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.

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.