We love hearing from our alumni!
Whether you’ve reached a career milestone, started a new venture, made an impact in your community, or celebrated a personal achievement, your story inspires current and future Knights. Share your accomplishments with us so we can celebrate your success and highlight the many ways Wartburg alumni make a difference in the world.
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Dr. James Heddens ’60
James D. Heddens, D.P.M., Podiatrist Emeritus, passed away at the age of 88 on October 14 surrounded by his children. Jim was an active member of the Marshalltown community where he lived for over 60 years. He was born in Charles City in 1937, attended Wartburg College and graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1962. In addition to practicing Podiatry, he was a member of the Rotary, Farm Bureau and an active landlord for many affordable housing units. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joan Heddens. He is survived by his three…
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Kayla Wiley Brokaw ’17
Tommy Brokaw and Kayla Wiley ’17, Monticello, were married July 12, 2025. She earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of South Dakota.
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Kerry Weldon Sarcone ’00
Matt Sarcone and Kerry Weldon ’00, West Des Moines, were married June 11, 2025.
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Marilyn Fick Luttinen ’66
Marilyn Kay Luttinen passed away on October 6, 2025 at the Quartet Senior Living Village in Bettendorf, Iowa. Born on May 12, 1944 in Los Angeles, California to Wilbur and Marcella Fick, Marilyn was a lifelong learner and dedicated to her faith. After receiving her Bachelor’s in teaching from Wartburg College, she was a Physical Education Teacher and later embraced the role of a homemaker with grace and dedication. She went on to work as a pre-school teacher, at a golf course with her husband, and as a pet-sitter. Outside of her professional life, Marilyn was known for her kindness…
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Joan Schwefel Schroeder ’55
Joan A. Schroeder March 30, 1933 – October 2, 2025 Joan A. (Schwefel) Schroeder, age 92, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 2nd. Joan was born to her parents Evelyn (Zinzow) and William Schwefel in March 1933. The family established their home in Glendale WI – Joan the eldest joined by her brother Jon and sister Eve Lynn. Joan enjoyed the children in the neighborhood, swam in the Milwaukee River and rode the streetcar to visit her grandparents. Luther League provided a social and spiritual outlet for her as a young adult. Miss Schwefel attended Valparaiso University and then transferred to…
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Charlice Haug Offenheiser ’54
Charlice Rosena H. Offenheiser, 93, of rural Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at her home with her family close by her side. Born February 11, 1932, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Louis H. and Lavina (Groezinger) Haug. Charlice grew up on their Derinda farm, attending the one-room school in Derinda Center before going to Elizabeth High School. She spent her last two years at Stockton High School, where bus service was offered to the area, and graduated in 1950. She then received a two-year business degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1952. Charlice…
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Wyatt Sheeder ’05
Wyatt Sheeder ’05, Wichita, Kan., is executive director at Senior Services of Wichita.
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Richard Gaard ’69
Richard Gaard ’69, Decorah, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Iowa Golf Coaches Association. He coached at Decorah High School for 51 years.
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Gwendolyn Parlin Paulson ’65
Gwendolyn Anne Paulson, age 82, wife, mother, master teacher, pillar of her community, died Monday, September 22, 2025, in River Falls, Wisconsin. She was born on February 5, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, a daughter of Raymond and Esther (Ziesemer) Parlin. She was united in marriage to Ed Paulson. She was a 1965 graduate of Wartburg College and later earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University in 1999. She was a K-1 teacher for Westside Elementary School; she served as the executive secretary for the National Association of Social Workers and was an administrative secretary for Ezekiel…
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Emily Hansel ’25
Emily Hansel ’25, Lombard, Ill., is an 8-12 grade German instructor at Geneva High School, Geneva.
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William Wachholz ’63
William “Bill” Wachholz, 85, of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. Bill was born on January 15, 1940, in Wausau to Marvin and Irmagard Wachholz. On June 7, 1969, he married the love of his life, Shirley Mielke. Together, they shared 24 wonderful years of marriage until Shirley’s passing, a time that was far too short. Bill devoted his professional career to Radant Insurance Agency, where his dedication and work ethic left a lasting impact. Beyond his career, he gave 50 years of service to the Wausau Noon Optimist Club and was a lifelong member of First…
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Nicholas Bottorff ’25
Nicholas Bottorff ’25, Hampton, is a loan administrator at Iowa Falls State Bank, Iowa Falls.
