1952-2025

Connie Sue Foglesong, 73, daughter of Harry and Beverly (Derry) Sand, was born Dec. 11, 1952, in Guthrie County. She passed away at her home on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.

Connie graduated from Menlo High School. On April 10, 1982, she married Bruce Foglesong in Justin, Texas. They made their home in Texas for five years. They then moved to Iowa and lived around the Panora area before settling in Linden for the last 30 years. Connie worked first as a dental assistant and then as a nurse’s aide for a combined eight to 10 years. Her favorite job was working for the Humane Society in Adel for a couple of years. She, along with her husband, Bruce, operated the Linden Canoe and Kayaks for 12 years, helping with answering phones and scheduling the deliveries of the canoes and kayaks.

Connie was a Dale Earnhardt and Denver Broncos fan. She loved penguins, baby goats and dogs.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce, of Linden; sons, James (Ryan) of Yale and Mikel of Yale; daughter, Chrisi (Jonathan) of Panora; grandchildren, Mayilla, Jami Lynn, Makenna, Austin, Logan and Ashton; great-grandchildren, Ava, Olivia and Kryin; brothers, Dick (Lori) Sand of Kansas City and Tom (Denise) Sand of Stuart; and sister, Julie Sand of Stuart. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place, and visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Linden Lions Club Building, Linden, Iowa.

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

1958-2025

Brenda Kay Sheeder, a loving mother, devoted wife and cherished friend, passed away in Guthrie Center on Dec. 17, 2025, at the age of 67.

Brenda’s early years in Nebraska were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family and the joys of discovery and learning. After graduating from high school, she pursued her interest in numbers and details by majoring in accounting in college, a field in which she excelled due to her meticulous and organized nature.

Brenda’s love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She is survived by her adoring children, Richard Sheeder and Kassandra Sheeder, both of Guthrie Center; her loving mother, Laverne Barnard of Beatrice, Nebraska; and her caring brother and sister-in-law, Duane (Teri) Barnard of Palisade, Nebraska, and Janell (Darrell) Parde of Loomis, Nebraska. Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Everett Barnard; and her beloved husband, Kerry Sheeder.

Brenda’s love story with Kerry began in Beatrice, Nebraska, where they were introduced by her mother. Their love blossomed quickly, and they were married on May 26, 1990, in Pickrell, Nebraska. Together, they embarked on a life full of adventure, following Kerry’s pipeline work across the United States. Brenda’s adaptability and supportive nature were the glue that held their family together during these travels.

A woman of many interests, Brenda found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid sewer and scrapbooker, capturing memories and creating beautiful keepsakes for her family and friends. Her passion for the outdoors was shared with Kerry, as they often went on pickup rides or side-by-side rides, exploring the beauty of the countryside.

Those who knew Brenda will remember her as a loving, thoughtful and passionate soul. Her ability to listen and her readiness to offer a helping hand made her a beacon of light in her community.

1996-2025

Thomas Lee Brooks, a man of courage and remarkable handiness, left this world on Dec. 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on Sept. 28, 1996, in Des Moines, Thomas grew into a person who could always be relied upon to lend a helping hand. His final moments were spent in Sioux City, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Thomas was a proud graduate of Guthrie Center High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for his future. Thomas enjoyed his time working at Blue Bunny Ice Cream, where he was not only a maintenance worker but also a beloved colleague. His dedication to his job was evident in the meticulous care he took in every task he undertook.

Family was the cornerstone of Thomas’ life. He is survived by his cherished grandmother, Debra Wilson, who instilled in him the values of kindness and perseverance. His siblings, Angela (Brooks) McMichael, Tyler Brooks, John Sherwood, Danny Sherwood, Zach Mobley and Mary Elizabeth Trent, will remember him as the brother who was always ready to offer support and share in life’s joys and challenges. Thomas’ legacy will live on through his son, Oliver Palmersheim, who was the light of his life. His loyal dog, Cardi, was a constant companion and source of joy.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Brooks, and his grandfather, Danny Brooks. Their memories served as a guiding light for Thomas, inspiring him to live a life of integrity and purpose. Those who knew Thomas will remember him for his courage, which shone brightly, whether he was facing personal challenges or coming to the aid of a friend in need. His ability to fix and build, a testament to his handiness, was a gift he generously shared with all who knew him.

