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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Diane Christensen Melrose ’72
Diane Pearl (Christensen) Melrose, age 88, of Charles City, was called home to her Lord on November 29, 2025. Born on November 17, 1937, in Montevideo, Minnesota to Arthur and Norma (Larsen) Christensen, Diane grew up surrounded by faith, family, and community. She lived in Montevideo until 1951, then moved with her family to Pipestone,…
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Dale Pedersen ’72
Dale Allen Pedersen, 75, of Waukee, IA passed away on November 24, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer compounded by a recent stroke. His wife, Kathy, was by his side. Dale was born in the office of Dr. H. Frank Givens of West Bend, IA on December 8,1949 weighing 9 lbs. 10 oz.,…
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James Ristau ’73
James Conrad Ristau, 85, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. James Conrad Ristau was born on August 23, 1940, to Clarence and Bernice (Hockenson) Ristau at the family home in Thornton, Iowa. Growing up with two sisters in a close family home, James loved Sundays which…
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Nancy Larrison Clinton-Ross ’93
Nancy Jeanne (Larrison) Clinton-Ross, 77, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on November 19, 2025, at her home. Nancy was born on October 9, 1948, in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of James and Sylvia (McDaniel) Larrison. She graduated in 1966 from Chrysler High School in New Castle. Nancy married Robert Lawson in 1967; the couple…
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Charles Harken ’78
Charles Alan Harken, of Cedar Rapids, died on November 19, 2025 in St. Luke’s Hospital from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Charlie was born on August 31, 1956, the 5th of 8 children, to Irene and Gerald Harken of Shell Rock, Iowa. He grew up in Shell Rock, graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1974…
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Janette Hofler Lien ’77
Janette Sue Lien passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025 at the age of 72. She was well known in the community for her career as an educator in the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School District having taught a variety of science classes over her nearly 37-year career. She served on the School Board, was active in…
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Frances Truckenbrod Kline ’57
Frances “Franny” Kline, 88, of Solon and formerly from Waverly died on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Solon Care Center in Solon. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Marilyn Bentz Schnaidt ’55
Marilyn Y. Schnaidt, 91 of New Rockford, ND formerly of Devils Lake ND passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Marilyn Yvonne, daughter of George and Irene (Tschakofske) Bentz, was born on November 21, 1933, in Hazen, ND, where she was raised and educated. She graduated from Golden Valley…
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Orpha Rachuy Emkes ’46
Orpha H. Emkes passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025. She was born April 15,1924 in Westbrook, Minnesota to the late Ernest and Bertha (Bloch) Rachuy. She was baptized May 4,1924 and confirmed in September 5,1937 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. She attended public schools in Rosehill Township and graduated from Westbrook High School,…
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Douglas Kutschat ’62
Douglas A. Kutschat, 86, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2025, with family by his side. Douglas was born April 29, 1939, in Albert Lea, MN, to Walter and Angeline Kutschat. He was raised in Southern Minnesota and Eastern Iowa. He had a younger sibling, Steve. Douglas was…
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Meg Harper Rath ’17
Meg Harper Rath ’17, Oelwein, is vice president of marketing at AgeWell Solvere Living.
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Janice Helmke Basler ’56
Janice “Jan” Basler August 11, 1936 – November 5, 2025 Janice Hilda (Helmke) Basler was born on August 11, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to William Henry and Hilda Helena (Boge) Helmke. Jan graduated from Renwick High School and went on to earn a two-year Elementary Education Certificate from Wartburg College.…
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Paul Mugan ’90
Paul Mugan ’90, Waverly, retired after 34 years of teaching secondary biology, 26 of which were at Waverly-Shell Rock High School. He serves as an adjunct professor with the Wartburg College education department and works with the Wartburg football team’s academic program and as a tight end coach.
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Janel DeZarn Ray ’01
Janel DeZarn Ray ’01, Beaver Dam, Wis., is the chief financial officer and chief operations officer at Special Olympics Wisconsin.
