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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Dr. Justin Buzick ’14
Dr. Justin Buzick ’14, Clive, is an oncologist/hematologist at Mission Cancer + Blood, Des Moines.
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Diane Miller Schwartz ’77
Diane Lynette (Miller) Schwartz passed away on June 5, 2025, at her home in Story City. She was born November 12, 1955, the third of six children, to Ivan and Ethelmarie (Martin) Miller in Greenfield, Iowa. She was baptized into the Christian Faith and confirmed her baptismal promises at the United Methodist Church in Fontanelle. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior as a teenager. Diane graduated from Bridgewater-Fontanelle High School in 1973 and attended Southwestern Community College for one year. On June 30, 1974, she married Lyle Lee Schwartz at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. To this union,…
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Charlene Tutton Hunter ’66
Charlene Hunter, born May 14, 1944, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to Charles and Anna Tutton, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, with her family by her side. Charlene is survived by her son Jason, his wife Marites, and her grandson Josh. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 40 years, W. Harold Hunter, who passed in 2020. Her family was the light of her life. After graduating high school, Charlene attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and began her teaching career in nearby high schools. For decades she taught seventh-grade English at Waverly-Shell Rock Junior High.…
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LaVonne Hendershot Leonard ’64
Lavonne Marie Leonard, age 82, of Greeley, Colorado passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025. She was born on December 26, 1942, in Wadena Minnesota to Lyle and Lilian Hendershot. LaVonne grew up in Rochester, Minnesota where she attended John Marshall Senior High School, Rochester Junior College, and then went on to Wartburg College in Iowa where she graduated with her degree in elementary education. While at Wartburg, she met the love of her life, John Leonard. They were married in the Wartburg Seminary Chapel in 1966. John became an Army officer in 1967 and did a tour in the…
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Kaley Koran ’24
Kaley Koran ’24, Channahon, Ill., is a music therapist at Riveredge Hospital, Forest Park.
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Rev. Richard Buchsteiner ’63
Rev. Richard W. Buchsteiner, age 84, of Bryan, passed away at his home on Friday evening, May 30, 2025. Pastor Buchsteiner retired from Trinity Lutheran Church in Bryan after serving the congregation for 32 years. He began his ministry at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, OH from 1967-1975 then served Trinity Lutheran from 1975-2007. He later served as Interim Pastor at Bethlehem/St. Mark’s in Defiance and St. John Lutheran in Hicksville. Richard was also active in the community. He was a member of Rotary, having served as president in Port Clinton and Bryan, as well as being a…
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Mark Thomas ’73
Mark Aldro Thomas (73), a beloved family man known for his joyful smile, witty nature, and celebrated career as an award winning social worker, claimed the promise of his baptism while in hospice care in his home in Broomfield Colorado on May 29, 2025. Mark was born on October 19, 1951 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin to a loving family who farmed near Cobb, Wisconsin. His parents, Aldro and Melva Thomas, had three older children Deane, Beverly, and Kay. Mark was baptized (2/10/52) and confirmed (6/6/65) at Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb, where his parents and siblings were all actively involved.Mark graduated…
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Kiley Broadway ’05
Kiley Broadway ’05, Oskaloosa, is a midwest sales representative – transportation and infrastructure at Musco Lighting.
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Carole Malmin Swedberg ’56
Carole Mae Swedberg was born April 7th, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois and she went to be with her maker on May 29th, 2025 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully into eternity and to her Heavenly home. Carole was a loving Pastor’s wife and spent many years as a social worker supporting neglected children throughout the community through the ministry of Plymouth Youth Center in North Minneapolis. She was adored by her loving family of sons and daughters and their families along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. All obituary information has been taken from…
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Samuel Bast ’23
Samuel Bast ’23, Waverly, earned a Master of Science in technology at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.
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Carolyn Austin ’97
Carolyn Bernice Austin, lovingly known as “Cal,” peacefully received her wings on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the age of 51 at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. A devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Carolyn’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, and service. Her radiant smile, generous spirit, and deep compassion touched all who knew her. Born on January 30, 1974, at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, Carolyn was the youngest child of Joe Curtis Austin and the late Bernice (Blue) Austin. She was named in honor of her mother and raised in…
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Donald Freeman ’55
Donald Carl Freeman was born on November 24, 1930, in Muscatine, Iowa, passed away on May 21, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He lived a life rich in purpose and passion, impacting the lives of many as a dedicated educator, photographer, and conservation activist. A strong presence within his community of Waverly, Iowa, Donald devoted his career to teaching high school History and Environmental Education. His unwavering commitment to the environment was further exemplified by his role as the National President for the Izaak Walton League, where he championed the cause of conservation with a powerful voice that resonated with many.…
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Marilyn Miller Sychra ’68
Marilyn Miller Sychra ’68, Des Moines, is retired. She was a teacher, worked for the State of Iowa Code Office, and operated a genealogy and private investigator business.
