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.
Search Class Notes:
All Class Years
-
Rosella Dirksen Beninga ‘48
Rosella (Rosie) M. Beninga, 97, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away August 27, 2024, at Arlington Place in Grundy Center. Rosie was born on September 19, 1926, in Bancroft, South Dakota, the daughter of Harm and Catherine (Peterson) Dirksen. She graduated from Bancroft High School in 1944. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, she accepted the job of Parish Counselor at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. She met Milo Long at the local DX gas station. They were married on June 15, 1951. They were blessed with two children, Laura, and Bob. Milo passed away on…
-
Carol Wessels Bye Koeneman ‘66
Carol Ann Wessels Bye Koeneman, age 80, passed away peacefully August 27, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. She was born January 7, 1944 in Independence, Iowa to Verna (Peck) and William Wessels. She was raised in Independence surrounded by her brothers and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Growing up, Carol enjoyed playing the piano, singing, swimming, lifeguarding, and fishing with her dad. Carol graduated from Wartburg College in 1966 with a degree in education. Music was a large part of her college experience, singing in the choir and playing in the band. She proudly earned the title of Miss Waverly and…
-
Rev. Jan Horne ‘63
Pastor Jan Horne, 88, of Robins, IA passed on into the presence of our Savior Monday August 26, 2024. One of three children, Jan was born in Oslo, Norway on February 5th 1936, to parents, Arthur and Solveig Horne. As a child, Jan survived the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War 2. Because of the severity of the conditions at the time, Jan, along with his two older brothers, was sent to live in an orphanage. He was soon adopted by his paternal aunt and uncle, Karl and Herborg Steen, and grew up in their home in Kristiansand. He…
-
Alberta Brandt Pieper ‘56
Alberta “Boots” Pieper, age 89, of Clara City, Minnesota passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at Clara City Care Center. Alberta Leona Pieper was born February 1, 1935 to Albert and Minnie (Hesse) Brandt in Denver, Iowa. She grew up in Denver and was baptized on March 3, 1935 and confirmed on April 13, 1949 both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Denver. Alberta attended school in Denver and graduated from high school in 1952. She furthered her education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor’s of Music, receiving her Church Music Degree. Alberta started…
-
Leona Mortensen Reyelts ‘54
Leona Lena Reyelts March 1, 1932 – August 26, 2024 On the evening of August 26th, God sent a strong wind to raise up the soul of one of His true and faithful servants. Rainbows and lightening decorated the skies as Leona Reyelts, aged 92, died peacefully of natural causes to join her husband, Rev. Lawrence Reyelts and granddaughter Thalea in Heaven’s embrace. Born in 1932 on a farm near LeMars, IA, Leona married Larry at 19 and together served Lutheran churches, first in California, then throughout western Canada. They returned to the US in 1972 and settled in SE…
-
Richard Larson ‘57
Richard Jeffrey Larson, age 89, died on August 25, 2024, from a fall at his home in Prestbury. He was born February 27, 1935, to Jeffrey and Malene Larson in Earlville, Illinois. He was raised in the Earlville area, attended a one room grade school for seven years, and graduated from the Earlville grade and high schools. He attended Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1957. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1960. During his last year in law school, Dick joined the Illinois Air…
-
Kristine Karls Lambert ‘71
Kristine Wendy Lambert December 5, 1948 – August 24, 2024 Kristine Wendy (Karls) Lambert, age 75, of Schaumburg. Beloved wife of the late Julian Raymond Lambert. Beloved daughter of the late Alice Lillian (Erickson) Karls and Robert Matthew Karls. Loving mother of John P. Lambert and Julie A. (Kirk) Dahlen. Dearest grandmother of Emma Dahlen. Dear sister of Karen (Edward) Bonkowski. Beloved aunt of a niece and several nephews. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
-
Richard Tillou ‘51
Richard D. Tillou, 95, formerly of Mason City passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Cascade Creek Memory Care, Rochester, MN. Richard Tillou was born on August 30, 1928, in Richland Center, WI to parents John and Audrey (Thompson) Tillou. Richard graduated from Richland Center High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Wartburg College while being a four-year letterman on the baseball team. He then obtained his master’s degree from Colorado State University. On August 8, 1951, Richard was united in marriage to Carol Lehmann in Rock Rapids, IA. In July of 1952, Richard…
-
Paul Beckman ‘54
