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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LeEllen “Lonni” Hoffman ’62
Lonni Hoffmann, 85, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away in her home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with family at her side. LeEllen Grace “Lonni” Hoffmann was born on October 30, 1940, in Green Acres, Davenport, Iowa, to Clarence and Beatrice (Smith) Hoffmann. She was the second oldest of six daughters. The “son her father never had,” Lonni often worked side by side with her father from a young age-doing farm chores during grade school and later assisting with painting and carpentry projects throughout junior high and high school. She also helped her father remodel and open a family-operated nursing home…
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Paul Weiblen ’50
Professor Paul Willard Weiblen, 98 years old, died peacefully in the presence of family on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was born on February 15, 1927 in Miller, South Dakota to Anna Bellin Weiblen and George Daniel Weiblen. He was a lifelong learner and seeker of knowledge. He joined the Army in 1945 and served during the occupation of Germany. Thanks to the GI Bill, he earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Wartburg College and a master’s in European History from the University of Minnesota. He served the Defense Department during the Korean War and…
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Shirley Rodas Fosse ’81
Shirley Rodas Fosse, age 98, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital North in Tampa, Florida. We look forward to seeing her in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! She was born on July 27, 1927, the second daughter to Frank and Emma (Whittman) Rodas in rural Clayton County, Iowa. She was baptized on August 14, 1927 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elkport, Iowa. On August 13, 1939 she was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church, Littleport, Iowa. Shirley attended country schools in Clayton County and graduated from the Elkader High School. She attended the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar…
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Sharyn Purcell Christensen ’64
Sharyn Lee (Purcell) Christensen of Bellevue, WA died on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Peacefull Adult Family Home. Sharyn was born on November 22, 1942, in Beloit, WI to John Spencer Purcell and Helen (Sommer) Purcell. She was raised in Beloit, WI and attended Beloit Memorial High School where she was part of the R.O.T.C., graduating from high school in 1960. Sharyn attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA where she graduated with a degree in Social Work in 1964. Sharyn married Thomas G. Christensen on August 23, 1964, in Beloit, WI at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Sharyn also attended the…
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Rev. David Hagemann ’77
On Tuesday December 16, 2025, our brother in Christ, David Roland Hagemann, died at Essentia Health- St. Mary’s Medical Center due to pulmonary complications while battling cancer. David was born to Robert F. Hagemann and Lorraine A. (Kolczaski) on December 2, 1954, in Lawton, Oklahoma. David spent his childhood years growing up in Mendota llinois, a small farming community, 60 miles west of Chicago. He was a member and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota. While in Mendota, he graduated from Mendota High School in 1973 and went on to Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa. His seminary work was…
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Dr. James Fritschel ’51
James Erwin Fritschel, May 13, 1929 — December 15, 2025. Jim Fritschel was born on May 13, 1929, in Greeley, Colorado. He was originally named “Erwin James,” after his father Erwin (Doc) Fritschel, but Doc and his wife, Irma (Hast), always called him Jim, Jimmy, or James. And it stuck. Jim grew up as the eldest of three sons. With a pastor father and a church organist mother, Jim grew up surrounded by Lutheran faith and music. Word has it that sometimes the pastor was paid in bags of potatoes, and frugal Irma managed to readily feed the family with…
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Dr. Barry Greene ’63
Barry Raymond Greene, age 84, died on December 13, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was born on March 27, 1941, in Clinton, Iowa, to Earl and Mildred Greene. Barry grew up in postwar Clinton, Iowa, where he found joy and freedom in the rhythms of community life: parks, sports and music on the radio, neighborhood games, his bike, and the pull of the Mississippi River. He was a jock, a class clown, and a self-proclaimed crooner, known early on for his humor, competitiveness, and sharp observations about the world around him. Barry’s father, Earl, was the hero of his…
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James Blake ’08 and Christina Schipper ’07
James Blake ’08 and Christina Schipper ’07, Overland Park, Kansas, were married on Aug. 9, 2025.
