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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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 of 3, her family moved to Moline, Illinois, and she returned to Waterloo, Iowa to begin her career as a social worker in 1969. Karen graduated from Moline High School in 1965. She attended Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois for two years. Then she…
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Kelley Burg Mikesh ‘98
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 St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, Iowa. Kelley attended St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA through 8th grade, completed secondary school within the Decorah Community School District, graduating in 1994. During high school, Kelley was involved in a variety of activities including track, cheerleading and band. Kelley was selected as the homecoming queen for her…
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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 Science Degree from Wartburg College in 1989 graduating with honors. Paul continued on his journey of becoming a physician and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in May of 1993 and completed the psychiatry residency program in 1997. On August 6, 1988,…
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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 grandfather started the Agriculture program in the schools and later Black Hawk Seeds became the family business. John was baptized at St. Paul United Methodist Church. He graduated from LaPorte City High School with the class of 1967. He enjoyed participating in football, wrestling, track,…
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Marilyn Stortz Reicks-Botterbrodt ’69
Marilyn Louise Reicks-Botterbrodt, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at her home in Hartman, Arkansas in front of her large picture window overlooking the lake, her “happy place”. She was lovingly surrounded by her husband and family.Marilyn Louise Stortz was born on June 11, 1932 in Decorah, IA to parents, Alfred and Nellie (Walsh) Stortz. She was the middle child, with an older brother, Charles (Chuck) and a younger brother, Jerry. She grew up in Canoe Township in Northeast Iowa and lived on the family farm.Marilyn graduated from Decorah High School on June 1, 1950. She received…
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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 (Carolyn and Luther Lyndrup) he became a teacher, beginning his career at McHenry High School outside of Chicago. While completing a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Georgia, he met the love of his life and his adored wife of fifty-two years Anne…
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Cynthia Yess ‘71
CYNTHIA “CY” SUE YESS, died on the morning of Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Lakeshore Inn in Waseca. Cy was born to Marvin and Milly (Holtz) Yess on July 26, 1949. She was their second child and was an amazing sister to her big sister Carolyn and her baby brother Curt. Cy was baptized into Christ’s family and confirmed her faith at Saint John Lutheran church in Waseca. She attended Southside Elementary and graduated from Waseca Central High school in 1967. Her summers were consumed by backyard ballgames barefoot with the neighborhood kids or with all of her cousins…
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Rev. William Thalacker ‘57
The Rev. Dr. William (“Bill”) Paul Thalacker, 89, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by family in Waverly, Iowa, on January 31, 2024, due to the effects of congestive heart failure. Bill was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on November 14, 1934, to Rev. Arnold and Erna (Klein)Thalacker. He moved with his family to Lutheran congregations and communities in Iowa served by his father: Grinnell/Malcom, Castle Grove/Monticello, Lizard Township/Palmer and Des Moines. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up mostly in the country, enjoying the freedom, tasting some of farm life, and participating in Luther…
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Ronald Neessen ‘61
Ronald J. Neessen, 85, died on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at his home. He was born on January 16, 1939, in Iowa, the son of Thomas and Wilma (Henning) Neessen. He graduated from DeWitt Community Schools in 1957, Wartburg College in 1961 and the Madison School of Banking in 1963. He married Sheran Matson in June 1964, later divorcing. On July 20, 1974, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Miriam Platz, in Waterloo. He was employed as a National Bank Examiner with the US Comptroller of the Currency from 1963 to 1982. He then became…
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Madeleine Baudot Niemuth ‘56
Madeleine “Lynn” Niemuth, 89, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024. Madeleine “Lynn” Niemuth was born in Horton, KS on January 4, 1935, to Paul and Lucina (Hanoulle) Baudot. Her parents and sister Lucienne had emigrated from Belgium to the U.S. (Kansas) in 1928 to seek a better life after the ravages of World War I took their toll in that country. They entered the country as farmers and worked in that capacity until 1943 when they moved to Oconomowoc, WI, where Lucie was already living. Lynn attended elementary school near Horton, KS, and then in Oconomowoc following…
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Gretchen Watson ‘01
Gretchen Michelle Watson, 45, passed away January 23, 2024. Gretchen was born August 25, 1978, in Waterloo, IA, to Rand Eugene and Brenda Mae (Rockwood) Watson. She graduated from Janesville Consolidated School in 1996 in Janesville, IA. Gretchen received her BA in Business Administration from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA in 2000. Gretchen was self-employed, working in the wine and spirits industry. She traveled to Europe with the Iowa Music Ambassadors and also went to Australia with the Wartburg Castle Singers. Gretchen is survived by her parents, Rand and Brenda Watson of Mesa, Arizona; brother, Greg Watson of Ames, IA;…
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Michael Nedoba ‘92
