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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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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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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Orpha Rachuy Emkes ’46
Orpha H. Emkes passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025. She was born April 15,1924 in Westbrook, Minnesota to the late Ernest and Bertha (Bloch) Rachuy. She was baptized May 4,1924 and confirmed in September 5,1937 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. She attended public schools in Rosehill Township and graduated from Westbrook High School, class of 1942. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa studying secretarial work and was later employed at Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa and Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook as church secretary. She married Bernard Emkes on June 9,1946 and they were married nearly…
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Douglas Kutschat ’62
Douglas A. Kutschat, 86, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2025, with family by his side. Douglas was born April 29, 1939, in Albert Lea, MN, to Walter and Angeline Kutschat. He was raised in Southern Minnesota and Eastern Iowa. He had a younger sibling, Steve. Douglas was a 1957 graduate of Oelwein High School. Then, he attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He was a member of the Wartburg Choir, which he had the opportunity to tour with in Europe. He graduated from Wartburg in 1962. Then he started his music teaching…
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Janice Helmke Basler ’56
Janice Hilda (Helmke) Basler was born on August 11, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to William Henry and Hilda Helena (Boge) Helmke. Jan graduated from Renwick High School and went on to earn a two-year Elementary Education Certificate from Wartburg College. She later attended Drake University, where she received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education. While at Wartburg, she was a proud member of the Wartburg Choir, reflecting her lifelong love of music. Jan dedicated 39 years to teaching, sharing her passion for learning with generations of students.…
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Sharon Rasmussen ’88
Sharon Joy Rasmussen, age 59, of Oregon (formerly of Eau Claire) died on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from complications of Glioblastoma. Nadine, her loving caretaker, took care of her at home during the final months of her life. Sharon was born on March 25, 1966, in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin to Rev. Dale and Jean (Brenden) Rasmussen. She lived in Spring Green, WI until 1972 when the whole family was in a devastating car accident and they moved to Eau Claire. She attended Eau Claire schools, then Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After achieving her Master’s degree, she worked as…
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Dorothy Boeckenheuer Keith ’53
Dorothy Ann [Boeckenheuer] Keith, lifelong educator, passed away on November 1, 2025, at Creekside in Grundy Center. Dorothy was born January 16, 1934 in Hawkeye, Iowa to Carl and Clara [Braun] Boeckenheuer. She graduated from Hawkeye High in 1951, and attended Wartburg College, obtaining her teaching certificate in 1953. She began her teaching career in Reinbeck, Iowa upon graduation and soon after met her husband Donald Lindsay Keith. They were married on July 24, 1955 in Hawkeye, Iowa and settled back in Reinbeck immediately after. To this union two children were born, Debra Ann Keith and David Gregory Keith. Donald…
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Arlene Schnaidt Orth ’61
Arlene Orth, 89, of Clarksville died on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Memorial in Waterloo. Arlene Karoline Orth was born on December 14, 1935, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna (Heth) Schnaidt in Beulah, ND. She graduated from Beulah High School in 1953. She later attended Wartburg College for two years in Waverly. It was then she met Merlin on a blind date. On June 19, 1960, she was united in marriage to Merlin J. Orth at Zion Lutheran Church in Beulah, ND. Following Merlin’s discharge in February in 1961, the couple returned to Waverly where…
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Roderick Evans ’92
Roderick (Rod) Lynn Evans 55 of Des Moines, Iowa passed away October 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Des Moines Hospital. He was born on February 12th, 1970, to Donald Evans and Susan (Moore) Lewiston at Mercy Hospital Des Moines, IA. Rod graduated from Norwalk High School, Class of 1988. Following graduation, he continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. After college, he chose to go into the trades and was a proud member of the Local 45 Sheetmetal Union. Rod was very well known for his ornery smile and laugh, He had his favorite hangouts, LD’s Corner Tap and…
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Duane Schlitter ’65
