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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Andrew Tomlinson ’24
Andrew Tomlinson ’24, Hudson, is a software engineer at PCI, Reinbeck.
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Larry Kueker ’66
Larry L. Kueker, 81, of Waverly, Iowa died on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Larry Lee Kueker was born on May 7, 1944, the son of Leslie and Mildred (Heineman) Kueker in Waverly. He was baptized on May 28, 1944, and confirmed on April 27, 1958, both at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waverly. He graduated from Waverly High School and attended Wartburg College for a year. Following his education, he started working at Carnation for several years and then at General Machine & Tool now TDS before retiring in 2011. On March…
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Allison Tomlinson ’19
Allison Tomlinson ’19, Peosta, earned a master’s degree in sociology from Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, and is a sociology instructor at Northeast Iowa Community College.
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Patrick Feltus ’63
Patrick Marshall “Pat” Feltus, 84, of Allison, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Maple Manor in Aplington, with family by his side. Pat was the son of Robert Dale Feltus and Siena Margaret (DeBower) Feltus. He graduated from Allison-Bristow High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly. Pat married Ruth Ann Endelman on November 3, 1961. He was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Pat was a proud union Certified Master Mason and bricklayer. He left his craftmanship mark on several homes and businesses in Butler County. He was a multi-generational farmer of his family…
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Stetson ’17 and Megan Bridgewater ’17 Shook
Stetson ’17 and Megan Bridgewater ’17 Shook, Urbana, announce the birth of Bennett on May 19, 2025.
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David Urlaub ’10
David Urlaub ’10, Colorado Springs, Colo., announces the birth of Hanna, July 11, 2025.
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Margrete Gorden Smeby ’64
Margrete Oline Smeby, 106, passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Wellington Place Nursing Home in Decorah, IA. Margrete was born May 28, 1919, to Joseph and Margit Gorden in Detroit. She was the oldest of four children, followed by three brothers: William, Frank and Bernie. She graduated from high school in Detroit and from the Detroit Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano. She married Carsten Smeby, a Lutheran intern, at her church in Detroit on May 18, 1944. They moved back to St. Paul, where Carsten finished his last year of seminary. Carsten and Margrete had five children:…
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Susan Thomsen Heldenbrand ’03
John and Susan Thomsen ’03 Heldenbrand, Toledo, announce the birth of Joshua Thomas on July 2, 2025.
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The Rev. Dr. David Bigley ’87
The Rev. Dr. David Bigley ’87, Newcastle, Texas, is an ordained elder and member of the MidTexas Conference of the Global Methodist Church. He serves as pastor of the Newcastle Methodist Church.
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Oscar “Ozzie” Scofield ’63
Oscar Ray “Ozzie” Scofield, 84, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 1, 1941, Ozzie was the son of the late Ray F. Scofield and Marion Kalman Scofield. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he embraced adventure on the open road and earned several prestigious “Iron Butt” endurance and distance awards. Ozzie’s professional life was equally distinguished. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, he went on to earn his Master of Business Administration there as well. His career in the reinsurance industry was marked by dedication and achievement,…
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Laurita Top Perry ’76
Ms. Laurita “Laura” Top Perry December 30, 1953 – August 18, 2025 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Laurita “Laura” Perry of Parker, CO on August 18, 2025. Our beloved mother, Laura, was one of the most courageous, compassionate, and resilient women to ever walk this earth. Her strength of character, generosity of spirit, and unwavering love for her family left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. To her children, she was everything—our guide, our protector, our comfort, and our greatest supporter. We loved her beyond measure and will…
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John Netty II ’88
John Anthony Netty II, 59, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away to be with the Lord on August 16, 2025, at his Richmond Lake home, with his wife, Brandy, by his side. John was born June 1, 1966, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of John and Luella (Comstock) Netty. John graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1984 and earned all-state honors in baseball, all-conference in football, and had a 28-scoreless inning streak that was recognized by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He also played in the Iowa High School All-Star Baseball game, where he…
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Kyle Sommers ’11
Kyle Sommers ’11, North Liberty, authored the book The Oohs and Ahhs of Parenting, capturing relatable parenting moments.
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Joy Gibson Dasovic ’12
Dr. Braden and Joy Gibson ’12 Dasovic, St. Cloud, Minn., announce the birth of Kendal Lauren on June 1, 2025.
