the lessons he shared and the family he loved so deeply. We will miss his stories, his laughter and his steady presence — but we are forever grateful for the life he lived and the example he left us.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Alene Pieper; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Mary Van Der Sluis; sister, Kathy, and brother-in-law, Gene Fitzgerald; brother-in-law, Bill Wagner; and sister-in-law, Jan Reeser.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sharon, of nearly 63 years, and their four children: son, Kevin, and Valerie Pieper and their children, Kadie Schuler and Jeremy Owings, and their children, Dalton (Diana), Clayton, and Alicyn Vogel (Stephanie); Lucas and Caitlyn Pieper and their sons, Griffin and Lachlan; Jeremy and Stephanie Wells; Josh and Rachael Wells and their sons, James and Flynn; Lauren and Brant Bonnesen and their children, Aurora, Harper and Briar; Lindsay Pieper; Jessica and Matthew Moss and their children, Martin and Amelia; son, Brian, and Candace Pieper and their children, Sunny and Chris Brown, and their children, Violet, Ivy and Sage; Beau Pieper and (Mary), Izzy Pieper and (Zac); son, Darin, and Carole Pieper and their children, Betsy and Jesse Pieper-Ledbetter, Jake and Ashley Conner and their children. Rhiley, Daisy and Laehn; son, Ben, and Kim Pieper and their children. Olivia and Lincoln. Paul is also survived by his siblings, Annette and Embree Edgington; Lori and Jerry Southmayd; Leo and Jeri Pieper; Marty and Sandy Pieper; and David and Diana Pieper; brother-in-law, Verle, and Shari Van Der Sluis along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Friends meant the world to Paul, and he is survived by many.

1958-2026

David Dean Shroyer, age 67, of Guthrie Center, passed away on Dec. 23, 2025, in Largo, Florida. David was born on May 3, 1958, in Guthrie Center, to Ruth (Derry) and Tom Shroyer. Dave drove a truck for many years, owned and operated the family farm, and worked for Guthrie County Roads as a maintainer operator before going on to become the owner of M&L Service and an ice cream shop with his wife, Tami. He was known for his no-nonsense advice and for always looking out for the community’s best interest rather than profit.

David shared 50 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Tami (Bowman). He was a loving father to Denise Reno (Mark) and Chris Shroyer (Lexie), as well as a father figure to Mikel Wierick. He was also a proud grandfather to Seth Reno (Sarah), Dustion Bush (Keisha), Makenna Wierick (James) and Austin Wierick (Abby).

He is survived by his stepmother, Peg Shroyer of Panora; siblings Dennis Shroyer (Paula) of Panora and Diane Andresen (Virgil) of Guthrie Center; brother-in-law Dale Bowman (Pam) of Martinsburg, Iowa, James Bowman of Prudenville, Michigan; sister-in-law Cheri Bowman of Ayrshire, Iowa; stepbrothers Dan VanWinkle (Deb) of Panora and Don VanWinkle (Dawn) of Panora; along with extended family, nieces, nephews, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

David had a special fondness for tractors — especially red ones — and found joy in the simple things that reflected his hardworking spirit. He will be remembered for his loyalty to family, his strong work ethic, and his quiet passions that brought him happiness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Ed Middleton; and his brother-in-law, Dana Bowman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather and remember David, sharing stories and honoring a life well lived.

1994-2026

Sean Michael Mason, a man whose laughter was as infectious as his welding torch was hot, left this world surrounded by his loved ones Jan. 4, 2026, in the same city he was born on Dec. 13, 1994.

Sean was the guy who could find humor in everything from a stubborn bolt to stubborn children. Speaking of children, he lives on through his two kids, Scarlett and Kane, who inherited their dad’s mischievous twinkle. They say laughter is the best medicine, and Sean’s kids have an eternal prescription.

He was the second born to Traci Hodges, making him a brother not once but twice to Alannah Bradley and Alexandrea Fisher. The trio could be found causing a ruckus, their laughter echoing into the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing them.