Passed away on October 27, 2025, after a 19-year battle with metastatic thyroid cancer. Born on April 2, 1942, Duane was the youngest child of Carlton Friederick Schlitter and Mardella Henrietta Louise (Kruse) Schlitter. Duane grew up on the family farm in Linton Township, IA. Duane graduated from Monona/Farmersburg High School in May 1960. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College, then obtained his master’s degree from the University of Kansas. He then accepted a position with the African Mammal Project at the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C. Under a new program, he was…
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Kyle Elliott Fidler ’83
Kyle Elliott Fidler April 27, 1960 — October 25, 2025. With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kyle Rae Elliott Fidler, who departed this life peacefully at home on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Kyle was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and radiant spirit touched everyone she met. Her boundless kindness and unforgettable laughter brought joy to countless lives. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Kyle was born in La Porte City, Iowa, to…
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Dorothy Obermeyer Dykman ’49
After a blessedly long and beautiful life, Dorothy Berniece Obermeyer Dykman met the God she had long worshiped, and was welcomed into eternal life on October 25, 2025. Dorothy was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on the 25th of May, 1929, to Emma and Reverend George Obermeyer. She was raised in a close-knit German Lutheran family, and as a PK (Pastor’s Kid) she was immersed in faith and the life of the church. After the tragic death of her mother, Dorothy and her younger sisters, Betty and Trudy, were mothered by their beloved Aunt Lilly until their father married Alice Widmer…
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Olinda Deines Patzer ’58
Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Olinda Louise Patzer (Deines), passed away peacefully at home in Cedaredge, Colorado on October 24, 2025. She was 89 years old. Olinda was the heart of our home and family. She was married for 57 years to her soulmate, Erich Patzer. They together raised two children, Stacey (55), and Lisa Marie (52), and were instrumental in the upbringing of three grandchildren, Maggie (27), Erich (22), and Dusk (21). Olinda will be dearly missed. She was known for her generous spirit, her creativity, and her passion for education. She was a trailblazer for her time,…
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Norma Boyd Alfrejd ’62
Norma Jean Alfrejd (nee Boyd), 84, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025 with family at her side. Norma was born in Nevada, Missouri to Maybelle Boyd Rabon (nee Warner) and William Emmett Boyd. Her father passed when she was very young. Her mother would re-marry, Estel Rabon. She was the eldest of three children, brothers, Ronald Boyd and Ford Rabon. Her life and ambition took her many places – from her birthplace in Nevada, Missouri to LeLoup, Kansas, then to Blue Island, Illinois. Favorite childhood memory of hers included attending a one room schoolhouse with her aunts and…
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Dr. Robert Farner ’52
Robert L. “Doc” Farner, MD passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Luther Oaks in Bloomington, IL. He was 95. Robert Lewis Farner was born to Fred (Fritz) and Marie Vallazza Farner on February 4, 1930. He grew up on a farm near Toluca, IL. He started his educational journey by attending Center School, a one-room schoolhouse in Marshall County, and then graduated from Toluca High School. He took his pre-med courses at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. He then received his medical degree from The University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1955. After an externship at Illinois…
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Herbert Hildebrandt ’52
Obituary for Herbert William Hildebrandt As usual…I arrived as a baby, a boy in January 1931, and ultimately the door closed in October 2025. I deeply tasted the world, anchored my life on a sea of love with Dee (nee Delores Bartels of Waseca, Minnesota), my wife of 65+ years who died in August 2018. Those years along with daughter Susan (Jack) and son Mark (Lorna), respectively with grandchildren Conor, then Cole and Sophia. Dee and I were only children; she from Waseca, Minnesota, I from Appleton, Wisconsin. She grew up on a farm and knew the difference between a…
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Dr. James Heddens ’60
James D. Heddens, D.P.M., Podiatrist Emeritus, passed away at the age of 88 on October 14 surrounded by his children. Jim was an active member of the Marshalltown community where he lived for over 60 years. He was born in Charles City in 1937, attended Wartburg College and graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1962. In addition to practicing Podiatry, he was a member of the Rotary, Farm Bureau and an active landlord for many affordable housing units. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joan Heddens. He is survived by his three…