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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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 University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, A Master of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Doctorate Degree in Structural Engineering. Following his graduation, Charles devoted himself to teaching and structural mechanics research as a professor at both New York University…
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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 dedication, survived by his three children: Joy James, Dawn Gartin, and Lance James, along with their spouses and his four grandchildren Nicholas James, Hannah James, Danielle James, and Ava James. Richard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched…
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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 graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1963, where he was active in both 4-H and FFA, showing cattle at many local fairs. He enjoyed participating in basketball and wrestling when he could. After high school, Harold graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly and Wartburg Theological…
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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 1974. After high school, Mike attended Wartburg College, where he played football and wrestled. A formidable athlete, he showcased his prowess on the football field and wrestling mat, earning recognition as an all-conference running back in 1977 and achieving the status of an All-American wrestler…
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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 one sister, Berniel. For the past few years, he has been the last surviving Meyer sibling of his generation. He graduated from Gaylord High School in 1952, attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and served in the Kansas Army National Guard. On Feb. 1, 1959,…
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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 November of 1967, she met her soulmate on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, leading to an engagement in March of 1968 and a joyous wedding on August 3rd of the same year. Their marriage, filled with patience, communication, and endless expressions of love,…
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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 by his sister Jean Sinnott. James is survived by his four siblings—Jane (Valerie) Sinnott, Judy Sinnott, John (Gail) Sinnott, and Julie Sinnott. James is also survived by his nephew Travis Sinnott, his niece Rachael (Mark) Cioccari, his cousins Gena (John) Mackamul, Corby Eichmann, Alan Eichmann,…
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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 Wartburg College. Charlie met Karma, the love of his life. They married on May 16, 1976, and enjoyed 47 wonderful years together. They resided in Waterloo where they raised their son Nicholas (Nick). He worked for Iowa mutual for 30+ years as an insurance adjuster.…
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Jane Marten Claussen ’60
Jane Rosemary Claussen, 85, of Defiance, Ohio passed away on February 18, 2024. She was born in Muscatine, Iowa on December 23, 1938, to the late Henry and Anna (Rueckert) Marten. On June 25, 1961, she married the Rev. Ronald Claussen at Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine, Iowa and they shared almost 50 years together. Jane was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Defiance. She taught for many years at Tinora High School. Jane was a master gardener who liked quilting and traveling. She was an avid walker, often over two miles a day. In her spare time, she loved…
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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 College 1947–1948, and The University Of Iowa 1948–1951.Bob was drafted into the United States Army September 10, 1951, and served with the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War. He was discharged in May of 1953. Bob married Gerda Franken of Allison on…
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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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Alice Anderson Vogel ’59
Alice Marie Vogel, age 89, of Rock Rapids, IA died Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA. Alice Marie’s story began in Rock Rapids where she was born on June 27, 1937, to George O. and Minnie (Monson) Anderson. She grew up in Rock Rapids alongside siblings Karen and Alan, and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1955 among lifelong friends and with her sweetheart and future husband, Arnold Vogel. After her graduation from Wartburg College, Alice and Arnold married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids on July 13, 1957. Their first years…
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Donna Luethje Kemp ’58
Donna Mae Kemp, 89, of Waterloo passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls. She was born on July 23, 1936, on the family farm near Gladbrook, Iowa, the daughter of Harvey and Luverne (Christiansen) Leuthje. Donna graduated from Waterloo Eash High School and then attended Wartburg College and Gates Business College. On December 3, 1960, she was united in marriage to Bob Kemp at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Waterloo where they raised their two children, Pamela and Dominic. Donna worked as a legal secretary for various lawyers…
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Janice Collins Hannemann ’68