Michael James Nedoba, 53, of Holmen, Wisconsin passed away early Tuesday morning at 4:19, January 23rd, 2024 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. Mike was born in 1970, the youngest son to Curt and Carol (nee Fehr) Nedoba in Waterloo, Iowa. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and then the University of Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Mike was always a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan. In 1993, after the Velvet Revolution in what was Czechoslovakia, Mike traveled to the former Warsaw Pact country to teach English as a Second Language. While…
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Claire Merfeld ‘48
Claire “Skip” James Merfeld, 95, Cedar Falls, died Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the Western Home, Cedar Falls. Skip was born June 18, 1928 in Bristow, Iowa to the late Roy and Carrie (Stewart) Merfeld. He married Alice Folkert and the couple celebrated 64 loving years together before her death in 2012. Skip is survived by his sons, Bruce (Peggy) Merfeld of Cedar Falls and Dan (Nancy) Merfeld of Elburn, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Christy Merfeld of Cedar Rapids; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Dean Merfeld; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Jay; and grandson,…
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Rev. David Andreae ‘65
Rev. David Harold Andreae, age 80, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Elkader Care Center. He was born March 18, 1943, inOelwein to Herbert J. and Esther M. (Zwanziger) Andreae. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Sebald Lutheran Church, rural Strawberry Point. The family farmed in Clayton County between Strawberry Point and Volga in Sperry Township.He attended public school at Volga, was a member of the last class to graduate – Class of 1961 – before consolidation into Central Community Schools at Elkader and – he was the Valedictorian of the Class! David then attended Wartburg College…
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Dr. Ryan Winters ‘03
Ryan Randall Winters, 43, of Denver, Colorado, formally of Iowa Falls, passed away Tuesday January 16, 2024. Ryan was born on September 5, 1980 in Iowa Falls, Iowa to Randy and Dianna (Bahr) Winters. He graduated from Iowa Falls High School in the class of 1999. His academic and athletic accomplishments were vast in school, as one of the valedictorians of his class and championships in shot put and football. He had quite the competitive nature and love for the team. Ryan received his bachelor of science degree from Wartburg College and his doctorate from Regis University in Colorado. He…
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Gary Platt ‘71
Gary S. Platt, age 74, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids after a 16 year battle with cancer. Gary was born on September 19, 1949 to the late Arthur and Doris (Ollerman) Platt. Professionally, he was a general manager in the food service industry in Wisconsin Rapids for many years. Gary was an avid sports fan his entire life. He was a pitcher for the Neenah High School baseball team that was state runner-up in 1965. He continued his baseball career at Wartburg college as a pitcher. He…
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Hillary Gerber ‘92
Hillary M. Gerber, 54, a lifelong rural Stewartville, MN farmer died unexpectedly of a cardiac arrest on Monday (January 8, 2024) at the family farm. Hillary Marshall Gerber was born on September 17, 1969, in Rochester, MN to Paul and Ruth (Kaldenberg) Gerber. He grew up on the Gerber Family farm in Pleasant Grove Twp., attended and graduated from Stewartville HS in 1988. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA for 2 years and then the U of Minnesota -Waseca for 1 year. Hill was married on March 15, 1997, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Goodhue to Debra J.…
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Marianna Dirks Wolters ‘61
Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Marianna Wolters, of Rantoul passed away peacefully in her loving home on Friday, January 5th. Marianna recently celebrated her 83rd birthday, and was blessed to live a life of faith, service, and love. She was born December 29th, 1940, in Smith Center, Kansas, to Frieda deJung Dirks and Rev. Henry J. Dirks. As the daughter of a Lutheran Pastor, as she grew, so did her passion for living a life of sharing her Love of Christ, the joy of music, and the gift of lifelong learning with others. She was an only child and was…
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Oswald Goettler ‘53
Obituary of Oswald William Goettler, as written by Ozzie. Oswald William Goettler (Ozzie) was born November 29, 1927 at Andrew, Iowa to Henry and Magdalena Goettler, very poor, but very religious parents, for this he was thankful for. He became a Christian at a very young age and being poor, it taught him to get along with only the things he needed. Ozzie, age 96, passed away on January 3, 2024 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon, Iowa after a brief stay. He attended Andrew High School for 12 years. He walked two miles to and from school each day,…
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Wayne Imm ‘51
Wayne L. Imm, 94, of Toluca, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, 5:10 am at his home in Toluca. Wayne was born February 20, 1929, in Streator, IL to Lester and Ella (Nenne) Imm. He married Dolores Ponsetto on November 28, 1953. Wayne attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. In 1951 he went into the Army and served in Tokyo, Japan during the Korean War. He came home and went into business with his father at Imm & Son, in Toluca, selling Chevrolet and Oldsmobile vehicles for 54 years. In addition, he owned & operated Toluca Bottling Works. He served…
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Darryl Meyer ’63
R. Darryl Meyer passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, following a short illness. He was 85. Born in Nebraska to Rev. Raymond and Lenora Meyer, Darryl moved to Minnesota and Wisconsin, and then back to Nebraska, following his father’s pastoral calling. He graduated from Benson High School in Omaha and went on to attend Wartburg College, where he was a proud Wartburg Knight. His upbringing helped shape the values of service, leadership, and faith that guided him throughout his life. Darryl retired as Director of Human Services for Freeborn County, where he…
