William Edward Littler III, 68, of Adair, passed away Saturday, March 2, at his home in Adair, surrounded by family.

Bill was born May 29, 1955, in Greenfield, the son of W. E. Littler Jr. and Joanne Johnson Littler. He graduated from Adair-Casey High School in 1973.

Bill started work for his parents at The Adair News at a young age and became a full-time employee at the newspaper in 1973, learning the Linotype and hand-fed presses. He continued working until his death. Bill spent a lot of time behind a camera at school and community events but especially liked to photograph his kids and grandkids.

On June 1, 1974, he married Connie Jo Carritt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. This union was blessed with four children: William Edward IV, Ella Maria, Andrew Joseph and Benjamin Thomas. Bill and Connie would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June this year.

In 1991, Bill and Connie purchased The Adair News from his parents. The paper has been in the family since 1937. He served as publisher of the paper from 1991 until his death and enjoyed writing his “Seems to Me” column.

Littler was active in the community. He was a member and past president of the Adair Chamber of Commerce; a member of RIADA, Inc.; member of the Iowa Newspaper Association; member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; member and past president of the Southwest Iowa EMS Association; and past president of Adair County Fire and EMS.

He was named Adair’s Citizen of the Year in 1988 and again in 2005. In 2022, Bill and Connie were named “Master Editor-Publisher” by the Iowa Newspaper Association.

He served his community for 35 years as a member of Adair Fire and Rescue, joining the department in 1979 and retiring in 2014, and held various positions during those 35 years. He became an EMT in 1980 and took on the role of Ambulance Captain for more than 30 years. He received his EMT-I certification in 1992 and his Paramedic certification in 2005. To his closest EMS friends, he was referred to as “Doc.”

Survivors include his loving wife Connie; children, Bill (Amy) Littler, Andy (Suzi) Littler and Ben Littler; grandchildren, Bryce (Chelsea) Littler, Brock Littler (Cloe Hoyt), Becca Littler, Madden Littler, and Caden Littler; sisters, Mary Beth (Kevin) Petty and Diane Littler; brother-in-law, Ray (Mary) Carritt; sister-in-law, Caroline Carritt (Dave Reinke); father and mother-in-law, Gordan and Lillian Carritt; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his unborn daughter, Ella.

Public visitation with family will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., at the Adair Fire Hall in Adair.

The funeral service will be at noon, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Adair Fire Hall in Adair, with Pastor Kyle Fever officiating the service. A luncheon will be held following the funeral service also held at the Adair Fire Hall. A private interment will be held at Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Adair Fire and EMS for EMS education, The Adair Public Library, or the Boys & Girls Club in Adair, in memory of Bill. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair is handling the arrangements for the Littler Family.

1949-2024

Paul Homer Miller, 74, son of Homer and Cecelia (Dietrich) Miller, was born June 14, 1949, in Sigourney. He passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, after a short battle with esophageal cancer. 

Paul attended schools in rural Kansas and What Cheer. In 1966, Paul began working as a union traveling iron worker for the next 20 years. In 1988, he married Kathryn Brandt in Adel. They made their home in DeSoto for a short time before achieving one of his life’s dreams by buying land worthy of hunting and fishing south of Panora, where they have been ever since. Paul then worked for Ironworkers Local 67, Des Moines on many notable projects, including 801 Grand in Des Moines and Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, commuting daily from Panora until his retirement in 2009.

Paul enjoyed outdoor recreation immensely including both bow and shotgun hunting for deer, turkey hunting, fishing in any form whether river, lake, pond, or ocean, camping and in later years gardening. Paul was always willing to share his knowledge of the outdoors with any family kids.

