We love hearing from our alumni!
Whether you’ve reached a career milestone, started a new venture, made an impact in your community, or celebrated a personal achievement, your story inspires current and future Knights. Share your accomplishments with us so we can celebrate your success and highlight the many ways Wartburg alumni make a difference in the world.
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All Class Years
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Rev. Arnold Wuertz ‘44
Rev. Arnold A. Wuertz, age 102, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Arnold grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota with parents Adolph and Laura (Ziemer) Wuertz. He was the second of their two children and was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edgar, who died at the age of two months. He was also preceded in death by his wife Irma (Ruhter) Wuertz who died in 2023 at age 98, his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Halsteen) Wuertz, and son-in-law, Larry Taylor. Arnold is survived by 6 children; Linda Taylor, Ellen Wuertz, John Wuertz,…
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Kay Marshek Schroeder ’64
Kay Carol Schroeder, age 82, of Hendersonville, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the Elizabeth House. Born on March 9, 1942, in Chippewa County, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Myron Marshek and Faith Stubenvoll Marshek. Kay was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. She was known to have been born with a “green thumb” and was a horticulturalist for over 25 years. She was very active in the Damascus Theatre Company in Maryland where she was an actress and served on their board of directors. Kay loved to do word puzzles and was an avid…
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Ralph Lohse ‘69
Mr. Ralph Lohse passed away at his home in the Town of Trenton on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. He was 77 years old. Ralph was born to Roy and Helen (nee Anderson) Lohse in Franklin Grove, Illinois on July 7, 1947. Ralph, his three brothers, and their sister grew up in Franklin Grove and attended local schools. After graduating from Franklin Grove High School, Ralph went on to study at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. While studying Communications, he was actively involved with the Wartburg Players, the campus theatre group, honing in…
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Sylvester Van Hove ‘59
Sylvester Henry Van Hove was born May 5, 1932, in rural Titonka, Iowa, the son of Ted and Bina (Tjaden) Van Hove. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Titonka High School in 1950. He graduated from St. Louis College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis, Missouri, in June 1954. After Mortuary school, he attended Wartburg College. On January 18, 1958, Sylvester was united in marriage to Wanda L. Mueller in Waverly, Iowa. They lived in Waverly until moving to Dows, Iowa, where they purchased their first funeral home in 1959. He expanded his funeral business to…
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Gary Nielsen ‘69
Gary R. Nielsen, 77, of Schertz, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024. Gary was born in Racine, Wisconsin on March 5, 1947, to Russell H. Nielsen and Joyce (Bax) Nielsen. Gary had a zest for life, and although faced with many serious health issues, his faith, attitude, and love for his family and friends remained steadfast and positive. Gary’s father, Russell, was in the U.S. Navy and Army. Before he was killed in action in the Korean War in 1950, the family lived in Columbus, Georgia, Galveston, Texas, and Port Townsend, Washington. After Russ’ death, Gary and…
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Jeffrey Wad ‘74
Jeffrey James Wad age 74 of Nashua died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at his home. Jeffrey James Wad, born on May 23, 1950, in New Hampton, Iowa, he was the son of Earl and Wilma (Ransom) Wad and grew up in Ionia, where he developed a passion for art and education. A proud graduate of New Hampton High School in 1968, Jeffrey furthered his education at Wartburg College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art and Elementary Education. His love for his hometown led him back to Ionia, where he worked in various roles before dedicating himself to a fulfilling career…
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Luther Mohr ’58
Luther John Mohr AKA Luke Mohr was born on April 3, 1935 in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada. He died in his home on October 8, 2024 in Indio, California. He leaves behind his wife Marilyn, and was father to daughters Cindy (John) Perrin, Stephanie Mohr, Debra Dotson(predeceased), Susan Eddy, Roberta (John) Pearson. He was grandfather to Gina Casey and Jami Casey and also had 10 step-grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren. His siblings are Phyllis Dougherty, Marguerite Kruse, John Mohr, Darlene O’Brian, Joyce Steffenson and David Mohr(predeceased). He spent 35 years in banking, starting several banks and enjoyed motorhome…