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John Culbertson ’50
John Dale Culbertson Obituary John D. Culbertson, age 96, of Waverly died on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly of natural causes. John was born September 15, 1928, in Waverly, the son of Floyd and Merle (Getts) Culbertson. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1946; UNI in 1950; and Drake Law School in 1954. On June 11, 1951, John and Donna M. Harden were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Donna passed away in 1987, and on October 22, 1988, John and Myrna Joy Kluiter were married at St. John Lutheran Church in…
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Mark Buls ’68
Mark John Buls, aged 79, of Flippin, Arkansas, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Born on November 17, 1945, in Tripoli, Iowa, he was the son of Arlen and Malita Korte Buls. Mark’s early education took place at Tripoli High School, followed by his graduation from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1968. Demonstrating his commitment to service, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army, where he honorably served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. In 1971, he embarked on a new chapter as he emigrated to Australia, where he devoted his career to teaching. He…
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Gaye Ostlund Scott ’71
Gaye L. Scott, 76, of Mason City went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025 at Heritage Care Center. Gaye Lorraine Ostlund was born January 31, 1949 at Lake City, Iowa to Donald and Frances (Lorraine) Ostlund of Lohrville, Iowa. She was the oldest of 3 children. Her first years were lived in Lohrville, Clarion, and Mason City until the family moved to Manly, Iowa in 1952. Gaye was baptized in December 1960 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly. Her deep faith in God was a gift that sustained her throughout her life, especially during her…
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Robert Gronstal ’52
Robert Joseph Gronstal, 94, of Gastonia and formerly of Treynor, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Robin Johnson House on August 28, 2025. Born in Council Bluffs, IA on September 10, 1930 to Joseph and Elvira Gronstal. Bob grew up and spent most of his life in Treynor, IA. He was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, class of 1952. He served two years in the Army during the Korean War before a banking career that would span over two decades. He was a local businessman and an employee of Treynor Community School District where he worked for 42…
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Dr. George Roleder ’50
We are saddened to share the passing of longtime chapter member George Roleder on August 26, 2025. George was known as a humorist and author of, “By George! The Birds are Copying Us” and “Flights of Bird Fancy” – collections of witty short stories that both challenge serious birders to double-check their handbooks and offer a lighthearted chuckle at the avian world. George and his wife, Betty, lived at San Antonio Gardens, where he was an active birder, often participating in their monthly walks and contributing to the annual Christmas Bird Count. He will be remembered as a generous, thoughtful…
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Carolyn Joseph Stufflebeam ’58
Carolyn Teresa Stufflebeam, 89, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. Carolyn was born June 2, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois to Frank and Mary (Verdek) Joseph. She attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. On December 27, 1958, she married Daniel Leroy Stufflebeam in Chicago. She was a teacher for three years and then became a homemaker, raising three children. Carolyn spent much of her life volunteering and serving her community. She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she ran the food pantry as…
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Larry Kueker ’66
Larry L. Kueker, 81, of Waverly, Iowa died on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Larry Lee Kueker was born on May 7, 1944, the son of Leslie and Mildred (Heineman) Kueker in Waverly. He was baptized on May 28, 1944, and confirmed on April 27, 1958, both at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waverly. He graduated from Waverly High School and attended Wartburg College for a year. Following his education, he started working at Carnation for several years and then at General Machine & Tool now TDS before retiring in 2011. On March…
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Patrick Feltus ’63
Patrick Marshall “Pat” Feltus, 84, of Allison, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Maple Manor in Aplington, with family by his side. Pat was the son of Robert Dale Feltus and Siena Margaret (DeBower) Feltus. He graduated from Allison-Bristow High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly. Pat married Ruth Ann Endelman on November 3, 1961. He was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Pat was a proud union Certified Master Mason and bricklayer. He left his craftmanship mark on several homes and businesses in Butler County. He was a multi-generational farmer of his family…
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Margrete Gorden Smeby ’64
Margrete Oline Smeby, 106, passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Wellington Place Nursing Home in Decorah, IA. Margrete was born May 28, 1919, to Joseph and Margit Gorden in Detroit. She was the oldest of four children, followed by three brothers: William, Frank and Bernie. She graduated from high school in Detroit and from the Detroit Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano. She married Carsten Smeby, a Lutheran intern, at her church in Detroit on May 18, 1944. They moved back to St. Paul, where Carsten finished his last year of seminary. Carsten and Margrete had five children:…
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Oscar “Ozzie” Scofield ’63