Sean’s sisters blessed him with being “Uncle Sean.” From teaching them bad words to getting them a present when they were sick, Blayze, Havyn, DJ and Bobby can all attest that he was the coolest uncle around.

Sean’s departure leaves a void in the world, but his humor will echo in our hearts forever. As the curtains fall on Sean’s time with us, we remember a man whose love for his family was pure.

Curtain call, Sean, take a bow — you’ve earned your standing ovation.

Visitation will be held at Twigg Funeral Home in Guthrie Center, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

1941-2025

Ronald (Ron) Lee Lang, 84, passed away on Dec. 25, 2025, having lived a life defined by friendship, ingenuity and the mindset that every day is Saturday.

Born on April 11, 1941, in Des Moines to Oran and Mary Lang, Ron attended North High School and Parsons College, where he was a proud member of the TKE fraternity. Ron never met a stranger and maintained lifelong friendships, including decades of monthly lunches with his North High classmates, yearly college reunions and his morning coffee club in Panora. 

Ron spent most of his life in Iowa. He grew up in Des Moines, served a brief stint in the U.S. Army and moved to St. Louis for work, where he met Rita. They married in 1969 and returned to Des Moines where they welcomed a daughter, Jessica. In 1988, Ron built his home at Lake Panorama, divorced, and fully embraced lake life as a bachelor. 

A self-made businessman, Ron viewed his work as a salesman as a way to make money — and friends. He bartered, traded, negotiated and wheeled and dealed his way through life, somehow always coming out the other side with a little money in his pocket and a few new friends. His final venture was creating the Des Moines Apartment and Condominium Guide. Though he officially retired in 1998, Ron never stopped dreaming up new projects. 

Ron loved having fun — golfing, fishing, boating, gardening, building and tinkering filled his days. He could fix nearly anything with duct tape and ingenuity and firmly believed that “the one with the most toys wins.” Ron had a real knack for turning his ideas into reality. One of his proudest feats was finding a way around Lake Panorama’s “boat size” rule. The regulations limited length, not width — so Ron bought two used pontoon boats, took them apart, and rebuilt a double-wide party boat. It became legendary.

Ron’s home was always open and time spent with him was an adventure. Boats broke down, things caught on fire, and the best stories came when plans changed. Ron taught those around him to be adaptable and never sweat the small stuff. His greatest lesson lives on in not taking life too seriously.  

Ron is survived by his daughter, Jessica (Nick) Gerhart; his four grandchildren, Marlowe, Corinne, Wyatt and Grant; his brother, Ed (Linda); and his sister, Sandy. A private mass and burial will be held at a later date. Photos, stories and memories may be shared with his family at langslagoon@aol.com. 

In Ron’s memory, smile at strangers. Strike up conversations. Tell a few tall tales and make sure to enjoy the adventure — after all, every day is Saturday in heaven!

1935-2026                       

Kassen “Kass” Franklin Duis, 90, son of Harb and Anna (Groot) Duis, was born Feb. 14, 1935, near Emmetsburg. He passed away Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.

Kass graduated from Cylinder High School in 1953. On March 20, 1960, he married Karen Kay Flick at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. Kass enlisted into the United States Navy in 1963 serving until 1967. He was stationed in Coronado, California. Following his honorable discharge, Kass and Karen returned to Iowa, making their home for a short time in Laurens and then Manson. They then moved to several locations in the Des Moines Metro area. Kass worked as a computer programmer during this time. In the mid 1980s, they moved to Panora, and he opened up Duis DX station and operated this for the next 10-15 years before retiring.

Kass enjoyed coaching his sons when they were young. He also enjoyed being with his family and was a big baseball fan.

He was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Panora and the Panora Lions Club.

He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Terri) Duis of Des Moines and Kurt (Mindy) Duis of Panora; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Duis, Abbie (Sam) Zager, Tucker (Cara) Duis, Kooper Duis, Anna (Chase) Heithoff, Drake Duis and Rachel Duis; four great-grandchildren, Dominic and Gianna Zager, Flynn and Tatum Duis; and brother, Martin (Shirley) Duis of Spencer. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen; and 16 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Panora. Burial will then take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.