A primary philosophy of Paul’s was to work smarter, not harder, and while he saw evidence of the opposite everywhere, he was always willing to teach and let people learn in their own way. A quiet giant to his family, he was well-versed in colorful language, a vibrant personality and set in his ways. He would always helped Kathy in her projects in any way he could.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Miller of Panora; step-daughter, Ann (Paul) Stough of West Des Moines; step-son, James Riceman; grandchildren, Andy (Sara) Thomas and Ali (Alex) Ernst; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Paul Goodson and Lenyx Ernst; sisters, Clare Miller of West Des Moines and Barbara (Raymond) Oleson of Waukee; brothers, Jim (Cheri) Miller of West Des Moines; Randy Miller of West Des Moines; Pat (Betty) Miller of Winterset; and Mark Miller of West Des Moines; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Elaine Gillaspey and Kathy Day; and his wonderful dog, Sam.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1949-2024

Patricia Ann Steensen, 74, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center in the presence of family.

Pat was born Nov. 28, 1949, to Beryl and Grace (Blood) Berkenbosch. She attended Adel High School during which she served as a historian for 4-H. Pat graduated from high school in 1968. After high school, she pursued an education as a beautician in Des Moines at Iowa School of Beauty.

Pat married Dallas Lee Steensen on May 7, 1976. Together they had two children, Donald Patrick and Katherine Annette.

Pat learned the skill of embroidery at an early age from her mother, Grace. Her artwork was displayed on numerous pillowcases and dish towels.

One of Pat’s hobbies was playing music on the piano and organ. Pat loved hymns the most. She would sometimes encourage her son, Donald, to play duets with her on his baritone.  Pat shared her talent with the public, as she was an organist for her church family and later she played for residents at The New Homestead.

Pat enjoyed writing poetry. While most of these writings she kept private, there were a couple that she had published. Her favorite topics to write about were her Christian faith and family. Pat also wrote about aspects of her life in an autobiography called, “Growing Pains, I Believe in Miracles.”

Pat liked to make recordings of her music and poetry on cassette tapes and give them to her children when they were young.

Pat was proud of her family. She happily introduced visitors to her children and grandkids any time she had the chance to do so. She enjoyed making crafts with Levi and Olivia.

Character traits that will be remembered about Pat are her bright, beautiful-eyed smile, spunky attitude, and fun sense of humor. Pat was not afraid to say what she was thinking, and sometimes those comments would catch people off-guard. She had a sweet, loving personality that will truly be missed.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas; father, Beryl; and mother, Grace. Pat is survived by children, Donald (Valerie) Steensen of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Kathy (CJ) Leaf of Des Moines; sister, Charlotte (George) Hunt of Guthrie Center; brothers, Paul (Christy) Berkenbosch of Adel, and Lyle (Sue) Berkenbosch of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Levi and Olivia Steensen; step-children, Karen (Larry) Fiebelkorn of Des Moines and Ron (Nova) Steensen of Guthrie Center; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center. Visitation will be Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1958-2024

Patrick A. Flanery, 65, son of Anthony D. Flanery and Lila L. Flanery (Hester), was born May 26, 1958, in Des Moines. Patrick was called home on Feb. 15, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Patrick was born and lived his early years in Des Moines. His family moved to Panora, and he attended Panora/Linden Community Schools. On May 9,1975, he married Rhonda Adams in Guthrie Center. To this union, two daughters were born. Patrick worked various jobs from the meat packing house, Ideal in Jefferson, and caring for his brother, Michael, for 26 years. Most recently, he attended truck driving school at DMACC and got his CDL and drove trucks for different companies. During this time, Patrick entered into a committed relationship with Janet Flanery, a love that has lasted 26 years. To this union, two sons were born. He recently retired in 2020.

From a young age, Patrick had a passion for drag racing. This love continued throughout his lifetime, and, more recently, he handed over the wheel to his sons. He was known for his after-hour parties and could be found in his shop late at night entertaining in the wee hours of the morning. He loved playing music and rocking out from his 8-track player and vinyl records and unabashedly singing and shredding on air guitar. Through the years, he enjoyed going to the local drinking establishments, entertaining other patrons and playing pool.