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Vernita Frese Baumgartner ’51
Vernita Marie Frese Baumgartner, age 93, of Fremont was born September 2, 1932 in Nora Springs IA, and departed this life to be with our Lord on September 18, 2025. The youngest of three daughters born to George and Julia (Ueker) Frese, Vernita grew up on the family farm outside of Nora Springs, surrounded by a closely-knit extended family. She attended both elementary school and high school in Nora Springs, participating in 4-H, theater, chorus, and Luther League at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. After graduating Valedictorian of her class, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly IA, where she enrolled in…
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Penelope Harms Hoeper ’86
Penelope Harms Hoeper ’86, Tripoli, is office coordinator for the Wartburg College Alumni & Parent Engagement Office, Waverly.
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Bill Gibson ’76
Bill Gibson ’76, Tinley Park, Ill., earned the Great Lakes Graphics Association Living Legend award. He retired following a 50-year career in the printing industry.
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Danielle Peyer ’24
Danielle Peyer ’24, Reedsburg, Wis., is a graduate student in counselor education – clinical mental health counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
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Doris Kumpf Keller ’44
Doris W. (Kumpf) Keller passed away peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on September 13, 2025 at age of 101. Doris was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Rev. Fred and Esther (Hoffman) Kumpf on July 7, 1924. She was raised in Humboldt, SD and Johnson, NE. She was preceded in passing by her parents, her husband Rev. John E. Keller and her sister Winnifred (Kumpf) Voight and her brother Richard Kumpf. She is survived by her three sons, Rev. David (Susan) Keller and their three children: Phillip (Linda) Keller and their five children; Joel (Pamela) Keller and…
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Alan Sexter ’87
Alan Sexter, age 60, of Wausau died on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Wausau Manor. Alan was born on September 24, 1964, in Decorah, lA, to the late James and Jeralyn (Krugel) Sexter. He grew up in Owatonna, MN where he developed a life long love of the Minnesota Vikings. After graduating high school, he went on to Wartburg College where he double majored in music and mathematics. Following graduation, Alan and his family moved to Wausau, where he began his career as an actuary with Wausau Insurance. He later worked at Eastbay, and in retirement found joy in greeting…
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Norbert Gauerke ’55
Norbert Lee Gauerke (Norb, Nubby, Nubs), age 92 passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 12, 2025 surrounded by his family that loved him. He was born on May 31, 1933 in Appleton to the late Erwin and Alma (Lemke) Gauerke. He was baptized on July 16, 1933 and confirmed on March 30, 1947 at First English Lutheran Church. He graduated from Marion High School in 1951 and from Wartburg College in 1955 with a degree in Business Education. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in February 1956 and received his basic…
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Shannon Lillibridge Archer ’06
Shannon Lillibridge Archer ’06, Ankeny, is general counsel for the Iowa Department of Corrections.
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Lois Rueber Cordes ‘58
Lois Elaine (Rueber) Cordes May 16, 1939 ~ December 25, 2024 (age 85) Lois Elaine Cordes, 85, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo. She was born on May 16, 1939, on her grandparents’ farm near Oelwein, the daughter of Arnold and Wilma (Brickman) Rueber. Lois attended Putnam #11 Country School and then attended Arlington Schools and graduated from Arlington High School. Lois then attended and graduated from Wartburg College. She began her teaching career at the Monona Elementary School where she met the love of her life, Norman Cordes, at St. Paul…
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John Goeman ‘61
John Goeman, age 86, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at Bethel Lutheran Home. John A. Goeman was born September 8, 1938 northeast of Madison to John “Jack” and Adelia (Fischer) Goeman. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school and high school at General Beadle School and attended college for two years at Dakota State University. Goeman also attended Wartburg College in Iowa and graduated with a First-Class Electronic Engineering Degree from Brown Institute of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He joined the staff of KJAM AM Radio as an Engineer/Announcer in 1959. He also…
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Rev. Frederick Henkelmann ‘70
Reverend Frederick W. Henkelmann, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Pigeon, died on December 25, 2024. Fred was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on June 25, 1948, to Reverend Ernst and Evelyn (Westphal) Henkelmann. At age 2, his family moved to Pigeon, Michigan where he attended Cross Lutheran School and Laker High School, graduating in 1966. Fred received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College in 1970, the same year he married Raylene Friederich on June 20th. Fred continued on to earn his Master of Divinity degree in 1974 from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, during which…
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Frieda Schmitz ‘64
