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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Kent Kooi ’71
Kent Kooi, 77, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away on May 19, 2026 at Oakridge of Plattsburg. His family will honor his wishes of having a private celebration of life at a later time. Kent was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Edward and Muriel Kooi. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Aplington Community School in 1967. After high school, Kent went on to Wartburg College. He then joined the U.S. Army Reserves, serving six years. Simultaneously, he also joined the Border Patrol, where he dedicated the first eighteen years of his career with the federal government to…
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Amy Gosnell ’96
Amy Gosnell ’96, Nichols, is CEO/Executive Director at Families Inc., West Branch.
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Deleva Schuchmann Stevenson ’52
Deleva Stevenson, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Manchester, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. She was born on March 15, 1931 in Strawberry Point, the daughter of Vernon and Hilda (Martens) Schuchmann. She graduated from Manchester High School and attended Wartburg College. On June 25, 1950, she was united in marriage to Gordon Grimm. After Gordon’s passing, she married Donald Stevenson. She lived and worked on a farm near Delhi for most of her life. Survivors include her four daughters, Candy (Richard) Altorfer of Cedar Rapids, Kay Phillips of Delhi,…
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Robert Severson ’66
Robert ’66 and Sally Severson, Ferryville, Wis., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 28, 2026. They married one day after his graduation in 1966. Bob served on the Alumni Board and Board of Regents.
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Carol Hoffman ’68
Carol J. Hoffman, 80, passed away on Sunday morning, May 10, 2026 at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Carol was born March 12, 1946 in Hampton, Iowa the daughter of Walter and Mabel (Baker) Hoffman. In 1950, at a young age she moved with her family from Dinsdale to Humboldt where she attended school and graduated from Humboldt High School. Carol went on to attend Wartburg College and earned her Bachelors in Education. She taught second grade at Ackley-Geneva for thirty-eight years. Faith was an important part of Carol’s life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran…
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Randall Wright ’70
Randall Mark Wright, age 78 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and formerly of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. He was born on December 20, 1947, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Ronald M. and Mary L. (Gould) Wright. Randy grew up in Villa Park, Illinois, and attended Willowbrook High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. He then furthered his education at Wartburg College earning is B.A. in Communication, until lastly attending the University of Norther Iowa where he earned his Masters in Communication. On November 27, 1971, he was…
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Rodney Thompson ’69
Wonderful husband, fantastic father, and a very proud grandpa of fine children, Rodney Thompson, recent resident of St. John, Indiana passed away one day shy of his 80th birthday on May 6, 2026. Rod grew up on the Northside of Chicago and was very proud to be a Steinmetz High School graduate class of 1964. He graduated from Wright Junior College and received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Iowa’s Wartburg College, Class of 1968. Rod and Carol were married in 1980 and became parents of twins, Alice and Christian in 1981. Rod was a multi-faceted man. He was a champion…
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Marjorie Miller ’63
Marjorie Lee Miller, June 24, 1940 — May 4, 2026. Marjorie Lee was born in Eldora, Iowa to Velma Tideback Miller and Lloyd Milller. Marge went to Eldora High School and graduated in 1958. She attended Wartburg College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1963 and then returned to earn a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995. Her teaching career spanned 42 years, and she taught in the greater Los Angeles, California area, Minnesota, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Marge was first a classroom teacher and then became a…
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Daryl Buchholtz ’57
Daryl Peter Buchholtz, age 90, formerly of Swaledale, IA residing at Highland Ridge Retirement Village in Williamsburg, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 4th, 2026. Daryl was born on the family farm in Monmouth, Iowa on February 6th, 1936, and grew up in Monmouth and Wyoming, IA. He was a graduate of Monmouth High School. He then went on to Wartburg College followed by the University of Northern Iowa. He got his teaching degree in 1958 and then moved to Manly, IA to teach science, physical education, coach baseball, and instruct drivers education. In 1959, he married Darling Mae “Tootie”…
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Dorothy Rathjen ’87
Dorothy “Dottie” Kim Rathjen, 66, passed away on May 2, 2026. Born on July 3, 1959, Dottie lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, service, and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. Dottie was a lifelong learner who pursued her education with dedication and purpose. She graduated from Northcentral Technical College in 1979 with an Associate of Arts degree in Secretarial Science with an emphasis in Medicine. In 1984, she achieved her Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation, reflecting her professionalism and commitment to excellence. Continuing her education, Dottie graduated from Wartburg College in 1987 with a…
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Katie Berglund ’23
Katie Berglund ’23 and Kolton Arnold were married May 2, 2026. Her bridesmaids were her teammates on the Wartburg soccer team.
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Delaney Coffman ’26
Delaney Coffman ’26, Eldridge, is a promotions and events specialist at Caesars Entertainment, Bettendorf.
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Nikayla Youngblut ’26
Nikayla Youngblut ’26, Waverly, is a graduate student in leadership at Wartburg College.
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Lauren Funk ’26
Lauren Funk ’26, Tripoli, is a human resource coordinator at ATEK Metal Technologies, New Hampton.