Oscar Ray “Ozzie” Scofield, 84, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 1, 1941, Ozzie was the son of the late Ray F. Scofield and Marion Kalman Scofield. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he embraced adventure on the open road and earned several prestigious “Iron Butt” endurance and distance awards. Ozzie’s professional life was equally distinguished. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, he went on to earn his Master of Business Administration there as well. His career in the reinsurance industry was marked by dedication and achievement,…
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Laurita Top Perry ’76
Ms. Laurita “Laura” Top Perry December 30, 1953 – August 18, 2025 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Laurita “Laura” Perry of Parker, CO on August 18, 2025. Our beloved mother, Laura, was one of the most courageous, compassionate, and resilient women to ever walk this earth. Her strength of character, generosity of spirit, and unwavering love for her family left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. To her children, she was everything—our guide, our protector, our comfort, and our greatest supporter. We loved her beyond measure and will…
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John Netty II ’88
John Anthony Netty II, 59, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away to be with the Lord on August 16, 2025, at his Richmond Lake home, with his wife, Brandy, by his side. John was born June 1, 1966, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of John and Luella (Comstock) Netty. John graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1984 and earned all-state honors in baseball, all-conference in football, and had a 28-scoreless inning streak that was recognized by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He also played in the Iowa High School All-Star Baseball game, where he…
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Bonnie Simpson Brewer ’68
Bonnie Brewer, age 79, of Ripon, was received into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 4, 2025, at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital. She was born on March 21, 1946, in Ripon, WI, a daughter of Colin Jr. and Desiré (Hardell) Simpson. After graduating from high school, Bonnie went on to further her education and earned a bachelor degree in social work from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. On July 27, 1968, she was united in marriage to Gary Brewer. Bonnie was strong in her faith and a fervent servant of the Lord. She was…
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Naomi Ketema Alene ’18
Naomi Ketema Alene, age 29, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Naomi was born in Denver, Colorado on July 25, 1996 to Ketema and Salome. She was a treasured daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. Naomi will be deeply missed by all who she crossed paths with. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Rev. Harold Oelschlager ’52
Harold E. Oelschlager, 95, passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Illinois. He was born on February 22, 1930, to Otto and Della (Heitman) Oelschlager in Princeton, Minnesota. Harold graduated from Princeton High School and attended Wartburg College, in Waverly, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He completed seminary training at Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and was ordained in 1956. He later earned a master’s degree in sacred theology and pursued doctoral work in Old Testament theology. Harold served in the parish ministry at…
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Randolph Murty ’93
Randy was born in Wichita, Kansas on February 16, 1958. His parents, Joe and Inez Murty, moved to Tama, Iowa and he grew up there along with three brothers. He graduated from LDF High School in Le Grand, Iowa, and received a B.A. degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He received his certificate for Candidacy for Ordained Ministry from the United Methodist Church Conference in Ottumwa, Iowa, and pursued theological studies at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri for several years. Hampered by physical limitations he gave up his goal of becoming an ordained minister, but…
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James “Ed” Veasey Jr. ’94
James “Ed” Veasey Jr., 52, of Rock Island, passed away Monday July 14, 2025 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis. James was born on October 27, 1972 in Moline, the son of James and Ruby (Barnett) Veasey Sr. He was a graduate of Rock Island High School, and James later graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played basketball. He completed his master’s degree at Western Illinois University. He married Carla (Reitz) Whitbread in 1998 with whom he had two wonderful daughters, Jada and Zoe. They divorced in 2007. James later married Molly Mayfield on September 8,…
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Dr. Darrell Wiener ’59
Dr. Darrell Dean Wiener, 88, of Le Mars, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord on July 5, 2025, after four plus years of fighting cancer. Darrell was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on January 15, 1937, the son of Albert and Elda (Ludwig) Wiener. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up in the Merrill area where he attended country schools in Stanton Township and graduated from Merrill High School in 1955. In 1954, Darrell joined Company K, 133rd Infantry, of the Iowa National Guard. Darrell proudly served his country for eight years, attaining…
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Robert Matthias ’64
Robert “Bob” Lee Matthias, May 20, 1942 – July 3, 2025. Robert “Bob” Lee Matthias, age 83, passed away at his home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a place he cherished and called home for nearly five decades. Born on May 20, 1942, in Denver, Iowa, Bob grew up with a strong work ethic and deep family values on a farm run by his late parents, Matt and Leona Matthias. Alongside his siblings—Don, Sonja, and Barb—Bob experienced a rural upbringing that shaped his lifelong character and humility. Bob’s life was forever changed when a high school coach recognized his potential and encouraged…