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Leon Webrand ‘62
Leon Anton Webrand passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in Bermuda Dunes, California, on October 2, 2024. Born on July 11, 1933, Leon led a fulfilling life marked by devotion to his family and a distinguished career. Leon was a loving husband to his late wife, Sandra Webrand, who preceded him in death on September 18, 2024, after 66 years of marriage. He was also a cherished father to his son, Blair, and respected father-in-law to Rachel. His sister, Barbara Johnson, and his parents, Vendla and Melvin Webrand, also preceded him in death. Educated at Wartburg College, Iowa,…
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Valerie Gramlich-Broderick ‘06
Valerie Christine Gramlich-Broderick, 41, of Urbandale, IA, passed away on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, IA. Valerie Christine Gramlich was born August 15th, 1983, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Gerald (Jerry) and Mary (Berns) Gramlich. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Waukon, IA. Valerie graduated from Waukon High School in 2002. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She excelled in education and this was shown with her receiving…
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Rev. Carl Jech ’63
Carl died, serenely and with dignity, on September 28, 2024, at Coming Home Hospice in San Francisco, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born October 16, 1941 in Brainerd, MN, to Rev. Herbert and Helen Jech. He grew up in St. Paul, MN. His parents; and sister, Margaret, died before him. He is survived by longtime love, Eric Simpson; and loving family: sister, Mary; his children, Jeffrey and Dawn; his grandchildren, Mahkayla, Talisynn, Ayanna, and Scottie. He lived his life to the fullest, including as a minister, teacher, author, musician, magician, carpenter, world traveler, conversationalist, family man, and…
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Julie Rhoades DuVal ’92
Julie Kay (Rhoades) DuVal, lifelong educator, beloved friend and devoted follower of Christ passed away at her home in Logan, Iowa on September 24, 2024, at the age of 54. Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19, 1970, to D.G. and Peggy Rhoades, Julie attended Crescent Elementary, Kirn Junior High School, and Abraham Lincoln High School before continuing her studies at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. At Wartburg, Julie’s love for mathematics and education grew and she graduated with majors in mathematics education and mathematics with a minor in coaching. Mrs. DuVal taught for 31 years in the math departments…
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Patricia Tiffany Hinman ‘65
Patricia Sue Tiffany Hinman passed away after a lengthy illness on September 24, 2024, in McKinney, TX, where she had resided the last 14 years. Pat was born May 9, 1943, to Jessie Vonnie (Davisson) and Howard Milton Tiffany in Dumont, Iowa. She attended Chapin, Iowa, community schools until her senior year, when her school-teacher mother was forced to change teaching jobs because of school consolidation. They moved to Mondamin, Iowa, where Jessie taught for one year and Pat graduated with the class of 1961. Pat graduated from Wartburg College with a business education degree and later obtained a master’s…
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Beverly Hinkel Shalkhauser ‘65
Beverly left us on September 16, 2024 to dance and sing in heaven. She was born Beverly Kay Hinkel on July 19, 1943 in Waterloo, Iowa to Russell and Maxine (Foster) Hinkel. Her father was killed in WWII and later Maxine married Carl Reisner. Bev graduated from Cedar Falls High School and met her husband at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. They were married August 7, 1965 in Cedar Falls. They recently celebrated their 59 year anniversary. Bev graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Social Work. She started teaching Special Education in the Green Bay school system. She…
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Dennis Bigelow ‘65
Dennis Clair Bigelow, 81, of Cedar Falls, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics on Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Sumner on December 1, 1942, son of Clair and Maye (Morf) Bigelow. Denny graduated from West Central Maynard High School with the Class of 1961, then Wartburg College in 1965 with a B.S. in Economics. On August 14, 1965, he married his fellow Wartburg Classmate and true love, Alma Marie Brunscheen, at Zion Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Iowa. Denny worked a variety of sales and marketing jobs during his…