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Sarah Ellefson Groth ’11
Sarah Laurene (Ellefson) Groth was born on November 8, 1988, the daughter of James and Brenda (Fisher) Ellefson, in Marshalltown, Iowa. She attended Marshalltown Schools graduating in 2007. Sarah received her BA Degree from Wartburg College in 2011 and then obtained two Master’s Degrees – in education, curriculum and counseling. On October 8, 2011, Sarah was united in marriage with Jacob Groth on the campus of Wartburg College in Waverly. The couple then lived in Webster City for two years before moving to Eagle Grove, while Sarah taught in the Eagle Grove Community Schools for twelve years. Sarah…
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Donald Heidemann ’94
Donald Lee Heidemann, November 10, 1971 – May 13, 2025. Donald Lee Heidemann, age 53, of Forest City, Iowa, died May 13th in his home after a struggle with mental illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, generosity, and deep devotion to his family, faith, and community. Don was born on November 10, 1971, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Robert (Bob) and Judy Heidemann, and grew up on the family dairy farm near Neillsville, Wisconsin, with his sister Lynette and brother Duane. Don learned early the values of hard work, humility, responsibility, integrity and perseverance—lessons that shaped his character and guided…
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Chelsey Spore McDill ’00
Chelsey Spore McDill ’00, Cedar Rapids, earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership – nonprofits from Regent University and is chief executive officer at Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center.
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Dylan Obowa ’25
Dylan Obowa ’25, Fergus Falls, Minn., is a brand ambassador for Gravy Train Restaurant Management Group, Cedar Rapids.
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Talbot Kinney ’25
Talbot Kinney ’25, DeWitt, is a graduate student in physician assistant studies at Des Moines University.
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Izzy Gomes ’25
Izzy Gomes ’25, St. Francis, Minn., is a veterinary assistant at Primary Care Animal Hospital.
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Edward Baumgarten ’67
Edward Baumgarten, of Oshkosh, WI was found deceased on May 12, 2025 in his home at the age of 79. He was born to Rev. Edmund E. and Marie (Spreuer) Baumgarten on July 11, 1945 in Wausau. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed his Christian faith during his pre-teen years. Edward spent his childhood with his surviving brothers Paul, Thomas (Paula Jean) and Jonathan (Marion) in rural Pella and Leland, Wisconsin. He graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1963. After graduating Edward enrolled at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa for one year before transferring to the…
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James Peters ’63
James J. Peters of Freeport, IL died March 3, 2025 at Winn Prairie in Freeport, IL. He was born in Fond du Lac, WI on February 3, 1942. He was the son of Wilbert and Helen (Miller) Peters. Jim’s early life was spent on his father’s livestock farm. He graduated from Goodrich High in 1959. He then attended Wartburg College, later graduating from Platteville University. He met the love of his life, Joyce Franz and they were married in Omro, WI and were married over 60 years. In 1964 he moved to Freeport after accepting a job with Master Mix…
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Lucille Lunde Hackbart ’52
Lucille Karleen Hackbart (Lunde), age 94, of Golden Valley, passed on March 1, 2025. Born in Decorah, IA, she attended High School in Monona, IA, and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Lucille taught 3rd grade in the Robbinsdale School District and substituted in Mpls. schools. Active in the community, Lucille was a member of the Minnesota Rose Society, Mpls. Women’s Club, Golden Valley Women’s Club, and volunteered at the Godfrey House in Mpls. Lucille is preceeded in death by her parents Otto and Alice (Mythen) Lunde and brothers DuWayne and Keith. Lucille is survived by the love of…
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Royce Kreul ’65
Royce E. Kreul, age 82, a 53-year resident of Oregon, Wis., died of congestive heart failure on February 26, 2025. Royce was born on November 18, 1942, in Fennimore, Wis., to Leonard and Wilma Kreul. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Fennimore. He attended Fennimore Public schools participating in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a Wisconsin State Journal newspaper carrier for many years. In 1965, Royce graduated with a B.A. degree in Science from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. He received his M.S. degree from Kansas State College, Pittsburg, Kan., in 1972. In August…
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Gwenda Geyer Groskurth ‘58
Gwenda Ann (Gwen) Groskurth, 88, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away at her home on February 16, 2025. Gwen was born at her parent’s home in rural Fayette County, IA, on November 14, 1936. She was the only child of her parents, Minnie Rose Springer Geyer and Walter Charles Geyer. Gwen attended Bethel #8 country school at Richfield, IA, and graduated high school in Sumner, IA, in 1954. She attended Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, from 1954 to 1955. Gwen met Wilhelm Albert (Bill) Groskurth at a dance at the Coliseum in Oelwein, IA, in December of 1953. On May 26,…