Paul Lester Beckman, 92, of West Burlington, died Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at his home. Born June 14, 1932, in Prairie Grove, he was the son of Lester and Esther (Flachman) Beckman. He attended Flint River School and was a 1950 graduate of Danville High School and a graduate of Wartburg College. He served as a Corporal in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Lois Taeger on June 10, 1956, at Prairie Grove Church, she passed away March 13, 2022. Paul worked as an electrician for BNSF Railroad and was a life long farmer. He served for on…
-
Kathryn Fritschel Gerard ‘58
Kathryn Annette Fritschel Gerard, August 3, 1936 – August 15, 2024. Kathryn (Kay) Annette Gerard, née Fritschel, 88 of Sugar Land, Texas, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 15th surrounded by her family. Kay was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, the second child of Reverend Walter and Nina Fritschel, and grew up in Charles City, Iowa. After graduating from high school as co-salutatorian, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa earning a bachelor’s degree in history in 1958. In 1964, she earned a master’s degree in European history from the University of Colorado Boulder. Kay was part of the…
-
Loretta Schmitt Blain ’56
Loretta “Lorrie” Irene Blain, age 88, passed away in her home in Costa Mesa, CA on August 14, 2024. Born on June 29, 1936, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Bertha and Jacob Schmitt, Lorrie lived a life full of love, devotion, and service. Growing up on a farm in Wishek, ND, Lorrie moved to Waverly, Iowa to attend Wartburg College. After receiving her AA in Parish Work in 1956, she lived for a time in Omaha, NE, but later moved to Northern California where she met her future husband, James “Jim” Blain. California joyfully became her permanent home. In 1959, Lorrie and…
-
Roger Swanson ’52
Roger D. Swanson was born February 6, 1931, in Manchester, Iowa, to Anton V. and Elsie (Reck) Swanson. He died on August 13, 2024, at the Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa. Roger attended grade school at Rural Hazel Green Township in Delaware County, Iowa and graduated from Buck Creek Consolidated High School in Hopkinton, Iowa. He graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with degrees in math and English, received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and his Elementary Counseling Endorsement from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He served in the U.S Army Signal Corp…
-
Dr. Emilie Noel Zehr ‘73
Emilie S. Zehr, 73 a resident of Bondurant, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday August 1, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing, following a courageous battle with cancer. Emilie Susanna Noel was born January 22, 1951 in Clinton, IA; the eldest of LaVern Martin and Elsbeth Emma (Schmahl) Noel. She graduated from North Scott High School in Eldridge, Iowa and Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She went on to earn a Masters of Arts degree in Microbiology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois and the Ph.D.…
-
Harold Heeren ‘64
Harold Henry Heeren, 82, of Caledonia, died peacefully Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. He was born June 27, 1942, in Milford, IL. He was the son of Elmer and Marie (Kietzman) Heeren. Harold attended Wartburg College and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964. He married Judith Allen on December 20, 1963. Harold worked as an engineer for Barber-Colman for over 30 years before starting a new company, Instrucon, with his partner, George Prentice. Harold was a charter…
-
Harold Rindels ‘71
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Rindels on July 31st, 2024 in Solon, Ohio. Harold (Hal/Butch) was born February 20th, 1949 in Grundy Center, Iowa. Hal taught Math upon graduation from Wartburg College prior to a long and successful career in the insurance industry. He enjoyed the music of the Grateful Dead, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and loved golfing and playing billiards with Patty and friends. Most of all, Hal will be remembered as a dedicated husband, proud and loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his sister Caroline; his daughter Allison L. (Jay…
-
Racheal Gangestad Davis ‘59
L. Racheal Gangestad Amelung Davis, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa. Racheal was born August 24, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Leon and Ruth (Dawes) Gangestad. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode, Iowa, and graduated from Bode Consolidated Schools with honors. Racheal then graduated with an English degree from Wartburg College in 1959 and spent 14 years teaching Junior High Language Arts in Mason City and Iowa City, Iowa. She then earned her…
-
Gary “Gari” Green ‘71
Gary “Gari” Green of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the age of 74. Gari was born on October 1, 1949, in Pontiac, IL, the eldest child of Harry and Louise (Reese) Green. After graduating from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School in 1967, Gari attended Wartburg College and went on to work at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL, before being called to the priesthood. Gari attended Nashotah House Seminary from 1983 -1986. After graduation, Gari served four congregations in Rice Lake, Ladysmith, Greendale, and Kenosha, WI. In 1968, Gari met Kate (Thompson) at Wartburg College in Waverly,…
