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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All Class Years
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Dolores Ellermeier Tjarks ’51
Sioux Falls, SD – Dolores Tjarks, age 91, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD. Dolores taught her children to love God above all else, see the best in people and dish out praise in heaping spoonfuls. She was endlessly kind. Dolores lived a life of service to…
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Patricia Donahoo Tuecke ‘59
Patricia M. Tuecke, 84, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center. She was born November 12, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Lloyd and Ester (Schomer) Donahoo. She grew up on her parents farm near Millard, Nebraska, and attended Millard High School. After graduating from…
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Dr. Darrell Schlange ’61
Darrell Gene Schlange O.D, D.O.S, age 84, of Palos Heights, Illinois, passed away on March 10, 2024. He was born on October 18, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska. Darrell was a dedicated Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and also had a successful private practice in the Palos Heights area. He was known…
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Lois Wiese McCulloch ’56
Lois M. McCulloch died March 10, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Center in Freeport. Born Feb 15, 1935, in Spring Valley, IL to Herman J and Mildred (Hamer) Wiese, she married Donald “Mac” McCulloch of Freeport in Sept 1957. She is survived by her daughters, Rose Anne Flores of Phoenix, AZ, and Dawn (David) Bronkema of…
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Irene Streng Snyder ‘52
Irene E. Snyder, 93, passed away on Sunday March 10, 2024 in Oshkosh. Irene was born November 11, 1930, in Cook, Nebraska, the daughter of the Reverend John and Nora (Bischoff) Streng. The Streng family moved to Beatrice, NE when her father was called to serve at St. John Lutheran Church in 1937.During World War…
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Charles Birnstiel
Esteemed Professor, bridge engineer, and author Dr. Charles Birnstiel passed away on March 11th at the age of 94. Charles was born on December 6, 1929, in Manhattan, NY, to German immigrants Karl and Margarete Birnstiel. After attending public grade schools in East Harlem, Charles studied at Brooklyn Technical High School, and then at New York…
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Richard James ‘61
With heavy hearts, we announce Richard H. James, age 87 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, lawyer and a veteran of the U. S. Navy. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jana Sue James. He leaves behind a legacy of love and…
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Rev. Harold McMillin ‘69
Harold Robert McMillin, Jr., 78, of Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Harold Sr. and Marie (Carlson) McMillin was born March 28, 1945, in McGregor. Harold passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2024. He faced many health challenges in his life and fought each one with resilience and courage. Harold grew up on a dairy farm and…
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Rev. Marvin Ritterling ‘52
In loving memory of Rev. Marvin Verland Ritterling, 92, who transitioned into the loving arms of Jesus on February 29th, 2024.Marvin is survived by his two sons, David K. Ritterling (Caroline) of Pueblo and Douglas K. Ritterling (Pamela) of Anderson, SC. Nine grandchildren: Rachel Blickenstaff (Brandon), of Pueblo, Allison Hendricks (Steven) of Farmington, NM., Andrew Ritterling (Christine)…
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Michael Broghammer ‘78
Michael Donald Broghammer, age 67, of Cedar Rapids, IA, formerly of Cresco, IA, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mike was born on June 21, 1956 to Leonard and Margaret (Miskimins) Broghammer in Cresco, IA. He attended school in Cresco and graduated from Crestwood High School in…
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Wayne Meyer ‘56
Wayne Otto Meyer was born on Feb. 3, 1935, in Smith County, Kansas, to Otto Meyer and Ida Zabel Meyer. He passed away on Feb. 26, 2024, in the loving presence of family members. He was 89. He grew up on a farm southeast of Gaylord with his brothers: Irvin, Waldean, Delmer, and Richard, and…
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Elizabeth Larson Skov ‘67
Elizabeth Katherine Skov, a beloved wife, dedicated teacher, and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024, at the age of 83. She was born on July 18, 1940, to Clifford and Katherine (Norby) Larson in Osage, Iowa, and later settled in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Elizabeth’s life was marked by love and devotion. In…
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James Sinnott ‘75
James Michael Sinnott, 70 of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, under Care Initiatives Hospice at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo. James was born on May 1, 1953, in Waverly, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo Sinnott and Evelyn (Eichmann) Sinnott, by his brother Joseph Sinnott and…
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Charles Fischer ‘73
Charlie left us suddenly on Monday, February 19, 2024. We will miss his sense of humor and his positive unique spin on life. Charles John Fischer was born February 13, 1948, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and was raised in Latimer, Iowa. He graduated from CAL Community in 1966, and then went on to graduate from…
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Robert Thran ‘59
Robert Richard Thran, age 94 of Nashua, IA, died Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Bob was born in Readlyn, Iowa, September 20, 1929, the son of Oscar and Loueen Diekmann Thran. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Readlyn High School in 1947. He attended Iowa State Teachers…
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Karen Jones ‘69
Karen Marie Jones, 76, of Waterloo, Iowa passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at North Crest Specialty Care, following a brief stay. She was cared for by friends in her home prior to that stay. She was born November 22, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Nell (Wright) Jones. At the age…
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Kelley Burg Mikesh ‘98
Kelley Kathleen (Burg) Mikesh (February 22, 1976 – February 12, 2024) Kelley Kathleen (Burg) Mikesh, age 47, passed away peacefully at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, Wisconsin on Monday, February 12, 2024. Kelley Kathleen Burg, age 47, was born to Barbara and Philip Burg on February 22, 1976 in Waukon, IA. Kelley was baptized at…