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Bonnie Simpson Brewer ’68
Bonnie Brewer, age 79, of Ripon, was received into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 4, 2025, at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital. She was born on March 21, 1946, in Ripon, WI, a daughter of Colin Jr. and Desiré (Hardell) Simpson. After graduating from high school, Bonnie went on to further her education and earned a bachelor degree in social work from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. On July 27, 1968, she was united in marriage to Gary Brewer. Bonnie was strong in her faith and a fervent servant of the Lord. She was…
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Harlan Dubs ’54
Age 93 of Inver Grove Heights, MN. Passed away peacefully and into the loving arms of Jesus on August 3, 2025.Harlan was born in New Leipzig, ND, on May 19, 1932 to Carl and Elma Dubs. He graduated from New Leipzig High School, later drafted into the US Army in 1952 serving in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He attended Northern State College, Aberdeen SD and obtained a BS Degree with Honors.Harlan’s career started with Swift & Co. in Watertown, SD where he met his wife Priscilla and was married. His company later transferred him to…
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Tyler Vogel ’17 and Caria Philgreen ’19
Tyler Vogel ’17 and Caria Philgreen ’19, Crystal, Minn., were married on July 19, 2025.
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Lilly Sauer ’21
Lilly Sauer ’21, Waterloo, earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, and is a social worker at MercyOne, Waterloo.
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Naomi Ketema Alene ’18
Naomi Ketema Alene, age 29, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Naomi was born in Denver, Colorado on July 25, 1996 to Ketema and Salome. She was a treasured daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. Naomi will be deeply missed by all who she crossed paths with. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Gene Niewoehner ’76
Gene William Niewoehner age 70 of rural Sumner, IA, died Thursday, July 31, 2025, at MercyOne in Waterloo. Gene William Niewoehner (70), of rural Sumner, Iowa, passed away on July 31st, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and a deep reverence for family, history, and the land that raised him. Born in 1954 to Adolph and Eva Mae Niewoehner, Gene was the younger brother of Alan Roy Niewoehner, whose tragic passing in childhood would shape Gene’s compassionate and reflective spirit for the rest of his life. Gene grew up on the Niewoehner family farm, where he learned early…
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Marilyn Azbell Reid ‘65
Marilyn Irene Reid, 81, of Waterloo formerly of Greene, died Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Friendship Village in Waterloo. She was born October 9, 1943 in Kankakee, Ill., the daughter of William and Irene (Meyers) Azbell. She married John “Jack” Reid on December 10, 1983 at the United Methodist Church in Marble Rock. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2011. Marilyn graduated from Waverly High School in 1961 and received her BA in teaching from UNI. She worked as a third-grade teacher for many years at Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School District until retiring in 2005. She enjoyed reading books,…
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Jack Mueller ‘73
Jack R. Mueller,77, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025, in Mason City, Iowa. Jack was born May 6, 1947, in New Hampton, Iowa, the only son of Willis and Doris (Liebenstein) Mueller. He grew up in Fredericksburg, attending Fredericksburg High School and graduating in 1965. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree from Wartburg College and finished his education at Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy. Jack served many communities as a Physical Therapist, eventually retiring from MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City. In 1974, Jack married Marilyn Eisenhauer, and the…
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Judith Rieniets Schwake ‘58
Judith K. Schwake, 86, of Sumner, died Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner. Judith Kay (Rieniets) Schwake was born May 19, 1938, to Frederick and Kathryn (Gerdes) Rieniets in Monticello, Iowa. She was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello, where she received her Christian instruction and was confirmed. Judy graduated from Monticello Public High School in 1956. During school she was an active member of the speech club, winning awards for interpretive reading. She taught Sunday School throughout high school, even attending a class at a place called the Sunday School…
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Douglas Brown ‘83
Douglas Dean Brown, September 3, 1960 – January 5, 2025. Douglas Dean Brown, 64, of North Liberty, passed away at his home surrounded by family. Doug was born on September 3, 1960 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Minerva (Nuss) Brown. He was raised in Dysart, Iowa, graduating in 1979 from Dysart-Geneseo High School. His youth activities included choir, band, and Zion Lutheran Church youth groups. He attended and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1983. He fell in love with and married Linda Cooper on July 17, 1999 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Iowa City Iowa. A…