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Brenda Begalske George ’83
Brenda Le George (nee Begalske), age 66, passed away on December 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice following a four year long battle with breast cancer, surrounded by loved ones. Brenda was born to Walter “Gus” and Donna Begalske on February 7, 1959, in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, as the oldest of three daughters. She attended MFL Community Schools in Monona, Iowa, where her father was a long-time teacher of physics and chemistry. She was an active member of the golf, softball and basketball teams at MFL, as well as band and choir. Brenda briefly attended Iowa State University before…
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Laurel Smeins Hibbard ’98
On Monday, December 8, 2025, Laurel Lee (Smeins) Hibbard won her long battle against cancer and passed through death into new life in Christ. Laurel was born on July 2, 1976, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Dennis and Phyllis (Milhous) Smeins, joining big sister Sarah. Her childhood was filled with family, friends, time spent outdoors and at the lake, music, laughter, and above all else, love. She met her best friend, Melissa (Dooley) Barber, on the first day of first grade, and their friendship spanned a lifetime. Their circle of friends grew into what they would eventually call “The Group,” a…
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Dr. William Davis ’64
Dr. William A. “Bill” Davis, 83, a nationally recognized pioneer in the field of in-vitro fertilization, peacefully transitioned into eternal life at his home on December 7, 2025 with family by is side. Born on November 11, 1942. He devoted his career to giving life. He was a gifted and compassionate OB-GYN whose work helped countless couples conceive families of their own. His calm and affirming bedside manner, paired with his innovative work in reproductive endocrinology, leaves a multigenerational legacy of life and love. Bill was a true renaissance man — abundantly kind, generous, creative, intellectually curious, artistic, and adventurous.…
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Eleanor Schlueter Arneson ’53
Eleanor E. Arneson, age 95, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Mount Horeb. She was born on October 5, 1930, in Oconomowoc, Wis., the daughter of the Rev. Roland and Anna (Herbener) Schlueter. Eleanor graduated from Monona High School in Monona, Iowa, where she was a basketball star. Following high school, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Eleanor was united in marriage to Dale K. Arneson on February 20, 1955, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa. Over the years, Eleanor worked as a homemaker and daycare provider, and at the Cave of…
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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, Minnesota, where she graduated high school in 1955. Diane continued her studies at St. Cloud State College, earning her Associate of Education degree in 1958. It was there she (the cheerleader) met the love of her life, Andy Melrose (the football player). The two shared…
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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., the second child of Alvin and Delva Pedersen. He was a 1968 graduate of Algona High School where his passion for sports led him to excel as a pitcher on the baseball team and an all-conference first team dead eye shooting guard for the basketball team. After…
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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 meant church, home-cooked meals, and lively baseball games with uncles and cousins. These gatherings became treasured traditions, instilling in James a lifelong love for family and the joy of coming together for good conversation. James spent his early years in Iowa before his family moved…
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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 later divorced. She then married Homer “Jack” Clinton in 1971, and they also later divorced. On November 10, 2003, Nancy married Ed Ross, and they shared 33 wonderful years together. Nancy was a homemaker and worked as a typesetter for the Citizen Herald newspaper in…
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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 and from Wartburg College in 1978. While at Wartburg he met Susan Bennett and they married in Clarion, Iowa on a snowy October 24, 1981. They lived in Iowa City for a short time and then moved to Cedar Rapids, where their two sons were…
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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 the PEO, and participated in Zion Lutheran Church activities. Janette loved all things nature related. She volunteered at the Fossil and Prairie Center and was the first female to serve on the Floyd County Conservation Board. She could often be found bird watching, especially hummingbirds…
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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 High School in North Dakota. She received a Two-Year Teaching Certificate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She taught elementary school while living in Saskatchewan, Canada. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education at Moorhead State University in 1977. Marilyn was…
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Dolores Ellermeier Tjarks ’51
Sioux Falls, SD – Dolores Tjarks, age 91, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD. Dolores taught her children to love God above all else, see the best in people and dish out praise in heaping spoonfuls. She was endlessly kind. Dolores lived a life of service to her family, church, students, friends and colleagues. She had a passion for teaching and loved to help children discover the joy of reading. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved quilting. Dolores Eileen Ellermeier was born July 15, 1932, in the farm home of her…
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Patricia Donahoo Tuecke ‘59
Patricia M. Tuecke, 84, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center. She was born November 12, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Lloyd and Ester (Schomer) Donahoo. She grew up on her parents farm near Millard, Nebraska, and attended Millard High School. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and prior to marriage, Patricia was a teacher in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 1960 she was married to John Tuecke of Garnavillo, Iowa, whom she had met at Wartburg. They had two sons, Jeff and Steve. After the family moved to…
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Dr. Darrell Schlange ’61
Darrell Gene Schlange O.D, D.O.S, age 84, of Palos Heights, Illinois, passed away on March 10, 2024. He was born on October 18, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska. Darrell was a dedicated Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and also had a successful private practice in the Palos Heights area. He was known for his multiple research presentations both in the USA and internationally, as well as his publications. He was a proud graduate having excelled at Wartburg College and Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated as valedictorian. Darrell furthered his education at the University of Chicago. …
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Lois Wiese McCulloch ’56
Lois M. McCulloch died March 10, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Center in Freeport. Born Feb 15, 1935, in Spring Valley, IL to Herman J and Mildred (Hamer) Wiese, she married Donald “Mac” McCulloch of Freeport in Sept 1957. She is survived by her daughters, Rose Anne Flores of Phoenix, AZ, and Dawn (David) Bronkema of Cincinnati, OH; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Katrina) Roberts of South Jordan UT, Rachel Roberts of South Jordan UT, Amber Roberts of Scottdale AZ, Gabriel and Daniel Flores of Phoenix, AZ as well as 3 great grandchildren – Connor and Caleb Roberts and Holden Roberts, all of…
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Irene Streng Snyder ‘52
Irene E. Snyder, 93, passed away on Sunday March 10, 2024 in Oshkosh. Irene was born November 11, 1930, in Cook, Nebraska, the daughter of the Reverend John and Nora (Bischoff) Streng. The Streng family moved to Beatrice, NE when her father was called to serve at St. John Lutheran Church in 1937.During World War II, Irene served her country by delivering telegrams after school. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1948 and returned to Beatrice several times for reunions. In the fall of 1948, Irene started attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Irene remembers her first day on…
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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…