-
Robert Cummings ‘75
On July 16, 2024, Robert “Bob” Glen Cummings, 71, passed away suddenly at his home in North Pole. Born on July 31, 1952, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bob lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by family, friends and meaningful work. With family roots in Kentucky, Robert’s parents Joe and Emma chose to raise him in Whiting, Indiana, where he graduated from Clark High School in 1970. In 1973 Bob was a student at Wartburg College in Iowa and he decided to pursue an internship in Fairbanks, Alaska. Although the internship did not work out, Fairbanks sure did. He found work…
-
Ruth Wetherell Swanson ‘52
Ruth Ellen Swanson was born February 26, 1930, in Shumway, Illinois and died on July 12, 2024, in Monona, Iowa. She was born to Seth and Alma (Laue) Wetherell and baptized at Trinity Lutheran. Ruth attended school in Shumway, Illinois and graduated from Beecher City High School in Beecher City, Illinois. She graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a degree in home economics and physical education. She taught in Waukon, Iowa and also was a substitute teacher in Monona, Iowa for several years. Ruth was married to Roger Swanson on August 22, 1954 in Shumway, Illinois. The family…
-
Dorlin Moeller ‘58
Dorlin James “DJ” Moeller age 87 of Fairbank passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Dorlin was born January 14, 1937 in rural Bremer county the son of Herman and Lydia (Matthias) Moeller. He grew up on the family farm in rural Fairbank, he attended and graduated from the Oran School. After high school he received his Bachelors Degree in Education at Wartburg College in Waverly. Dorlin began his teaching career in the Allison-Bristow School district and then the Wapsie Valley Community School district, retiring in 1997, altogether he taught mathematics for a…
-
Marilyn Fick Luttinen ’66
Marilyn Kay Luttinen passed away on October 6, 2025 at the Quartet Senior Living Village in Bettendorf, Iowa. Born on May 12, 1944 in Los Angeles, California to Wilbur and Marcella Fick, Marilyn was a lifelong learner and dedicated to her faith. After receiving her Bachelor’s in teaching from Wartburg College, she was a Physical Education Teacher and later embraced the role of a homemaker with grace and dedication. She went on to work as a pre-school teacher, at a golf course with her husband, and as a pet-sitter. Outside of her professional life, Marilyn was known for her kindness…
-
Joan Schwefel Schroeder ’55
Joan A. Schroeder, March 30, 1933 – October 2, 2025. Joan A. (Schwefel) Schroeder, age 92, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 2nd. Joan was born to her parents Evelyn (Zinzow) and William Schwefel in March 1933. The family established their home in Glendale WI – Joan the eldest joined by her brother Jon and sister Eve Lynn. Joan enjoyed the children in the neighborhood, swam in the Milwaukee River and rode the streetcar to visit her grandparents. Luther League provided a social and spiritual outlet for her as a young adult. Miss Schwefel attended Valparaiso University and then transferred to…
-
Charlice Haug Offenheiser ’54
Charlice Rosena H. Offenheiser, 93, of rural Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at her home with her family close by her side. Born February 11, 1932, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Louis H. and Lavina (Groezinger) Haug. Charlice grew up on their Derinda farm, attending the one-room school in Derinda Center before going to Elizabeth High School. She spent her last two years at Stockton High School, where bus service was offered to the area, and graduated in 1950. She then received a two-year business degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1952. Charlice…
-
Gwendolyn Parlin Paulson ’65
Gwendolyn Anne Paulson, age 82, wife, mother, master teacher, pillar of her community, died Monday, September 22, 2025, in River Falls, Wisconsin. She was born on February 5, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, a daughter of Raymond and Esther (Ziesemer) Parlin. She was united in marriage to Ed Paulson. She was a 1965 graduate of Wartburg College and later earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University in 1999. She was a K-1 teacher for Westside Elementary School; she served as the executive secretary for the National Association of Social Workers and was an administrative secretary for Ezekiel…
-
William Wachholz ’63
William “Bill” Wachholz, 85, of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. Bill was born on January 15, 1940, in Wausau to Marvin and Irmagard Wachholz. On June 7, 1969, he married the love of his life, Shirley Mielke. Together, they shared 24 wonderful years of marriage until Shirley’s passing, a time that was far too short. Bill devoted his professional career to Radant Insurance Agency, where his dedication and work ethic left a lasting impact. Beyond his career, he gave 50 years of service to the Wausau Noon Optimist Club and was a lifelong member of First…
-
Vernita Frese Baumgartner ’51