Thomas Lee Brooks will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit, characterized by bravery and a knack for making the world a better place, will continue to inspire and influence those he left behind. As we say goodbye to Thomas, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.

1953-2025

Dale Craig Betts was born Oct. 30, 1953, in Richland, Washington, at the U.S. Military Hospital at Camp Hanford to Richard and Lois Betts. Dale was raised on a farm south of Jefferson. He attended Jefferson Community School until graduation in 1972. During his school years, he participated in wrestling, baseball, FFA and 4-H.  He earned money doing chores for neighbors and working at a local feed mill while also helping on the family farm. He enjoyed modifying cars and motorcycles. He shared many stories of drag racing with friends and a month-long motorcycle adventure out west with minimal money and no plan. What an adventure!  

Dale met the love of his life, Connie Clause, at Spring Lake and married in 1974 in Grand Junction. They made their home south of Jefferson. Dale continued to help on the family farm and welded at Ideal. Dale and Connie became parents to two children: Alan and Jessi.

In 1981, they moved to their permanent farmstead near Winkleman Switch and began farming on their own. He and Connie worked side by side caring for their livestock and began to start their own row crop farming. Dale continued to use his welding skills at Osmundson and later Scranton Manufacturing while farming. Eventually, he gave up the welding jobs and focused on his own operation. As the years went by, they continued to expand their row crops and cow herd until they eventually had 200 cow calf pairs. Dale took great pride in his cow herd.  

Dale always had time for his kids, making sure they learned skills and life lessons that would carry them through their lives. He took time to attend the many activities they were in, and he was the same when he became blessed with four grandkids. He was a grandpa who made time for them fishing at the river, riding ATVs, teaching them hands-on skills or going to their activities.  

Dale passed away Dec. 16, 2025, at the age of 72 years. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Connie; son, Alan Betts (Tanya) of Jefferson; daughter, Jessi Riley (Andy) of Rippey; four grandchildren: Kara Heick (Eric), Cole Betts, Brent Riley and Max Riley; brother, Gary Betts (Alene); sister, Betty Hoyle (Kirby); mother-in-law, Dorothy Clause; in-laws Reg Clause (Mary), Linda Clause (Guy), Mary Ann Haver (Ed), Cindy Stubbs (Mark) and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Greene County Medical Center and UnityPoint Hospice for their wonderful care of Dale. Also, thank you to those who have helped our family or reached out during these last three months.

Visitation for Dale Betts will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025  in the Greene Room at the Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson. Services by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson.

1973-2025

Joe was born on Nov. 30, 1973, to Danny and Debbie Brooks in Guthrie Center. He tragically passed away on Dec. 6, 2025, at his home in Guthrie Center. 

Joe spent about two years in the Army stationed in Fort Stuart, Georgia. After returning home, he worked road patch construction and worked as a welder. Most of his life was spent driving truck and doing mechanic work in his shop.

He had five children, Thomas Brooks and son Oliver Palmershiem of Sioux City, daughter Angela (Brooks) McMichael, and daughter Riley of Guthrie Center; Tyler Brooks of Council Bluffs; John Sherwood of Guthrie Center; and Danny Sherwood of Guthrie Center. He had a long-term relationship with Lisa Sherwood of Guthrie Center.

He was preceded in  death by his dad, Danny Brooks; twin sisters, Anne and Angela; and grandparents, Raymond and Nadine Mortensen and Frank and Irene Brooks. Whistler, Joe’s dog, also passed away in the fire.

Left to mourn are his mom, Debbie Brooks Wilson of Guthrie Center; lifelong companion, Lisa Sherwood of Guthrie Center; sister, Kris (Art) Hill of Carlisle; brother, Mike Brooks (and fiancé Kelly Ballantyne) of Logan; his five children; and two grandchildren

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.