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Arlys Orvella Soeder ‘68
Arlys Lorraine Soeder December 2, 1931 – September 11, 2024 Lorraine Soeder, age 92, of Waverly, Iowa and formerly of Denver, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 11, at Whispering Willows Care Center in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Arlys was born December 2, 1931, in Decorah, Iowa, the daughter of Helmer and Cora (Stoen) Orvella. She graduated from Decorah High School and then Luther College in Decorah where she obtained her teaching certificate. Arlys later received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wartburg College in Waverly. On August 27, 1952, Arlys was united in marriage to Wayne Soeder in Canton, South Dakota. Arlys taught country school…
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Julie Whitney Florence ‘85
Julie Irene (Whitney) Florence passed away at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from complications of necrotizing fasciitis. Julie was born on September 29, 1962, in Albany, Georgia, to James and Katherine Whitney. She grew up in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and graduated from Southeast Polk (SEP) High School and Wartburg College. She resided in Columbia, Missouri, for most of her life. Her career as a probation/parole officer in Columbia, Missouri, was her passion, however, for the past 10 years, she was employed by MOHELA (Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority). Julie was an independent and soft-spoken person…
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Erin Brown ‘94
Erin Scott Brown passed away at his home on September 3, 2024. He was born in Mason City, Iowa on January 25, 1972. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School and then attended Wartburg College, receiving a degree in social work. Erin currently worked at Becker Public Schools as a social worker. Previous employment includes the US Postal Service in Osage, IA as a mail carrier, Boys & Girls Club, Lutheran Social Services, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. His career as a social worker was very important to him and he was dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth.…
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Dr. James Bastian ‘62
Dr. James “Jim” Louis BastianAugust 16, 1940 – September 2, 2024 Jim, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated chiropractor, passed away at age 84. Born to Louis “Doc” Allen Bastian D.C., and Bernice Eleanora Bastian, Jim lived a life full of purpose and dedication to service, work, and providing for his family. Jim had a wonderful life beginning in Independence, Iowa, surrounded by the love of family and friends. It was there that Jim worked hard and found happiness in being a good student, participating in Boy Scouts, basketball, duck hunting, fishing, and many other hobbies including building a…
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Kevin Perrinjaquet ‘73
Kevin James Perrinjaquet, 73, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Kevin was born on July 17, 1951, the son of Gerald and Marjorie (Knickerbocker) Perrinjaquet. After graduating from Edgewood-Colesburg High School in 1969, Kevin attended Wartburg College, where he earned a business degree in 1973. Upon graduation, he returned to Edgewood to become the third generation in the family business: The Edgewood Feed Mill. An active leader in the Edgewood community, Kevin served as a board member of the Edgewood Community Savings Bank, as well as the Edgewood Convalescent Home, where he…
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Thomas Havemann ‘67
Thomas H. “Tom” Havemann, 79, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, IA. Tom was born on May 25, 1945, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of William C. Havemann and Bertha A. (Swanson) Havemann. He married Judith M. (Judy) Vorwerk on September 23, 1967, at First Baptist Church in Muscatine. Tom graduated from Muscatine High School in 1963. He then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. From 1967 to 1971, Tom served in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. and Virginia Beach, VA. He also served aboard the…
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Aleece McNeilus Beadle ’71
Aleece Bobette Beadle, 93, of rural Dumont, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025, at UnityPoint-Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Aleece Bobette McNeilus was born January 17, 1932, the youngest of seven children, to William and Ethel (Walsh) McNeilus, ¼ mile west of Bristow. Aleece attended rural one room schools, Jefferson #2 near Coster and Jackson #5 northeast of Allison until she entered Bristow School when in 5th grade. She graduated from Bristow in 1949 and then attended Iowa State Teachers College, (now UNI) for 4 quarters, and later graduated from Wartburg College. She started teaching in a rural one room…