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Joan Matt Oelke ‘49
Joan Adel Oelke age 96 of New Hampton died Thursday, February 13, 2025 at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. Joan was born Aug. 7,1928 to Will and Emilie (Mueller) Matt on the home farm in National, Farmersburg Township in Clayton County, Iowa. She was the youngest of four sisters. Joan was baptized at home by Rev. Bunge in Sept 1928 and confirmed June 27,1943 by Rev.Harold Adix at St. John’s Lutheran church in Farmersburg. She attended grade school at the Pioneer country school until the age of 10. The family then moved to Farmersburg. She graduated from High School in…
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Gordon Kopitzke ‘54
Gordon H. Kopitzke, age 92 of the Town of Grant, Shawano County passed away at the same home he was born in on Sunday morning February 9, 2025. Gordon was born on August 1, 1932 as the son of the late Leonard and Minnie (Pockat) Kopitzke. He graduated from Marion High School in 1950 and earned his teaching degree at Wartburg College in Iowa; graduating in 1954. Gordon was a gifted baseball and football player and was faced with a challenging decision while playing ball at Wartburg as his father unexpectedly passed away. He decided to return home after graduating to…
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Elaine Knoploh Wedemeier ‘55
Elaine R. Wedemeier, 90, of Maynard and formerly of Westgate, Iowa, died peacefully Thursday morning, February 6, 2025, at Hillcrest Assisted Living in Sumner, Iowa. Elaine Rose Wedemeier, daughter of John and Lydia (Sell) Knoploh, was born February 17, 1934. She was baptized on March 4, 1934, and confirmed on March 30, 1947, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buck Creek, Sumner. She attended St. John’s Parochial School rural Sumner and graduated from Sumner High School in 1951. She then attended Wartburg College and graduated with a teaching degree. Elaine was united in marriage to Duane W. Wedemeier on October 4,…
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Deanna Lange ‘69
Deanna Kay Lange, 77, of Bettendorf, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 at her residence. Deanna was born October 1st, 1947, to Walter and Helen (Martens) Lange in Davenport, IA. She attended Davenport schools and graduated in 1965 from Davenport Central High School. She then went on to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, IA that fall and received her Bachelor of Art degree in 1969. After graduation from college she moved to Chicago, IL and became a school teacher for the Chicago Public Schools in the fall of 1969 and remained a beloved teacher by many until…
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Verdell Hubbell Kelly ‘52
Verdell M. Kelly, 92, of Dows, with loved ones by her side, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with her love, Dennis, on Monday, February 3, 2025. There will be no funeral service, as this was her desire. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Iowa Falls is caring for Verdell and her family. Condolences can be sent to John and Cindy Mandal – 1009 Rowan Rd – Dows, IA 50071. Verdell was born to Joseph and Leone (Pepper) Hubbell on October 17, 1932, at home in Dows. She attended school at Dows and after graduation,…
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Lavoy Haage ‘68
Lavoy Gene Haage passed away from complications of Leukemia on February 2, 2025, at the age of 84. Lavoy was born March 17, 1940, to Gert and Helen Haage, in LeMars, Iowa. Lavoy was the oldest of 3 siblings and raised on a farm in LeMars, Iowa. They farmed the land and raised livestock. Lavoy attended Akron country school and graduated high school from LeMars, Iowa. After high school, he worked for several years for a drywall company before starting his college education in Waverly at Wartburg College. Lavoy returned to LeMars in 1965 amid his college years and met…
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Lois Reyelts Trachte ‘66
Lois Dorothy (Reyelts) Trachte, 80, of Waverly, Iowa, died on January 30, 2025, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community. Lois was born on February 4, 1944, to Claus and Mildred (Griesse) Reyelts in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids. She became a poster child for her family’s Reyelts Dairy, even though she didn’t like milk. Lois graduated as valedictorian from Central Lyon High School in 1962 and from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. During her college years, she spent two summers…
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Mary Krohlow ‘66
Mary Kathryn Krohlow, 80, of Burlington, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at her home. Born May 1, 1944, in Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Edgar A. and Ruth E. Zuelke Krohlow. She attended Seymour High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1962. She continued her education and graduated from Wartburg College. Mary started her career in 1966 teaching English and serving as the staff advisor to the students who produced the newspaper, “The Purple and Gray” and the “Pathfinder” yearbook at Burlington Community High School. Mary served on both the Burlington Public Library Board of…