Frieda Fay Schmitz, 82, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Christmas Eve Day, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Meth-Wick Woodlands in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on January 17, 1942, in Manchester, the daughter of Dr. Orville and Harriet (Holverson) Schmitz. Frieda lived in Manchester with her parents and two sisters, Sharell Ann and Mary Lee. She attended school in Manchester where she was active in marching band, concert band, cheerleading, newspaper, yearbook, and National Honor Society. While in high school, Frieda volunteered for Head Start and at the Good Neighbor Home. Frieda was the only girl in Science…
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Beverly Shreve Menk ‘56
Beverly “Bev” Ann Menk (née Shreve), age 88, of New Brighton, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on December 20, 2024. Bev was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Shreve; mother, Velma (Smith) Shreve; and grandson, Colton Menk. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Menk; her children, Jill (Barry) Froehlich, Roger Menk (Viviana Schwab), Bryce (Colette) Menk, Sara (Scott) Chartier, and John (Carrie) Menk; and grandchildren, Spencer (Alyssa) Menk, Hallie Froehlich, Britta (Jack) Reiman, Danielle and Jack Menk, Eric and Kira Chartier, Reuben and Theodore Menk, and Tyler, Rae, and Kyle Schwab; as well as six wonderful…
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Cecelia Dykstra ’21
Cecelia Elise Dykstra, 27, slipped into eternity on December 17, 2024 at home in North Aurora, Illinois. She entered this life with the sunrise on May 24, 1997 in Aurora, Illinois. Her arrival was eagerly awaited by her parents, David and Valerie Brown Dykstra, and her big sister, Victoria. Cecelia, who was affectionately known as C.C., was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois where she enjoyed working with the preschool classes at vacation Bible school. She attended Schneider Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from West Aurora High School in 2015. C.C. loved music and performing; she…
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Rev. Dean Brockmeier ‘62
Rev. Dean was born on October 11th, 1940 and passed away on December 15th, 2024 at the age of 84. On December 15th, after a life of ministering to others, the Rev. Dean C. Brockmeier passed on to his heavenly reward surrounded by his family. Born October 11th, 1940, in Holdredge NE, Dean grew up on a cattle farm but felt the call to the ministry as a teenager. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary in 1966 and soon after married Carolyn “Kari” (Strey) Brockmeier, an RN and the loving and practical hands that complemented his spiritual heart. Dean will be…
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Jan Schmidt ‘65
Jan A. Schmidt passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Manchester, Iowa. Jan was born on February 25, 1943, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, the son of Alex and Helen (Hock) Schmidt. He was confirmed at St. Sebald Church, graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1961 and went on the receive his BS from Wartburg College in 1967. Following college, Jan served in the Airforce as a Staff Sargent at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas from 1966-1970. After he returned from service, he attended the University of Illinois and earned his Master’s in Social Work. He dedicated his career…
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Paul Sly ‘62
Paul Eldon Sly passed away on December 12, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Paul was born on September 2,1940, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, to Arthur and Lois Sly. He grew up in Nauvoo, Illinois, alongside his brother, Dennis. In 1958, he graduated Valedictorian of his class from Nauvoo High School and continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After completing two years of study, he transferred to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he was an active member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. After college, he…
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Harold Schlesinger ‘59
Harold “Hal” L. Schlesinger Obituary It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold LeRoy Schlesinger, 87, who left us on December 10, 2024, in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Hal was born July 2, 1937, in Mendota to Homer and Edith (Martin) Schmidt. Edith passed away shortly after his birth, and he was then lovingly raised by Harold and Mary Schlesinger. He graduated Mendota High School in 1955 and attended Wartburg College. Hal honorably served in the United States Army. During his travels he resided in California for a time but settled back in his…
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Roger Palmer ’64
Roger Palmer September 4, 1942 — December 10, 2024 Roger Sherman Palmer was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on September 4, 1942, to Charles Aaron and Cora Viola (Henderson) Palmer. Nearing the age of 44, Cora followed her doctor’s orders and went to the hospital in La Crosse even though the family resided in nearby Waukon, Iowa. Birth in Wisconsin was probably the beginning of Roger’s life-long love of the Green Bay Packers. Roger was the caboose of the five Palmer children. He was one of “The Nines”: Verle (18), Helen (9), and Roger (0). The other two siblings were…
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Leroy Buchholz ‘59
