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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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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Maya Weatherall ’18
Maya Weatherall ’18, Madison, Wis., authored Growing into a Man, a literary fiction novel that follows a young man searching for identity after losing his parents at a young age. Wartburg College holds a meaningful place in both the story and in Weatherall’s personal journey. The college is mentioned by name in the novel, and Weatherall credits her time on campus as foundational to discovering who she is as a writer and storyteller. She also is the founder of MSW Films, a creative marketing and social media firm.
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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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Maia Abrahamson ’26
Maia Abrahamson ’26, Van Meter, is a graduate student in podiatric medicine at Des Moines University, West Des Moines.
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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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Maggie Buman ’25
Maggie Buman ’25, Harlan, is executive director at the Shelby County Historical Society & Museum.
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Nancy Keller David ’80
Nancy Keller David ’80, Sandusky, Ohio, moved from Iowa to Ohio in June 2026.
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The Rev. Daniel Luepke ’06
The Rev. Daniel Luepke ’06, Fairfax, earned a Master of Divinity at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, and was ordained June 26, 2026. He serves as pastor at First Lutheran Church of Conroy, and Trinity United Church of Christ, Marengo.
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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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Thomas Werner ’82
Thomas Werner ’82, Santa Fe, N.M., is an author, consultant, and public speaker at Thomas Werner Projects. He co-authored the book Twenty One Summers, which explores the amount of time we have in life, goals we hope to achieve, and blind spots that keep us from reaching them.
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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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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…