Janice Anne (Collins) Hannemann, age 80, of Nashua died July 3, 2026, at her home in Nashua. Janice (Jan) was born on November 6, 1945, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of William and Alma (Lubbs) Collins. She grew up on the family farm near Janesville, where a deep appreciation for nature first took root. As the youngest of four sisters, Jan spent countless hours outdoors exploring, playing, and helping her mother around the house. It was there that she developed a lifelong love for animals, especially cats and kittens, which she happily carried around the family homestead whenever she could.…
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Rev. Leon Bauer ’57
Pastor Leon Bauer passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 2, 2026. He served as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (now Napa Valley Lutheran) for more than three decades. Leon Luther Bauer was born on June 8th, 1935, in Lamont, Iowa to Reverend Paul and Margaret Bauer, their first son. Leon’s family grew to include his sister, Miriam, and his brother, Paul. Leon went on to study history at Wartburg College, in Waverly, Iowa. In college, he gained an interest in track & field and became an accomplished high jumper. He also gained an interest in music. In the…
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Michael Waugh ’96
Michael Greg Waugh, born September 5, 1973, died by suicide on July 1st, 2026. He was 52. Mike was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He is loved, missed, mourned and remembered. Mike was born in Atlantic Iowa and spent the majority of his early life in Jefferson Iowa, graduating from Jefferson-Scranton High School in 1992. He was active, playing baseball, basketball, football, golf and participating in track & field throughout his school years and into college, and also participating in a community production of Oliver Twist, playing the title character. Mike attended Wartburg College and later earned an…
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JoAnne Stevens Schwarz ’64
JoAnne Lee Schwarz, age 83, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Forrest and Lillian (Easter) Stevens on November 26, 1942. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dearborn, Michigan. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dearborn in 1961 and went onto study English at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. On August 17, 1963, JoAnne was united in marriage with James “Jim” Fredrick Schwarz at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dearborn, Michigan. They lived in Waverly, Clarksville and settled in Aplington, Iowa. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. JoAnne loved decorating cakes…
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LaNell Bailey Brandes ’67
LaNell Jane Brandes, 82, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 with her loving family by her side. LaNell Jane Bailey was born April 5, 1944 in Belmond, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Edna (Hansen) Bailey. She graduated in 1962 from Belmond High School. Following graduation, LaNell went on to obtain her Associates degree in Music from Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, and her Bachelor’s degree as a Music Major from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Professor Odvin Hagen, her choir director at Waldorf, called her his “first violin”, with her beautiful, high-soprano voice. She joyfully…
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Ruth Eifert Kobliska ’61
Ruth Ann Kobliska, 88, died peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2026, at her home in Waverly. Ruth was born on August 13, 1937, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of J. Stanley and Nettie (Riepe) Eifert. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1955, Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in 1957, and Wartburg College in 1961. On August 21, 1961, she married the love of her life, William R. Kobliska, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1962, Ruth and Bill moved to San Diego, California, where they lived until 2015, when they returned to Waverly. While in San…
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Lois Philippi Cipalo ’57
Lois Marquerite (Philippi) Cipalo, 91, passed into our Lord’s arms on June 21, 2026 at Hawkeye Care Facility in Dubuque, Iowa. Lois was born on November 5, 1934, in Bruning, Nebraska, to Frederick M. and Laura E. (Springer) Philippi. She attended high school in Bruning, Nebraska, and then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she received her elementary education degree. Later, she received her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota and a certificate for Rehabilitation Administration from DePaul University in Illinois. On August 22, 1970, she married Michael (Clem) Cipalo of Blue Island, Illinois, in…
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Kenneth Brinkman ’62
Kenneth Eugene “Ken” Brinkman, 86, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Charles City on May 31, 1940, Ken was the youngest of nine children born to Fred and Isabel (Hoffert) Brinkman. He graduated from Greene High School in 1958 and attended Wartburg College. He farmed near Packard for 50 years and sold DeKalb seed for 34 years before retiring to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. On July 25, 1959, Ken married Beverly Bauman, beginning a partnership that would last nearly 67 years. They were true partners in every sense of the word – raising a…
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Jean Gold Menking ’47
Jean Victoria Gold Menking, 99, of Alice, TX, peacefully entered the presence of her Creator and Savior on June 19, 2026. “There’s a new name in heaven, and it’s mine, oh, yes it’s mine!” so sang Jean Victoria Gold Menking as God’s angels joyously carried her into the Presence of her Creator. Born on August 13, 1926, in Nebraska City, NE, to the Rev. H. C. and Wilhelmina Gold, Jean grew up in Lytton, Iowa. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, alongside her twin sister during World War II. Completing her lifelong passion for nursing she received an RN with a BS in Nursing…
