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. 

1939-2025

Donald L. Hamilton, 86, son of Charles and Ruby (Jensen) Hamilton, was born at home on March 13, 1939, in Hampton. He passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center.

The family moved to Des Moines in 1951, and Don graduated from East High School in 1957. Following high school, he served in the Iowa National Guard. On Sept. 20, 1959, he married Mary Kay Keating, whom he met on a blind date. To this union, three children were born, Connie, Keith and Diane. In 1970, the family moved to Panora, where Don was the golf course superintendent at Lake Panorama. He later became the Water Superintendent at Lake Panorama for 21 years. Don retired from Lake Panorama in 2001. He then went to work, part-time, for Twigg Funeral Home until 2018.

Don was a member of the Panora United Methodist Church, where he was Lay leader for more than 40 years, taught Sunday School, worked with youth, was a Lay speaker, and led Bible studies. He enjoyed sharing the Gospel with people of all ages. He was an associate leader with Campus Life Clubs. Don was past president of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendent Association and past member of the American Water Works Association.

He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. All throughout his life, Don enjoyed spending his time helping others, no matter if it was family, friends or strangers. His greatest joy this side of heaven was his wife, Mary Kay. She was not only his wife, but his best friend, counselor and spiritual partner. Don believed when God made angels, he used Mary Kay as a pattern.

Don was very proud of his family. He enjoyed being together for all family gatherings and holiday celebrations. He fondly remembers camping trips, fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was proud of all their achievements in school and their careers.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Hamilton of Panora; children, Connie (Carroll) Gustin of Panora, Keith (Michelle) Hamilton of Georgia, and Diane (Mark) Smith of Slater; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Sue) Hamilton of Indiana; sister, Barbara Nobbman of Tennessee; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; sisters, Crystal Hamilton, Judy Bolton and Linda Porter; sister- and brothers-in-law; and a nephew.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Panora. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

1938-2025

Karla Caltrider, 87, of Casey, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Karla Jane was born on May 7, 1938, at the Larson Hospital in Adair, the daughter of Raymond Michael William and Lucille Marie (Hammond) Wesack. She grew up with her sister, Pat, and they shared a close bond as kids and into adulthood. On June 21, 1938, she received the sacrament of baptism, and on May 29, 1953, was confirmed, both at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. She grew up on a farm south of Adair and attended Adair Community Schools.  In school, she was active in music, band and the school plays; she graduated in the Adair High School Class of 1956. Following graduation, she attended Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri, and received her teaching certificate. 

Can you believe that a night out with a group of friends at an Adair area dance resulted in them all finding their perfect match? Karla met the love of her life, R. Keith Caltrider, and the couple married on Sept. 6, 1959, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. The couple was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Kevin. They made their home on the Caltrider Family Farm, now a Century farm, northwest of Casey for 57 years. As a family, they looked forward to getting away to Leech Lake, Okoboji and vacations with the Rumple and the Dolan families. 

After her kids started school, she operated Lollipop Preschool at the Casey United Methodist Church. Karla always stressed the importance of proper etiquette and education and dedicated more than 35 years to getting the young ones off to the right start. A former student, who is now in education, recently shared the impact Karla made on her, and she uses some of the same style of teaching to connect with the students in her classroom. During retirement, Karla also worked at Tiger Tikes Preschool in Guthrie Center and Von Maur.    

Karla was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Casey and was active in LWML and sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, Casey Community Club, and Zetetic Club. She was a driving force and was compassionate about the restoration of the Casey Library. Karla and Keith played numerous roles at the Guthrie Center Community Theatre, including ones in “Hello Dolly” and were members of the 5×80 Country Club.

Karla loved spending time outdoors at the farm tending her flower and vegetable gardens that always seemed to flourish with her green thumb, a gift that even had people bringing her their dying plants to revive. Time inside was spent making crafts, painting and rolling out dough for her prized apple pie that was required at any family or town function. Did you know Karla had a competitive side? Whether it was cards with friends or playing murder with family, you could bet by the end she had called at least one person a cob! She loved Christmas time and had a large Santa collection. Karla was an avid Iowa State Cyclone and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Who did she root for when they played each other? 

Time with her grandchildren was always filled with adventure. Their memories include playing in her classroom when she was prepping lessons, baking gingerbread every Christmas, reading with her, helping her with her arts, crafts and plants and eavesdropping on the adults after bedtime through the grate in the floor of the front bedroom. The joy they brought to her days was evident in her smile when they were around.  

Karla’s loving and kind spirit and unwavering focus on her faith, family and friends will always be treasured by her children, Jennifer (Mick) Allen of Atlantic and Kevin (Michelle) Caltrider of Carroll; grandchildren, Alissa (James) Puffett, Benjamin (Kelsey) Caltrider, Trevor (Ry) Caltrider, and Paige (William) Badding; great-grandchildren, Xayne Howard and Hadley and Kennedy Caltrider; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lucille Hammond; husband, Keith Caltrider; parents-in-law, Charles and Irene Caltrider; grandson, James Howard; great-granddaughter, Ayreiz Howard; sister, Patricia Unrein; brother-in-law, Ray (Eva) Caltrider; sister-in-law; and Betty (Don) Slayton.

Visitation with the family present was at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Casey, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. A slideshow and recording of the service will be available on the funeral home website by end of day Tuesday.

A private family burial will be held in the Dalmanutha Cemetery, northwest of Casey.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Casey Library Betterment, Casey Service Club Grant Committee, Casey Historical Society and Country Grove at Heritage House.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Karla’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.