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.

1963-2024

Janet Kay Baker, 60, daughter of Norman “Red” and Caryl (Anderson) Morrell, was born Dec. 13, 1963, in Perry. She passed away Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at her home near Linden.

Janet attended Panora-Linden schools. Following high school, she was employed at Sunny Fresh Foods in Panora and then Midland Tile in Redfield. In 2003, she went to work at United Brick and Tile in Adel. On May 13, 2005, she married Doug Baker in Adel. Following working for United Brick and Tile, she went to work for the United States Postal Service at the mail center in Clive. She retired from there in 2022.

Janet enjoyed mushroom hunting, canning, gardening, visiting the casinos, shopping and taking care of her family.

Janet is survived by her husband, Doug Baker of Linden; daughter, Amber Baker of Redfield; sons, Scot Baker of Adel, Trevor Baker of Redfield, J.R. (Ashley) Putney of Linden, and Chad Putney of Oakland, California; eight grandchildren, Nikki Baker, Sadie Spooner, Dylan Baker, Devyn Baker, Timothy Putney, Lydia Baker, Heimie, and Monte Todd; siblings, Cathy Morrell of Guthrie Center, Karen Barney of Utah, Thomas Morrell of Des Moines, and Susan Morrell of Guthrie Center. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Jim Morrell and Michael Morrell.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. Burial will be in West Linn Cemetery, near Linden. Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

1954-2024

Laureen (Laurie) Beth Hansen was born Jan. 9, 1954, at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, to Harvey Dean Hansen and Sydna Alberta (Petty) Hansen. She grew up on a farm southeast of Perry. She spent an idyllic childhood playing with her brother, Brian, and her cousins, reading and riding horses.

Laurie graduated from Perry High School in 1972 and from Iowa State University in Food and Nutrition – Dietetics in 1976. She was a clinical dietitian at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, then Mercy Hospital Medical Center, becoming a certified NSP while there. She finished out her career at Iowa Heart Center in the Lipid Clinic.

In 1977, Richard Lee Mills and Laurie were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Perry. To this marriage was born Mark Lee Mills in 1983, Katherine Anne Mills in 1989, and Scott Richard Mills in 1991. Richard and Laurie spent their lives farming and raising cattle on their farm northwest of Redfield. Laurie never lost her passion for flower and vegetable gardening, traveling and riding horses. Her love of nature and all things that God created has been passed down to her children and her grandchildren. Laurie found new passions with her grandchildren like riding the Gator through the farm and pastures, picking up walnuts for Brian’s squirrels, feeding bread to the cows, reading books, planting and picking flowers, and teaching God’s Word. Most of all, her greatest passion was serving and loving others. She was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Adel.

Laurie was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Jerry and Kate Fredrichsen; grandparents, Carl and Emelia Hansen, and William and Sydna Petty; parents, Harvey and Alberta Hansen; and husband, Richard. She is survived by her children, Mark (Sarah), Katherine (Alan) Kent, and Scott (Taylor); grandchildren, Tate, Reese and Chloe Mills, Lily, Owen and Cole Kent, and Parker and Baker Mills; brother, Brian Hansen (Cindy); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

Laurie died on Feb. 1, 2024, surrounded by her children holding her hands. She fought a long, hard battle with ovarian cancer but ultimately won that battle and joined Jesus in Heaven.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel. Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the West Linn Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and will be split between Laurie’s favorite local charities, Faith Lutheran Church, ovarian cancer research, and ataxia research, unless specified.

1941-2024

Karen Kay Kraft Pierce, 82, beloved daughter of Dwight and Elvina (Petersen) Kraft, was born on Oct. 11, 1941, in Carroll. She peacefully passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at Taylor House in Des Moines.

Karen attended the Gardner Store country school in Audubon County for grades K-9 before graduating from Audubon High School in 1960. She was a loving mother to her two sons, Tim and Jon.

For 36 years, Karen dedicated her time and compassion as a certified nursing assistant at Guthrie County Hospital. She also selflessly volunteered for six years, driving the hospital van. Karen found immense joy in supporting her grandson’s activities and cherishing precious moments with her two great-grandsons. Showing her love through cooking meals for her family was one of her greatest joys. Family gatherings were always a delight, especially the fond memories of Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house, where they often played poker and Grandma seemed to win every year.

Karen held her family and friends dear to her heart. She possessed a selfless nature, always putting the needs of others before her own. Karen was known for her willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked, and even to those who didn’t. She respected the privacy of others and was a patient teacher, whether it was guiding someone in the kitchen or imparting her knowledge on patient care at the hospital. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Tim (Christi) Pierce of Grimes, and Jon Pierce of West Des Moines; her grandson, Nathan (Amy) Pierce of Grimes; her two great-grandsons, Bennett (3) and Cameron (1); her sister, Connie (Randy) Steffen of Griswold; her niece, April Steffen (Tony Sorensen); her nephew, Blaine (Julie) Steffen; as well as great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Dwight and Elvina Kraft.

Karen’s wishes were to be cremated. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guthrie County Hospital Foundation.