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Eric Skuster ’74
Eric Skuster, 73, formerly of Waverly, passed away in Urbandale, Iowa, on June 14, 2025. Born on April 4, 1952, in Osage, Eric was the eldest of five boys. His childhood was filled with simple joys like visiting the Jack & Jill grocery store to look at baseball cards on the back of cereal boxes. Even then, Eric had a knack for making memories out of life’s little moments. His family eventually moved from their farm to Charles City where Eric graduated high school in 1970. Eric continued his education at Wartburg College. He planned to major in Biology, but…
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Lila Antholz Nietfeld ’54
Lila Anna [Antholz] Nietfeld was born to Arthur & Helene [Ommen] Antholz, on August 23, 1932. Lila and her sister, Lucile, were raised north of McDonald, KS. She would gratefully recall family life on the farm and in the small surrounding communities—including active participation in the church where she was baptized, confirmed and nurtured in her faith. The family moved to Greeley, CO, but not before her introduction to Clayton Nietfeld in 1946, who she would marry 8 years later. Lila graduated from Wartburg College with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Clayton & Lila were united in marriage…
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Janice Cave Kay ’58
Janice Lucille Cave Kay of Wheaton, Illinois died June 10, 2025. Born March 13, 1936 in Waverly, Iowa, Janice was the daughter of Ethel Genevieve (Hunter) Cave and Earl Edmund Cave. Janice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, graduating in 1959 from Wartburg College, Waverly, IA where she studied both voice and piano. At Wartburg, Janice’s musical gifts, beauty, and vivacious personality drew the attention of a new history instructor. Soon, Thomas O. Kay was a frequent dinner guest at the Cave household, winning not only Janice’s love, but also the respect of her parents and the devotion of…
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Timothy Pace ’77
Timothy Robert “Tim” Pace, 1954 – 2025. Timothy “Tim” Robert Pace, 70, passed away June 9 in Independence, Missouri. A gathering to celebrate his life was held on June 24 at Crown Point Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Tim was born in Waverly on December 21, 1954, to Maurice “Pat” and Bernita (Volk) Pace. He graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1973 and from Wartburg College in 1977. After graduation, Tim moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he managed a Happy Joe’s Pizza restaurant, the beginning of a long career in the pizza business. After a few years, he moved…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Dr. James Liesener ’55
James W. Liesener (Jim), born on April 29, 1933, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home in Easton, Maryland, on May 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Edie; his daughter, Jennifer Liesener; granddaughter, Taylor Hilderbrand; and daughter-in-law, Melanie Liesener. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jay Liesener, in 2017. Jim met Edie at Wartburg College in Iowa. Jim completed his B.A. (Education, Psychology); Theological Studies; Teaching Credentail (Libray Science) and M.A. (Guidence and Counseling) from the University of Northern Iowa; A.M.L.S. and a Ph.D.…
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Helen Sprenger Pagel ’55
Mrs. Helen M. Pagel, 96, of Good Samaritan Home in Quincy, IL, passed away at 6:10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the home. Born June 24, 1928, in Coatsburg, IL, Helen was the daughter of William and Minnie Heins Sprenger. She married Wilfred A. Pagel on November 23, 1968, in Cedar Rapids, IA. He preceded her in death on May 12, 2010. Following her husband’s passing, Helen moved to the Good Samaritan Cottages in 2012 and later to the Good Samaritan Home in 2023. Helen graduated from Mendon High School in 1946. She earned her B.S. degree in…
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Edward Deuhr ’81
Edward Dean Deuhr, 69, of Shell Rock, died of natural causes Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Waverly Health Center. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Dennis Strempke ’74
Dennis R. Strempke, 72, formerly of Hudson, IA, and currently living in Laguna Beach, CA quickly and unexpectedly slipped into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Castle Rock, CO, while visiting one of his sons. He was born on August 20, 1952, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Donald and Alma Dittmer Strempke. Dennis graduated from Dunkerton High School in 1971 and received his B.A. in education from Wartburg College, Waverly, IA in 1975. He was on Wartburg’s Cross Country team. Dennis married Elizabeth A. Tyrrell on December 1, 1984, at St. John’s Lutheran Church…