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John Hearn ‘68
John E. Hearn, 78, passed away at his residence on Sunday, January 26, 2025. He was born in Racine on September 9, 1946, the son of the late Earl and Ella (nee Andersen) Hearn. He graduated from Washington Park High School and Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where he excelled in baseball and was inducted into Wartburg’s Hall of Fame for basketball. John taught at various schools, most notably, Washington Junior High until making a career transition into sales. He had a passion for playing softball in Racine for many years. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling, as well as…
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Rev. Loren Van Oort ‘59
The Rev. Loren J. Van Oort, 87, of South Bend, Indiana, a devoted husband, father,grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of God, passed away peacefully on January23, 2025, with his loving wife Lorraine and family by his side.Loren was born on September 28, 1937, to the late John and Lillian Van Oort inSheldon, Iowa. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Lorraine(Lorrie), and three daughters, Leann (Mike) Dincolo, Lisa (Bill) Arnold, and Lila (Jeff)Leonard. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Katie Dincolo, Joseph (Lauren) Golc,James Dincolo, Allie (Mitchell) Alpaugh, Jennifer Golc, and Jeffrey Golc. Pastor Loren isalso survived…
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Rev. Donald Schmidt ‘49
Rev. Donald Armin Schmidt was an ELCA Lutheran pastor. He peacefully passed away at age 97 in his home, surrounded by his family, on January 23, 2025. Don was born in Ixonia, Wisconsin on May 29, 1927 to Bernard & Anna Wilhemina [née Frederick] Schmidt. He married Donna Jeanne Brallier on June 1, 1951 and was blessed to have a loving union that lasted 72 years. Don received his undergraduate degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He then graduated in 1952 from the Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He dedicated his life to his Heavenly Father and his…
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Rev. Alton Schwandt ‘50
Alton Schwandt October 30, 1927 – January 17, 2025 Alton William Schwandt was born on October 30, 1927 on a dairy farm near Ripon, Wisconsin. He was the son of William and Dora Ruth Schwandt. He graduated from Ripon High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He graduated with a BA in music and answered the call of Christian ministry to Wartburg Seminary. He graduated in 1953 and was ordained in his home church in Ripon with uncle and brother (Roland) officiating. He married Mary Ruth Alke on June 8, 1951. Together, they managed the Mount Pleasant Children’s…
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Elaine Reinking Ehlers ‘52
Elaine May Ehlers April 12, 1931 – January 16, 2025 Elaine May Ehlers was born April 12, 1931, in Kingsley, Iowa. She was the daughter of Emil J. Reinking and Elsie (Puttmann) Reinking. She attended Salem Lutheran Church in Correctionville, Iowa, where she was baptized on May 24, 1931, and confirmed April 14, 1946. She attended rural country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Kingsley High School in 1948. Elaine pursued a degree in education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, graduating in 1952. After graduation, she taught first grade at Irving School in Waverly from 1952-1954. On June 1,…
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Eleanor Jungck Flathman ‘52
Eleanor Anne Jungck Hansen Flathman, aged 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at her home in Pine City, Minnesota. She was born July 8th, 1929, to Virla (Bare) and Louis C. Jungck in rural Rushville, Nebraska, where she spent her childhood on the family farm. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Eleanor was the firstborn of seven children. Her siblings are: Maurice (Jean) Jungck (both deceased), Gwen (Dave, deceased) Dierex, Kathryn (James, deceased) Stava, Martha Hunzeker (deceased), Marty (Dottie) Jungck, and Mari (Lynn, deceased) McKee. Eleanor is lovingly remembered by her family, including the four children…
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Lynn Olson
Lynn Jay Olson was born on July 15, 1946 and smiles and kindness were added to the equation. Smiles started at an early age as he grew up with his parents, Leslie and Shirley, sister, Marcia, and cousin, Ellerd. One story passed down from his mother Shirley has Lynn, at age 6, dangling from his pant leg from the rafters in the barn. We can imagine him beaming with energy, much like his grandson Roy. At age 18, Lynn graduated from high school and left Hoffman, MN, saying goodbye to his home on the farm, and greeting the world with…
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William Dietzler ’60
William “Bill” Dietzler, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee on August 2, 1937, to the late Marlon and Florence Dietzler and grew up in Wausau, WI. He loved music, including playing songs on the organ and piano (even tuba when in school), singing in the church and barbershop choirs, and dancing with his wife. Bill was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, (where he met Ardell) and served in the U.S. Army while in college. He was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church…