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Marilyn Rosdail-Moller ‘75
Marilyn Carol Rosdail-Moller, 72, passed away on December 31, 2024. She was born on April 19, 1952, to Milton and Marvel (Barr) Rosdail in Storm Lake, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Marilyn was the eldest child and helped her mother care for 7 lively brothers & sisters while growing up. She helped cook and clean–and became an excellent seamstress–eventually earning the title, “Miss Betty Crocker” for her homemaking knowledge. Marilyn also spent time with her father in the gas station and, later, his garage, where she may have helped him repair…
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Janice Winter Perine ’57
Janice Alice Perine, age 89, of Glendale, Arizona passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. Janice was born on a farm near Parkston, South Dakota on January 25,1935 as the 4th child to Albert Winter and Hulda Uttecht Winter. She weighed 9 pounds and 11 ounces at birth. On February 23, 1935, she went on to be baptized in a country church close to the farm called Eigenfeld Lutheran church. Since her youth Janice was a big fan of her uncle Dan. He would carry her all over town on Saturday night when the farmers did their marketing. Dan would…
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Paul Anderson ‘66
It is with profound sadness that the family of Paul Gene Anderson announces his passing after a prolonged illness, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 81 years old.Early Life and EducationPaul was born on August 12, 1943, in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of Theodore Grant and Florence Hackett Anderson. He spent much of his childhood in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he developed a deep appreciation for both the rugged beauty of the Upper Midwest and the values of community and learning instilled by his father, who served as the principal of John Marshall High School.…
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Allen Hansen ’92
Allen Edward Hansen, 55, of Lake City, passed away unexpectedly of complications from Congestive Heart Failure, at Hansen’s Harbor on December 28, 2024. Allen was born May 14, 1969 to Peter and Jane Hansen in Lake City. He grew up, lived, and worked his entire life at Hansen’s Harbor, getting his start by running forklifts by the age of 10. In his later years, he managed the business and did all the maintenance, boat repairs, and care. He was proud of the development of the building of the harbor store as well as many docks over the years and the…
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Jeff Sandlin ‘06
Jeffrey Nels Sandlin passed away on December 26, 2024. His heart could not overcome a recent illness after enduring many years of medical challenges. Jeff was born December 30, 1983, in Belleville, Illinois, the only son of Rev. Kenneth and Marcia (Haupt) Sandlin. He spent his early childhood in Cahokia, where he loved to watch the planes take off from the downtown St. Louis airport and to look out the patio door at the St. Louis Gateway Arch. His elementary, middle, and high school years were spent in Hillsboro, IL, where he graduated from high school in 2002. Following high…
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Lois Rueber Cordes ‘58
Lois Elaine Cordes, 85, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo. She was born on May 16, 1939, on her grandparents’ farm near Oelwein, the daughter of Arnold and Wilma (Brickman) Rueber. Lois attended Putnam #11 Country School and then attended Arlington Schools and graduated from Arlington High School. Lois then attended and graduated from Wartburg College. She began her teaching career at the Monona Elementary School where she met the love of her life, Norman Cordes, at St. Paul Lutheran Church during choir practice. On June 28, 1959,…
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John Goeman ‘61
John Goeman, age 86, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at Bethel Lutheran Home. John A. Goeman was born September 8, 1938 northeast of Madison to John “Jack” and Adelia (Fischer) Goeman. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school and high school at General Beadle School and attended college for two years at Dakota State University. Goeman also attended Wartburg College in Iowa and graduated with a First-Class Electronic Engineering Degree from Brown Institute of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He joined the staff of KJAM AM Radio as an Engineer/Announcer in 1959. He also…
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Rev. Frederick Henkelmann ‘70
Reverend Frederick W. Henkelmann, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Pigeon, died on December 25, 2024. Fred was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on June 25, 1948, to Reverend Ernst and Evelyn (Westphal) Henkelmann. At age 2, his family moved to Pigeon, Michigan where he attended Cross Lutheran School and Laker High School, graduating in 1966. Fred received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College in 1970, the same year he married Raylene Friederich on June 20th. Fred continued on to earn his Master of Divinity degree in 1974 from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, during which…
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Frieda Schmitz ‘64