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Sharon Rasmussen ’88
Sharon Joy Rasmussen, age 59, of Oregon (formerly of Eau Claire) died on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from complications of Glioblastoma. Nadine, her loving caretaker, took care of her at home during the final months of her life. Sharon was born on March 25, 1966, in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin to Rev. Dale and Jean…
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Dorothy Boeckenheuer Keith ’53
Dorothy Ann [Boeckenheuer] Keith, lifelong educator, passed away on November 1, 2025, at Creekside in Grundy Center. Dorothy was born January 16, 1934 in Hawkeye, Iowa to Carl and Clara [Braun] Boeckenheuer. She graduated from Hawkeye High in 1951, and attended Wartburg College, obtaining her teaching certificate in 1953. She began her teaching career in…
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Arlene Schnaidt Orth ’61
Arlene Orth, 89, of Clarksville died on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Memorial in Waterloo. Arlene Karoline Orth was born on December 14, 1935, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna (Heth) Schnaidt in Beulah, ND. She graduated from Beulah High School in 1953. She later attended Wartburg College for two years…
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Roderick Evans ’92
Roderick (Rod) Lynn Evans 55 of Des Moines, Iowa passed away October 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Des Moines Hospital. He was born on February 12th, 1970, to Donald Evans and Susan (Moore) Lewiston at Mercy Hospital Des Moines, IA. Rod graduated from Norwalk High School, Class of 1988. Following graduation, he continued his education at…
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Kyle Elliott Fidler ’83
Kyle Elliott Fidler April 27, 1960 — October 25, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kyle Rae Elliott Fidler, who departed this life peacefully at home on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Kyle was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and…
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Dorothy Obermeyer Dykman ’49
After a blessedly long and beautiful life, Dorothy Berniece Obermeyer Dykman met the God she had long worshiped, and was welcomed into eternal life on October 25, 2025. Dorothy was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on the 25th of May, 1929, to Emma and Reverend George Obermeyer. She was raised in a close-knit German Lutheran family,…
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Arlene Schnaidt Orth ’61
Arlene Orth, 89, of Clarksville died on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Memorial in Waterloo. Arlene Karoline Orth was born on December 14, 1935, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna (Heth) Schnaidt in Beulah, ND. She graduated from Beulah High School in 1953. She later attended Wartburg College for two years…
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Roderick Evans ’92
Roderick (Rod) Lynn Evans 55 of Des Moines, Iowa passed away October 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Des Moines Hospital. He was born on February 12th, 1970, to Donald Evans and Susan (Moore) Lewiston at Mercy Hospital Des Moines, IA. Rod graduated from Norwalk High School, Class of 1988. Following graduation, he continued his education at…
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Kyle Elliott Fidler ’83
Kyle Elliott Fidler April 27, 1960 — October 25, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kyle Rae Elliott Fidler, who departed this life peacefully at home on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Kyle was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and…
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Dorothy Obermeyer Dykman ’49
After a blessedly long and beautiful life, Dorothy Berniece Obermeyer Dykman met the God she had long worshiped, and was welcomed into eternal life on October 25, 2025. Dorothy was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on the 25th of May, 1929, to Emma and Reverend George Obermeyer. She was raised in a close-knit German Lutheran family,…
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Olinda Deines Patzer ’58
Olinda Louise Patzer (Deines) July 12, 1936 — October 24, 2025 Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Olinda Louise Patzer (Deines), passed away peacefully at home in Cedaredge, Colorado on October 24, 2025. She was 89 years old. Olinda was the heart of our home and family. She was married for 57 years to her…
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Norma Boyd Alfrejd ’62
Norma Jean Alfrejd (nee Boyd), 84, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025 with family at her side. Norma was born in Nevada, Missouri to Maybelle Boyd Rabon (nee Warner) and William Emmett Boyd. Her father passed when she was very young. Her mother would re-marry, Estel Rabon. She was the eldest of three…
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Dr. Robert Farner ’52
Robert L. “Doc” Farner, MD passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Luther Oaks in Bloomington, IL. He was 95. Robert Lewis Farner was born to Fred (Fritz) and Marie Vallazza Farner on February 4, 1930. He grew up on a farm near Toluca, IL. He started his educational journey by attending Center School,…
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Herbert Hildebrandt ’52
Obituary for Herbert William Hildebrandt As usual…I arrived as a baby, a boy in January 1931, and ultimately the door closed in October 2025. I deeply tasted the world, anchored my life on a sea of love with Dee (nee Delores Bartels of Waseca, Minnesota), my wife of 65+ years who died in August 2018.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Marlene Albertsen DeRosa ’74
Marlene DeRosa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and vibrant pillar of her community, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on September 8, 2025. While her family and many friends feel her absence deeply, her kindness and zest for life fill their hearts with enduring warmth and gratitude. Born in Danbury, Iowa…
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Bernard Masker ’65
Bernard “Bernie” Masker, 84 of Conrad, IA passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Premier Estates of Toledo, IA. Bernie was born August 25, 1941, to Wilson and Albina (Balvin) Masker. He was raised in Tama, IA and attended Tama High School where he was very active in football and wrestling. He continued his football…