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Inga Hanson ’71
Inga Lorraine Hanson, 77, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, following a brief illness. Inga was born on November 24, 1948, in Postville, Iowa, to Bernard and Alma (Opsand) Hanson. She was raised in northeast Iowa and graduated from Valley High School in 1967. During her high school years, she excelled in athletics and was honored as a member of the 1967 Iowa Girls High School State Basketball All-Tournament Team. Following high school, Inga attended Wartburg College before earning her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University in 1971. She taught Home…
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Helen Neiderwimmer Corbett ’57
Helen Bertha Corbett (Neiderwimmer), 90, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2026. Helen was born on June 20th, 1935 to Robert and Lydia Neiderwimmer in Grinnell, IA. She pursued her education at Wartburg College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts in 1957 and continued her education at University of Illinois where she earned a Master’s degree in 1963. Helen was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, dedicated educator, and faithful friend whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. Throughout her career, she shared her love of learning by teaching English, Latin, and special education. Beyond the classroom, Helen…
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Matthew Ransom ’93
Matthew Neil Ransom, 55, of Adel, Iowa, passed away on June 13, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. Matt was born on December 21, 1970, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to Roy and Cindy Ransom. He attended Adel-DeSoto High School and continued his education at Wartburg College before pursuing trade school. On September 24, 1994, Matt married Christine “Christi” Bolton Ransom. Together they built a life in Adel, centered on family, hard work, and creating cherished memories with family and friends. Matt spent most of his career as a proud member of Local 45 Sheet Metal Union. He was known for his…
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Thomas Stephenson ’55
Thomas Ernest Stephenson, a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on June 10, 2026 of natural causes at the age of 92. Born in Waverly, Iowa on Dec 7,1933 he was the second son of George August and Florence Wilhelmina (Sack) Stephenson. He had a life well lived. Tom graduated from Wartburg College before earning his degree in physical therapy from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. His work gave him joy and many stories to tell of courageous and interesting people. He lived a life dedicated to helping others, with a fondness for the elderly. His approach…
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Martha Krueger Stahlman ’67
Martha Mary Krueger Stahlman, 81, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on June 10, 2026. She was born on March 21, 1945 in Oconomowoc Wisconsin. Marty was the daughter of Henry and Mary Krueger. Throughout her life, she was deeply cherished for her compassionate spirit and the thoughtful, generous ways she cared for others with faith and devotion. Marty’s early years were shaped by life on the dairy farm with her family. She attended Tamarack Primary School, a one-room schoolhouse , and later, Arrowhead High School. She went on to Wartburg College in Iowa where she graduated with honors with a…
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Reid Koenig ’75
Reid Allen Koenig, 73, of Austin, Texas, and Waverly, Iowa, unexpectedly passed away on June 9, 2026, at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed. Reid was born on April 11, 1953, in Decorah, Iowa, to Orville and Irene (Bachelder) Koenig. He graduated from Postville High School in 1971 and from Wartburg College in 1975. He got an MBA from the University of Northern Iowa in 1987. On May 31, 1975, he was united in marriage to Marsha (Gunderson). Together they had 3 daughters, twins Anne and Laura…
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Rev. Norman Braatz ’59
On June 9, 2026, Norman V. Braatz breathed his last. In his final sermon as a senior pastor, in 2002, he said, “I will always be a little amazed that God took a kid off the farm, with almost no financial resources, enabled him to attend one of the finest Lutheran colleges and seminaries in the land, and permitted him to serve in pastoral ministry literally from sea to shining sea. It’s been a great journey. I would do it all over again.” A memorial service will be held in late summer at Trinity Lutheran in Bonners Ferry. Norm was…
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Peggy Garbers Quick ’75
Peggy Kay Quick, age 73, passed away peacefully June 7, 2026. Born in Waverly, Iowa November 17, 1952, to Fannie and Albert Garbers, and raised in Clarksville, Iowa. Peggy graduated from Clarksville High School in 1971 and went on to earn a degree in social work from Wartburg College, in 1975. Peggy spent her career working as a coordinator at a chemical dependency center in Wadena, Minnesota. Later she worked as a social worker at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Algona, Iowa. Peggy married the love of her life, James Quick, June…
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Janet Oleson Barnhart ’62
Janet Gladys Oleson was born in rural Butler County, the second youngest of 11 children, to August and Lena (Huber) Oleson. Growing up Janet was a member of The Little Brown Church in Nashua and gave her heart to Jesus while at a special service. That spiritual heart transformation guided her daily life for all the days that she lived. She graduated from Nashua High School and continued her education through a 10-week course at Upper Iowa College. Upon completion she became certified to teach at country schools. A life-long learner, Janet continued pursuing her education by attending night classes…