1932-2025

Joseph Louis, 93, was born Oct. 22, 1932, on a farm just south of Dwight, Illinois, the fifth child of Ludwig and Margaret (Goley) Louis. He was a graduate of Saint Paul Catholic High School class of 1950 in Odell, Illinois. Joe worked for Caterpillar Inc. as a crane operator in Joliet, Illinois, for a brief period before serving in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he attended the University of Illinois where he would receive his B.S. in mechanical engineering. 

While attending U of I, and during a visit back home, he met the love of his life, Joyce M. Coughlin. They were married in Kinsman, Illinois, on Sept. 8, 1956. Joe worked his entire career (35 years) for Sundstrand Corporation, initially in Rockford, Illinois, then loading the station wagon with their five kids to transfer to the new factory in Ames. Joe and Joyce remained in Ames until his retirement from Sundstrand in 1993, when they built and moved to their retirement lake home in Panora. They enjoyed their time on Lake Panorama boating, golfing, and teaching their grandchildren water sports. They also enjoyed wintering in Lakeland, Florida. Several years after Joyce passed, Joe relocated to a very nice independent living facility in Leawood, Kansas, in 2024 where his family visited him often.

Joe was always focused on his faith and family, and his interests included golfing, boating, hunting, woodworking and problem solving. He never argued but loved spirited discussions, sometimes stating, “I’m probably telling you more than I know.” Joe was a devoted Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and eventually joined a veterans’ group in Florida. 

Survivors include his five children: Michael (Kim) Louis of Ames; Robert (Diane) Louis of Davenport; Kevin (Ronnie) Louis of Casa Grande, Arizona; Jane Wasel of Scituate, Massachusetts; and Gary (Loretta) Louis of Overland Park, Kansas. He had 14 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. 

Preceding him in death were his wife of 55 years, Joyce; his parents; his siblings: Mary Margaret (Lee) Masching, John (Kay) Louis, Vince (Jean) Louis, and Louise (Clarence) Masching; and a grandson, Joey Louis.

Services will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Panora on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and mass starting at 11:30 a.m. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center. 

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.

2005-2025

Devon Michael Ernst, age 20, of Adair, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. 

Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Adair with Pastor Andy Dunn officiating. Luncheon at the church will follow the service.

Open visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair. 

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Adair is caring for the Ernst Family at this time.

Devon Michael Ernst was born on Aug. 8, 2005, in Atlantic, the son of Michael Oscar Ernst Jr. and Billie Jo (Christensen) Ernst. 

He attended School at Adair-Casey/ACGC. Devon worked for Rose Acre Farms and was recently promoted to assistant manager. 

Devon enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending time with family and friends, and working out. When he wasn’t busy with work, you could find Devon turning wrenches or building his house. These activities were particularly special to him because they were enjoyed with his stepfather, Allen, who taught him many lessons not just about work, but life. Devon will be remembered for his humor and his many funny pictures. 

Left to cherish his memory is his dog, EZE; mother, Billie Ernst of Adair; father, Mike Ernst Jr. of Guthrie Center; brother, Brad Patterson of Moses Lake, Washington; sister, Mariah Ernst of Adair; grandmother, Charlotte Acker of Des Moines; uncles: Mark (Paula) Ernst of Waukee, Mitch (Christi) Ernst of Adair, and Daniel Christensen; along with many cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Devon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mike Sr. and Diane Ernst; grandpa, Bob Coe; stepfather, Allen Reynolds; aunt, Jennifer Flores, and uncle, Shawn Christensen.

1926-2025

Joyce Marie (Shalley) Ray, aged 99, passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2025, in the presence of her family. Born on Sept. 1, 1926, in Nevada, Story County, Iowa.

Joyce was the daughter of Lawrence Earl Shalley and Elva Pearl Briley. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines and earned a bachelor’s degree from Drake University in December 1973, graduating cum laude with departmental honors. Her academic achievements reflected her lifelong commitment to scholarship and personal excellence.

On Nov. 22, 1949, Joyce was united in marriage to Marlowe Edward Ray in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they were foster parents to 19 children, providing a nurturing environment and steadfast guidance throughout their married years.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Marlys Jean (Ray) Houston and Jewel Michele (Ray) Rey; grandchildren, Kara Doles, John J. Doles, Jr., Lindsay (Doles) Balmer, Kellie (Rey) Smith, Kristopher Rey, Kyle Rey, Jason Houston, Kevin Houston and Justin Houston; and great-grandchildren, Jake Doles, Lily Doles, Emma Doles, Eve Balmer, Jude Balmer, Elanor Balmer, Mae Balmer, Ethan Smith, Dashiel Smith, Wyatt Smith, Joshua Houston, Jonathan Houston, Jeremy Houston, Tyler Houston, Natalie Houston, Peyton Houston, Madelyn Houston, Reagan Houston and Ian Houston, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlowe Edward Ray; her parents; and her sisters, Charlene Oxley and Bonnie Paine.

Throughout her career, Joyce held several positions, including roles at Younkers Men’s Department in Des Moines, R.H. Donnelly Corp. in Nevada, Collegiate Manufacturing Company in Ames, and the Army Air Force Base Depot in Topeka. Her vocation as a special education teacher at Guthrie Center Elementary and Junior High Schools, as well as her service as an adult education instructor at Des Moines Area Community College, distinguished her as a dedicated and compassionate educator.