Leroy “Lee” Buchholz, age 87, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington. Lee was born February 3, 1937, at his family’s home in Table Rock, Nebraska, the son of Otto and Anna (Geyer) Buchholz. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Lee attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and later graduated from high school in Johnson, Nebraska. He attended Nebraska State Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska, for two years before transferring to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He…
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Leonard Schmidt ‘63
It Is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Leonard Richard Schmidt. He died Sunday evening December 1, 2024, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. He was 83 years old. Leonard (Len) was born in Savanna, Il to parents Richard Schmidt and Geneva (Brandenburg) Schmidt on May 14, 1941, the first of four children. His father was a farmer, so they moved around. Len talked of the one room schools he attended and the distance he would walk to school. He graduated from Andrew High School, then went to Wartburg College,…
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Betty Sauer Dowis ’50
Betty Dowis passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, just days after celebrating her 96th birthday. Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Adam and Mary Sauer, Betty lived a life filled with love, devotion, and service to her family and community. Betty’s journey took a memorable turn at age 14 when she met the love of her life, Graydon Dowis while working part-time at the carnival owned by Graydon’s family. Their shared story became the foundation of a beautiful marriage. Together, they lived in Boulder, Colorado, while Graydon completed law school and later made their home in Sterling, Colorado, where…
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Gerald Menning ‘51
Gerald J. Menning, 96, of Waterloo, and formerly of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Kaufman, Texas. Gerald was born on May 28, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Alfred Carl and Della Agnes Geer. He was baptized in June 1928 in Milwaukee and confirmed in 1943 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Gerald graduated from the Oshkosh High School in 1947 and Wartburg College in Waverly in 1951. On April 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Griffey in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The couple made their home in Waverly,…
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Rev. Norman Franzen ‘58
The Reverend Norman Norris Franzen of Omaha entered his heavenly home on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at Hillcrest Shadow Lake Nursing Facility, at the age of 88. Norman was born April 15, 1936, in Gothenburg, to Meinert and Elizabeth (Aden) Franzen. He was raised in Gothenburg and was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church. He graduated from Gothenburg High School with the Class of 1954. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, where he was a member of Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. He graduated from Wartburg College, before attending Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating with a master’s…
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Marilyn Stoltz Isakson ‘69
Marilyn Isakson, 84, of Colwell, passed away peacefully at home November 28, 2024, where she was cared for by her loving family. Marilyn Kay (Stoltz) Isakson was born in Clarion, Iowa on October 19, 1940 to Roy Elmer Stoltz and Lillian Margaret (Shediwy) Stoltz. She received her education in schools in Palo Alto County, Iowa graduating in 1958 from Graettinger Community Schools. She attended Junior College in Emmetsburg and received an associate degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a BSE in Elementary Education from Wartburg College. Marilyn married Leon Allen Isakson on August 6, 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran…
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Dennis Wesenberg ‘63
Dennis Wesenberg, 82, of Dows, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church in Dows with a time of fellowship to follow. Visitation will be an hour before the service. The service will be live streamed on the the First Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dowsfirstlutheran. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.Dennis Dee Wesenberg was born on February 11, 1942, in Franklin County, Iowa, to Richard “Dick” and Velma (Johnson) Wesenberg of…
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Darlene Wilke Schwarzkopf ‘57
Darlene Kathryn Schwarzkopf died on November 24, 2024, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Canton, South Dakota on March 11, 1937, and grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa. Darlene graduated from Rock Rapids High School. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and later graduated from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in education. Darlene taught elementary school in Sibley, Iowa, Janesville, Iowa and for 35 years at Walnut Grove School in Council Bluffs. She was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter IQ-LP and Iowa Retired…
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Betty Hoefs Bauer ’62
Betty Jane (Hoefs) BauerApril 8, 1940 – November 21, 2024 Betty Jane Hoefs, the first child of Gilbert and Alice Hoefs, was born in the family farmhouse near New Prague, Minnesota. Being raised on the farm, she learned the toils and joys of farming first-hand. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery, and it was there she met and married her husband, Milton Bauer, a butcher’s son, on June 22, 1963, while he was in Veterinary school at the University of Minnesota, and she a medical technologist at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. Two years later she…