1930-2024

Robert James Cornish, 93, son of Zeb and Lottie (Lookingbill) Cornish, was born Dec. 4, 1930, near Bayard. He passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, at The Lakeside Village, Panora.

Bob attended country school before he entered Bayard elementary. When he was a junior in high school, he moved to Yale with his parents. He graduated from Yale with the class of 1948. He attended A.I.B. in Des Moines before working in the Farmers State Bank in Yale.

In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Dubes. They lived on the farm until he was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1952. He took basic training at Camp Roberts, California, with the 43rd Infantry Division. He was transferred to Augsburg, Germany, where he served until he was called home due to the death of his mother. He was honorably discharged in January 1954.

After military duty, Bob and Jean returned to the farm where they lived until they moved to Yale. Bob worked as assistant manager of Yale Farmer’s Co-op until he later sold feed for Standard Chemical of Omaha.

Bob and Jean moved from Yale to Lake Panorama in 1984 and lived there for the next 35 years. They spent winters in Arizona and Florida and enjoyed traveling and cruising with their friends from Winterset Park, Florida. Due to Bob’s health, they moved to The Lakeside Village, Panora in 2019.

Bob served on the Yale United Methodist Church Board, the Hope Parish Council, and the YJB School Board. After the Yale United Methodist Church closed, he transferred his membership to Panora United Methodist Church. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge where he had served as master and additionally a 50-year member of the O.E.S. where he served as worthy patron, among other offices.

Bob was a very loving husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors working in his yard, planting flowers and tending his birdfeeders. He could also be found at his BBQ grill or picnicking with his family at Springbrook State Park. He enjoyed hunting. He and Jean loved driving around the countryside admiring the fields and the crops each season. He enjoyed card games and square dancing with Jean. He loved photographing family functions as well as landscapes of their travels. Being an avid horse lover, Bob had fun attending the Yale Saddle Club horse shows well into his 90s. Bob and Jean enjoyed singing together and did so for different events over the years. Bob always had a smile and greeted everyone he met.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean Cornish of Panora; daughters, LuAnn (Bruce) Tamisiea of Okoboji and Lori (Tim) Raup of Panora; five grandchildren, C.J. Cave, Kelsey (David) Parker, Tyler (Michaela) Tamisiea, Reid (Sara) Tamisiea and Brooke (Chad) Tredway; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Barbara Cornish; nephew, Mark Cornish; and sister-in-law, Vernona Dubes.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial of his urn will be in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora following the service.

Memorials may be directed to The Yale Saddle Club, Panora EMS and Care Initiatives Hospice.

The family would like to thank The Lakeside Village and Hospice who so lovingly took care of Bob.

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

1930-2024                      

Mary Louise Branson, 93, daughter of Harold and Eva (Laughlin) Moraine, was born July 31, 1930, in Glendon. She passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the New Homestead, Guthrie Center.

Mary graduated from Guthrie Center High School. In 1948, she married Robert Wesley Branson at the Christian Church in Guthrie Center. They made their home in Guthrie Center for 35 years. Mary owned and operated Branson’s Beauti-Rama until they moved to Lake Panorama in 1983. In 2010, they became residents of the Lakeside Village in Panora until July of 2012 when they moved into the New Homestead. Bob passed away in November of 2012.

Mary enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, fishing, cooking, gambling, her love for her cat, Gracie, and, most of all, spending time with her family, especially wrestling with the grandchildren. Mary also was a collector of antiques (blue glassware especially), and while she was a resident of the New Homestead, she enjoyed watching the birds, playing bingo and having visitors.

She volunteered with the WSO and First Christian Church. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center and then the First Christian Church in Panora.

Mary is survived by her children, Kristi (Doug Hickman) Branson of San Diego, California, Barry (Vanessa) Branson of Panora, and Kathi (Dave) Sherby of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; two brothers; and a sister.

Cremation has taken place, and graveside services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center.

Memorials may be left to the New Homestead beauty shop for upgrading of the facilities and may be mailed to Branson’s, 5017 Panorama Drive, Panora, IA 50216.

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

1964-2024

Charles (Chuck) Anthony Davis was born on April 10, 1964, to Earle and Joy (Lydon) Davis in Ogallala, Nebraska. He passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Bethany Life in Story City.

Chuck graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1982 where he participated in football, wrestling, track and chorus.

In his early years, Chuck enjoyed his time on the Davis family farm near Guthrie Center. After graduating high school, Chuck attended Palmer College of Chiropractic and graduated in 1992 with honors.

His career as a chiropractor led him to Clarion where he purchased Clarion Chiropractic Clinic and served Clarion and surrounding communities for more than 25 years. Chuck’s chiropractic work was a source of joy, and he developed lasting relationships with many patients. He loved his patients and was known as Doc Davis to many. Chuck enjoyed volunteering as the team doctor for Clarion Goldfield high school athletes for many years and gave free care to any active athlete.

Chuck and Mary (Caslavka) Davis were married May 2, 1987, in Iowa City. Chuck found a lot of joy in watching his five children grow up. He loved his family deeply. He enjoyed supporting them through their sports, dance and many other school and church activities. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Chuck, along with his wife, Mary, celebrated their kids through many milestones. From high school and college graduations, to seeing them start families of their own. One of Chuck’s most important and loved roles was “Grandpa.” As Grandpa, he adored his three grandchildren more than anything and would show you pictures any chance he got.

Chuck will always be remembered for his big smile and his ability to make every stranger a friend.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke around. He was passionate about helping people.

Chuck was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church for many years and volunteered for various committees and activities in the church. He was deeply faithful and loved delivering cross necklaces to his caregivers so that they would know the love of Jesus.

Chuck was preceded in death by his loving parents, Joy and Earle Davis, and his grandparents, Tom and Ila Lydon and Glen and Mary Davis, and his uncles, Paul Lydon and Noel Johnson.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary, and their five children: Anthony (Megan) Davis, Nathan (Maggie) Davis, Claire Davis, Brendan Davis, and Isaac Davis; his three grandchildren, Alder, Madison and Prim; his siblings, Brian (Jean) Davis, Jodi (John) Russell, and Mike (Sonia) Davis; and his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

We will miss his sense of humor and his contagious laugh that filled a room. We will simply miss our dad, husband, grandpa and brother.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Chuck Davis will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 Second Avenue North East in Clarion with Father Jerry Blake Officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Ave. East in Clarion. Rosary will at 4:30 p.m. prior to visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Chuck’s name may be directed to Blank Children’s Hospital Child Life Program.

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.