Joyce was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and later of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her involvement extended to numerous organizations including: Area XII Developmental Disabilities Council, Iowa Association for Retarded Citizens, Guthrie Center Association for Retarded Citizens, 4-H Club (Camp Leader and Recreation Director), Girl Scout Leader and Camp Leader, Hawkeye Recreatory Committee, Order of the Eastern Star, Altoona, Iowa, Hospice of Central Iowa, Hospice of the Rapidan, Culpeper, Virginia, Daughters of the American Revolution, Silver Senior Club, Culpeper, Virginia, AARP Widowed Person Services, Friendship Force of Des Moines, Iowa, Culpeper Virginia Literacy Council and the Museum of Culpeper History, Culpeper, Virginia.

Her commitment to her faith and community was further demonstrated through her service at church youth camps, Special Olympics, teaching in Saltillo, Mexico, and her work at the Manuelito Children’s Home, Gallup, New Mexico, Navajo Mission, as well as a winter mission at the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Joyce’s love for her family and devotion to her students was evident throughout her life. She valued time spent with relatives and friends, especially her great-grandchildren, whom she encouraged through games and learning. Her legacy is one of kindness, educational advancement and selfless service.

A graveside service will be held at the Nevada, Iowa Cemetery (1025 First St.) on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. and a memorial service in Culpeper, Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, dedication to community and enduring love for her family. Her example will continue to inspire those privileged to have known her.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada, Iowa, has been entrusted with the arrangements for Joyce. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.

1932-2025

Carolina Faye Seeley,  daughter of Myron (Lillian Kraft) Allen, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2025, at the age of 93 in Guthrie Center, the same community where her story began on Feb. 6, 1932.

Carolina’s early years were spent in the nurturing environment of Country School before she advanced to Guthrie Center High School, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Her commitment to education and community service was evident throughout her life, particularly during her impressive tenure of more than 34 years as the clerk for the Soil Conservation Service. Her work ethic and dedication to conservation efforts left a lasting impact on the community she served with such distinction.

Beyond her professional life, Carolina was a devoted member of the Rebekahs and the Auxiliary of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge.

Carolina’s personal life was filled with love and joy. She was a cherished sister to Duane and Donna Allen. Her marriage to Lester Carper blessed her with three loving children: Ronald, LaVonne and Arlene. The family grew to include six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense happiness to Carolina’s life. Though she was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husbands Lester and Ross, and her siblings, her legacy of love and care continues to thrive in her family.

On July 2, 1974, Carolina’s heart found love again as she married Ross Seeley. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, exploring the world on their motorcycle, traversing the country in their RV, and soaring the skies in Ross’ plane.

As we remember Carolina Fay Seeley, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by adventure, service and unconditional love. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the stars she so loved to gaze upon during her travels. Carolina’s journey on Earth may have concluded, but her spirit remains an indelible part of the lives she touched.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center with a Celebration of Life gathering immediately following at First Christian Church’s Fellowship Hall.

1930-2025

Jean Crescentia Knobbe was born on her family’s farm on Nov. 9, 1930, to her parents, Leonard and Crescentia (Becker) Willenborg, in Templeton. She grew up on the family farm and went to school at Sacred Heart.

After attending school, Jean worked alongside her brother, Art, and sister, Norma, at Ocoma Foods. She also helped families around the neighborhood.

On Feb. 23, 1954, she married her handsome husband, Lee Knobbe, who had an endless number of jokes to share. After marrying, they moved to a farm west of Guthrie Center, where they raised hogs, cattle, chickens and crops.

Together, they had two children, Cheryl and Keith. A mere 14 months apart, they could have been mistaken for twins.

Jean was an entrepreneur, running a small business out of her home dressing chickens, gathering eggs and raising garden produce to sell. She also worked at Bayard Produce for several years, where she made many friends and gained new customers.

When she wasn’t working hard, Jean enjoyed crocheting, baking and talking on the phone endlessly with her friends and daughter, Cheryl. Her pancakes and sugar cookies were favorites among her grandchildren. There were many contests to see who could eat the most in one sitting.

Jean lived a full life and was loved by her family and friends. She joined her husband and dogs, Maxwell and Maggie, in heaven on Oct. 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Art Willenborg; and sister, Norma Knobbe.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Bosier (Ken); son, Keith Knobbe (Cris); grandchildren Tracy Lynch (Rod), John Knobbe (Wanda), Courtney Redfern (Travis), Jamie Carlson (Chris), Ross Knobbe (Geneva), Brooke Bosier and Ryan Knobbe (Lauren); great-grandchildren Tyler (Maddie), Trevor, Hunter, Hannah and Lauren Lynch; Kiersten, Jaxen and Hadley Knobbe; Mackenzie and Justin Reinhart; Taylor, Kelsey and Brandon Carlson; Henry Knobbe; Lane Bonner; Clark and Kane Knobbe; great-great grandchildren Maren and Easton Lynch; sister, Lois Adolf; and many other nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Oct. 17, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guthrie Center with visitation one hour prior in the parish hall.