Frieda Fay Schmitz, 82, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Christmas Eve Day, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Meth-Wick Woodlands in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on January 17, 1942, in Manchester, the daughter of Dr. Orville and Harriet (Holverson) Schmitz. Frieda lived in Manchester with her parents and two sisters, Sharell Ann and Mary Lee. She attended school in Manchester where she was active in marching band, concert band, cheerleading, newspaper, yearbook, and National Honor Society. While in high school, Frieda volunteered for Head Start and at the Good Neighbor Home. Frieda was the only girl in Science…
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Beverly Shreve Menk ‘56
Beverly “Bev” Ann Menk (née Shreve), age 88, of New Brighton, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on December 20, 2024. Bev was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Shreve; mother, Velma (Smith) Shreve; and grandson, Colton Menk. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Menk; her children, Jill (Barry) Froehlich, Roger Menk (Viviana Schwab), Bryce (Colette) Menk, Sara (Scott) Chartier, and John (Carrie) Menk; and grandchildren, Spencer (Alyssa) Menk, Hallie Froehlich, Britta (Jack) Reiman, Danielle and Jack Menk, Eric and Kira Chartier, Reuben and Theodore Menk, and Tyler, Rae, and Kyle Schwab; as well as six wonderful…
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Cecelia Dykstra ’21
Cecelia Elise Dykstra, 27, slipped into eternity on December 17, 2024 at home in North Aurora, Illinois. She entered this life with the sunrise on May 24, 1997 in Aurora, Illinois. Her arrival was eagerly awaited by her parents, David and Valerie Brown Dykstra, and her big sister, Victoria. Cecelia, who was affectionately known as C.C., was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois where she enjoyed working with the preschool classes at vacation Bible school. She attended Schneider Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from West Aurora High School in 2015. C.C. loved music and performing; she…
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Rev. Dean Brockmeier ‘62
Rev. Dean was born on October 11th, 1940 and passed away on December 15th, 2024 at the age of 84. On December 15th, after a life of ministering to others, the Rev. Dean C. Brockmeier passed on to his heavenly reward surrounded by his family. Born October 11th, 1940, in Holdredge NE, Dean grew up on a cattle farm but felt the call to the ministry as a teenager. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary in 1966 and soon after married Carolyn “Kari” (Strey) Brockmeier, an RN and the loving and practical hands that complemented his spiritual heart. Dean will be…
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Jan Schmidt ‘65
Jan A. Schmidt passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Manchester, Iowa. Jan was born on February 25, 1943, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, the son of Alex and Helen (Hock) Schmidt. He was confirmed at St. Sebald Church, graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1961 and went on the receive his BS from Wartburg College in 1967. Following college, Jan served in the Airforce as a Staff Sargent at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas from 1966-1970. After he returned from service, he attended the University of Illinois and earned his Master’s in Social Work. He dedicated his career…
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Paul Sly ‘62
Paul Eldon Sly passed away on December 12, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Paul was born on September 2,1940, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, to Arthur and Lois Sly. He grew up in Nauvoo, Illinois, alongside his brother, Dennis. In 1958, he graduated Valedictorian of his class from Nauvoo High School and continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After completing two years of study, he transferred to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he was an active member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. After college, he…
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Harold Schlesinger ‘59
Harold “Hal” L. Schlesinger Obituary It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold LeRoy Schlesinger, 87, who left us on December 10, 2024, in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Hal was born July 2, 1937, in Mendota to Homer and Edith (Martin) Schmidt. Edith passed away shortly after his birth, and he was then lovingly raised by Harold and Mary Schlesinger. He graduated Mendota High School in 1955 and attended Wartburg College. Hal honorably served in the United States Army. During his travels he resided in California for a time but settled back in his…
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Roger Palmer ’64
Roger Sherman Palmer was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on September 4, 1942, to Charles Aaron and Cora Viola (Henderson) Palmer. Nearing the age of 44, Cora followed her doctor’s orders and went to the hospital in La Crosse even though the family resided in nearby Waukon, Iowa. Birth in Wisconsin was probably the beginning of Roger’s life-long love of the Green Bay Packers. Roger was the caboose of the five Palmer children. He was one of “The Nines”: Verle (18), Helen (9), and Roger (0). The other two siblings were the first-born, Lee, and the oldest daughter, Pat, who…