Once he was convinced to get a smartphone, he enjoyed playing Trivia Crack, reading historical stories and watching his favorite old westerns. Patrick also enjoyed traveling, particularly to the mountains and the oceans. In recent years, his vacations consisted of driving thousands of miles on vacations trips. Patrick had a love of his furry friends and almost always had a pet dog nearby.

Above all, he had a love for family and friends and would do anything to help anyone in need and has been a father figure to many. Patrick was proud and greatly enjoyed his role as “Papa” from attending his grandchildren’s activities, babysitting and spending time with them.

It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and friend. Eternal rest grant unto Patrick, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Erica (Scott) Harlan of Urbandale, Monica Flanery of West Des Moines, Sean Flanery, and Rafe Flanery all of Adel; grandchildren, Dalton, Lexi, Ainsley, Makaia, Izzy and Hayden; brothers, Dan (Sheila) Flanery, and Tom (Kelli) Flanery; and sisters, Deb (Dan) Van Winkle, and Kathy Jo (Craig) Morris. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Lila; and brother, Mike “Spike” Flanery. 

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Adel Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com. 

1941-2024

William Anthony Holle, Jr. passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2024, in Guthrie Center. Born on Dec. 3, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, William’s life was marked by dedication, hard work and love for his family. 

William, known affectionately as Bill to his friends and loved ones, was the rock of his family. His unwavering partnership with his wife, Charlotte, spanned an impressive 60 years, a testament to their deep love and commitment to each other. Together, they raised a loving family, including their children Carolyn (Don) Schwartz, James (Richelle) Holle, Linda (Scott) Clark,

Janet (Dan) Barrett, Kimberly (Terry) Betts, and Arthur (Hannah) Holle. The joy of his life was further multiplied by his 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and happiness.

William’s early education began in a Country School, after which he continued to Adair-Casey High School, graduating in the class of 1960. Professionally, William was a dedicated worker, starting his career at AMF Western Tool, where he remained until 1988. Following this, he embraced the life of farming and milking dairy cows.

William spent countless hours playing pinochle on the computer, mastering the game of cribbage at the local library, and enjoying the simple pleasure of watching television. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Charlotte; his children and their spouses; his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brothers, John (Evelyn) Holle and Francis Holle; along with many nieces and nephews. Each family member will forever hold dear the memories and values that William instilled in them.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, William and Anna Holle; his sister
and brother-in-law, Julia and Lyle Davis; his daughter, Linda Clark; and his grandsons, Anthony
Clark and Adam Clark.

1929-2024

Viola Sheeder Rohe, daughter of Emmett and Helen Stephenson, was born on July 9, 1929,

on a farm near Beaver. The family moved to a farm near Monteith where Vi attended

country school through grade eight. The family then moved to Guthrie Center, and Vi attended

high school for two years and then moved to Linden where she graduated in 1947.

On June 6, 1948, Vi married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Gay Sheeder. They moved to the Sheeder family farm west of Guthrie Center. They were proud parents of three children. Vi helped her husband with farming and raising their children. The family later moved to an acreage in Guthrie Center. Vi worked at the ASCS office for 13 years. In 1979, Vi lost her beloved husband of 30 years. On Feb. 18, 1984, Vi married Vernon Rohe at the Sacred Heart Church in Manning.

Vi was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of America, Hospital Auxiliary and Plaza Rosary. Vi had many hobbies enjoying flowers, gardening, oil painting, ceramics, sewing and making quilts for her family. Vi and Vernon loved to travel, dance and being with family who she dearly loved.

Vi is survived by her three children, Randy (Mary) Sheeder, Rick (Bev) Sheeder and Terri (Darwin) Holmes all of Guthrie Center; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren, making five generations. She is also survived by Vernon’s seven children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and his sister, Ruth Morrell, of Waukee.

Preceding Vi in death are her parents, Emmett and Helen Stephenson; Gay Sheeder; Vernon Rohe; sister, Jean (Bill) Clouse; sister, Lorene Moore; brother, Marvin (Lavonne) Stephenson; and brother-in-law, Keith Morrell.