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Ann Huck Bahlmann ’57
Ann Margaret Bahlmann, 90, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Monday evening, April 27, 2026 at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Ann was born on March 22, 1936, in Jefferson Township, Iowa, the daughter of Gladys E. (Pape) and Leslie W. Huck. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly on March 29, 1936 and confirmed in 1950 at St. John Spring Fountain Church. Ann graduated from Sumner High School, attended Wartburg College and proudly earned her teaching certificate. On June 29, 1958, Ann was united in marriage to Duane Clarence Bahlmann at Spring Fountain Church in Sumner,…
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Johanna Guetzlaff Kissell ’66
Johanna ‘Jo’ Marie Kissell, 81, of Muscatine, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Lutheran Living Senior Campus. Jo was born on September 12, 1944, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Albert and Viola Prange Guetzlaff. She married Gary P. Kissell on August 12, 1967, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2023. She was a member of the Grandview Community Bible Church and enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Jo will be deeply missed by her three children, Jennifer Howell and husband, Chris, of Muscatine, Paul Kissell and wife,…
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Delores “Lori” Lemke Grothaus ’58
Dolores Jean “Lori” Grothaus lived a life defined by faith, resilience, and deep love for herfamily. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and businesswoman whose quiet strength and gracious spirit touched all who knew her. Lori was born on April 5, 1930, in Holstein, Iowa, to Erich and Edna Lemke. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dean Lemke; her sister, Joelle “Babe” Hoops; and her beloved husband, Victor Gene Grothaus. She is survived by her brother, Delaine “Bud” Lemke; her daughters, Ann (Kim) Hunt and Jean Finegan; her grandchildren, Patrick…
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Eddie ’14 and Madison Stumbo ’14 Diemer
Eddie ’14 and Madison Stumbo ’14 Diemer, Grimes, announce the birth of Nolan on Oct. 7, 2025.
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Regina Welsch Mueller ’52
Regina Welsch Mueller, 97, died April 22, 2026 at Vista Prairie at Brentwood Memory Care in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Born Regina May Welsch to Goldie Jacobson Welsch and Alfred J. Welsch, November 28, 1928, in Jesup, Iowa, Regina spent her childhood and completed all of her K-12 schooling in Jesup. She excelled at math and enjoyed gymnastics until a knee injury required experimental surgery. This did not inhibit her adventurous spirit. Regina spent some free time at her father’s barber shop and entire summers with her beloved grandmother, Christy Jacobson, in Kansas City. Regina studied Parish Work at Wartburg College…
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Matthew Parmely ’88
Matthew J. Parmely, 60, of rural Hazleton, Iowa passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at his home. Matthew John Parmely was born December 10, 1965, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of John Howard and Betty Lou (Coonrad) Parmely. He was raised on the family farm outside of Lamont. Matt graduated from Starmont High School in 1984 and then wrestled collegiately for four years at Wartburg and Cornell College. In 1989 Matt married Lesa Carrothers of Alburnett, and they raised their four children, Brooke, Jordan, Ryan, and Tanner on their farm near Hazleton. Matt loved to farm, hunt, fish, and…
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Dr. Glenn Fenneman ’62
Glenn Fenneman, age 86, of Waverly, Iowa, died Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Glenn was born June 25, 1940, in Charles City, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Edna (Kohlman) Fenneman. He was baptized and confirmed at First United Church of Christ, Pleasant Valley, rural Plainfield. Glenn attended Dayton #7 (Shady Dell) country school until the 8th grade and then Clarksville High school graduating in 1958. Glenn then attended Iowa State University in 1958 and then Wartburg College in Waverly graduating in 1962 with his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He received master’s…
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Maurice Lang ’03
Maurice Lavar Lang, 47, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away on July 13, 2026. Born on January 16, 1979, in Hollywood, Florida, Maurice was the beloved son of Ms. Deloris Dames and Mr. Freddie White. Throughout his life, he was known for his kind heart, unwavering love for his family, and his genuine appreciation for the people and experiences that brought him joy. Maurice was a proud graduate of Wartburg College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. His time there reflected his dedication to education, personal growth, and perseverance. Above all, Maurice’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Desarae, Roman,…
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Don Billhorn ’62
Don Anderson Billhorn passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, July 13, 2026. Don was born on March 29, 1936, in his grandmother’s house in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Wilma and Alfred Billhorn. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Army in 1956. After basic training, he was stationed in Germany for 19 months, where he was a surveyor. He loved to talk about his travels and experiences while he was overseas, including driving one of the captains on a few occasions. Don married Mary Lou Arneson on June 27, 1964, in…
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Duane Childs ’60
Duane Allan Childs of Snoqualmie, Washington, born on January 13, 1939, passed away on July 13, 2026. Duane leaves behind cherished memories for friends, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Duane’s life was marked by connections and experiences that touched those around him. Though he is no longer with us, the moments shared, the laughter, and the support he offered will continue to resonate. All who knew Duane will carry forward his memory in their hearts. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Beth Biedermann Barnett ’83
Beth Charice Barnett June 2, 1961 – July 12, 2026 Beth Barnett, 65, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle of more than ten years with ovarian cancer. Beth was born in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Eric and Carolyn Biedermann. She graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Christian Elementary Education. Although she valued her education, Beth believed her greatest calling was to be a devoted wife and mother-a role she embraced with unwavering love, grace, and joy throughout her life. In 1984, Beth married the love of her life and soulmate, Rich Barnett. Together they…
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Rev. Steven Ullestad ’75
The Rev. Dr. Steven Ullestad, 73, of Cedar Falls, IA died peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026. He was born to the Rev. Norman and Marilyn (Silvius) Ullestad on February 26, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN. Steve’s family moved often in his early years, including stops in Manly, IA, Bettendorf, IA, Salina, KS and Postville, IA, where he played on the state championship football team. In 1971 he enrolled at Wartburg College, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Schuldt, in the Wartburg Choir. After inauspicious beginnings, the two fell madly in love and were married on April 13,…
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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…