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Dr. Paul Samo ‘89
Paul John Samo, age 57, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, in Legacy Cottage at Creekside in Grundy Center, Iowa. Paul was born on August 8, 1966, to Jack and Jackie (Walbaum) Samo in Grundy Center. He attended Grundy Center High School, graduating in 1985. He received his Bachelor of…
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John Pearson ‘71
John W. Pearson, 75, of Rockford, Iowa, died Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Floyd County Memorial Center.John William Pearson was born on December 19, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, to William Boyd and Maxine Jane (Trunkey) Pearson. He was the older of two sons. He was a resident of LaPorte City, Iowa, until adulthood. His…
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Allen Lyndrup ‘67
Allen Wayne Lyndrup, 79, our great Viking warrior, teacher, and lover of life passed away on February 4, 2024. Allen was born in Oak Park, IL on January 29, 1945. After finding a passion for being involved in a show at Central High School in Clifton, IL, Allen studied theater at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Like his parents…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Judy Harms Spinler ‘71
Judy Spinler, 75, passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on November 19, 2024, at the Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, Iowa. Judy was born July 7, 1949, daughter to Paul and Leola (Ingersoll) Harms in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from Wartburg College and the University of Northern Iowa. She was united in…
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Vivian Rudolf Rindelaub ‘57
Vivian (Rudolf) Rindelaub, age 89 5/6 years, of Alexandria, formerly of Waseca, Marcell, and Grand Rapids, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at her home. A visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of the 3 p.m. service on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, with Rev. Megan Preston…
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Sheridan Skeen ‘69
Sheridan Ray Skeen, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on March 9, 1947, he received the nickname “Peanut” by his family since he arrived prematurely and was such a small baby. Sheridan grew up on a farm near Kankakee, Illinois, where he was raised…
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Dr. Duane Koenig ‘53
Dr. Duane G Koenig, 90 years of age, of Plymouth, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024. He was born on November 5, 1933, in Beatrice to Albert and Elsa (Pfingsten) Koenig. Duane attended Hoag country school through the 8th grade, then transferred to Beatrice, graduating in 1951. He was confirmed in faith at St John’s…
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Peter Weller ‘61
Peter John Weller, age 84, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Halcyon House in Washington. Peter was born January 13, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Carl Wilhelm and Kathryn (Bieber) Weller. He attended school at the Lane Tech Preparatory High School in Chicago, Illinois, and received his Business…
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Rev. Harold Heinzig ‘56
Rev. Harold Frederick Herman Heinzig October 3, 1934 — November 1, 2024 Rev. Harold Frederick Herman Heinzig, age 90, died on Friday afternoon, November 1, 2024, at Centra Care – St. Cloud Hospital, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran…
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Joyce Wonsmos Kasper ‘63
Joyce Arline Kasper, 84, of Clear Lake, formerly of Forest City and Thornton, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake. Born on August 5, 1940, to Marius (Shorty) and Helen (Hartwig) Wonsmos in Thornton, Iowa, Joyce cherished her early years,…
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James Carver ‘64
James “Jim” Douglas Carver Obituary James “Jim” D. Carver, 82, of Waverly died on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at his residence in Waverly. James Douglas Carver was born on April 15, 1942, the son of Francis and Dorothy (Wilson) Carver in Spencer, Iowa. He earned his Eagle Scout and was active in sports…
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Rev. John Sieverts ‘74
Rev. John C. Sieverts age 72 of Minocqua, WI, formerly of Waterloo, IA, died Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Country Terrace Home in Minocqua. John C. Sieverts, born on December 10, 1951, to John J. and Anna Mae (Johnson) Sieverts. John was baptized and confirmed at Crane Creek, where he began a lifelong journey of devotion…
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Rev. Arnold Wuertz ‘44
Rev. Arnold A. Wuertz, age 102, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Arnold grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota with parents Adolph and Laura (Ziemer) Wuertz. He was the second of their two children and was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edgar, who died at…
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Ralph Lohse ‘69
Mr. Ralph Lohse passed away at his home in the Town of Trenton on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. He was 77 years old. Ralph was born to Roy and Helen (nee Anderson) Lohse in Franklin Grove, Illinois on July 7, 1947. Ralph, his three brothers, and their…
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Sylvester Van Hove ‘59
Sylvester Henry Van Hove May 5, 1932 – October 12, 2024 Sylvester Henry Van Hove was born May 5, 1932, in rural Titonka, Iowa, the son of Ted and Bina (Tjaden) Van Hove. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Titonka High School in 1950. He graduated from St. Louis College of…
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Gary Nielsen ‘69
Gary R. Nielsen, 77, of Schertz, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024. Gary was born in Racine, Wisconsin on March 5, 1947, to Russell H. Nielsen and Joyce (Bax) Nielsen. Gary had a zest for life, and although faced with many serious health issues, his faith, attitude, and love for his family…
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Jeffrey Wad ‘74
Jeffrey James Wad age 74 of Nashua died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at his home. Jeffrey James Wad, born on May 23, 1950, in New Hampton, Iowa, he was the son of Earl and Wilma (Ransom) Wad and grew up in Ionia, where he developed a passion for art and education. A proud graduate of…
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Leon Webrand ‘62
Leon Anton Webrand passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in Bermuda Dunes, California, on October 2, 2024. Born on July 11, 1933, Leon led a fulfilling life marked by devotion to his family and a distinguished career. Leon was a loving husband to his late wife, Sandra Webrand, who preceded him in death…