Vernita Marie Frese Baumgartner, age 93, of Fremont was born September 2, 1932 in Nora Springs IA, and departed this life to be with our Lord on September 18, 2025. The youngest of three daughters born to George and Julia (Ueker) Frese, Vernita grew up on the family farm outside of Nora Springs, surrounded by a closely-knit extended family. She attended both elementary school and high school in Nora Springs, participating in 4-H, theater, chorus, and Luther League at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. After graduating Valedictorian of her class, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly IA, where she enrolled in…
-
Doris Kumpf Keller ’44
Doris W. (Kumpf) Keller passed away peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on September 13, 2025 at age of 101. Doris was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Rev. Fred and Esther (Hoffman) Kumpf on July 7, 1924. She was raised in Humboldt, SD and Johnson, NE. She was preceded in passing by her parents, her husband Rev. John E. Keller and her sister Winnifred (Kumpf) Voight and her brother Richard Kumpf. She is survived by her three sons, Rev. David (Susan) Keller and their three children: Phillip (Linda) Keller and their five children; Joel (Pamela) Keller and…
-
Alan Sexter ’87
Alan Sexter, age 60, of Wausau died on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Wausau Manor. Alan was born on September 24, 1964, in Decorah, lA, to the late James and Jeralyn (Krugel) Sexter. He grew up in Owatonna, MN where he developed a life long love of the Minnesota Vikings. After graduating high school, he went on to Wartburg College where he double majored in music and mathematics. Following graduation, Alan and his family moved to Wausau, where he began his career as an actuary with Wausau Insurance. He later worked at Eastbay, and in retirement found joy in greeting…
-
Norbert Gauerke ’55
Norbert Lee Gauerke (Norb, Nubby, Nubs), age 92 passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 12, 2025 surrounded by his family that loved him. He was born on May 31, 1933 in Appleton to the late Erwin and Alma (Lemke) Gauerke. He was baptized on July 16, 1933 and confirmed on March 30, 1947 at First English Lutheran Church. He graduated from Marion High School in 1951 and from Wartburg College in 1955 with a degree in Business Education. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in February 1956 and received his basic…
-
Marlene Albertsen DeRosa ’74
Marlene DeRosa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and vibrant pillar of her community, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on September 8, 2025. While her family and many friends feel her absence deeply, her kindness and zest for life fill their hearts with enduring warmth and gratitude. Born in Danbury, Iowa in 1952 to Marvin and Marie Albertsen, sister to Marc, Mary Lu, and Marla, Marlene’s “farm girl” roots shone through her life—infusing every day with joy and a generous spirit that never faded —a spirit that would carry her through until her last days. She…
-
Bernard Masker ’65
Bernard “Bernie” Masker, 84 of Conrad, IA passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Premier Estates of Toledo, IA. Bernie was born August 25, 1941, to Wilson and Albina (Balvin) Masker. He was raised in Tama, IA and attended Tama High School where he was very active in football and wrestling. He continued his football and wrestling career at Wartburg College, graduating in 1965. Along that journey he was united in marriage to Colene Casey in 1962. They went on to have three children and raised them in Grinnell, IA. Bernie took his love for athletics to be a devoted…
-
Jeffery Glaw ’84
Jeffery Linn Glaw, age 63, of Keosauqua, Iowa, and formerly of Parkersburg, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home. Jeff was born on July 2, 1962, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Norman Glaw and Karon (Johnson) Dobbs (formerly Glaw). He was raised in Waterloo and Parkersburg, graduating from the Aplington-Parkersburg High School in 1980. He then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, where he played football and field events (discus), graduating in 1984. In 1988, Jeff was united in marriage to Angela Helle, and from the union came two daughters. His entire life he worked as a wildlife…
-
Darryl Meyer ’63
R. Darryl Meyer passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, following a short illness. He was 85. Born in Nebraska to Rev. Raymond and Lenora Meyer, Darryl moved to Minnesota and Wisconsin, and then back to Nebraska, following his father’s pastoral calling. He graduated from Benson High School in Omaha and went on to attend Wartburg College, where he was a proud Wartburg Knight. His upbringing helped shape the values of service, leadership, and faith that guided him throughout his life. Darryl retired as Director of Human Services for Freeborn County, where he…
-
John Culbertson ’50
John Dale Culbertson Obituary John D. Culbertson, age 96, of Waverly died on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly of natural causes. John was born September 15, 1928, in Waverly, the son of Floyd and Merle (Getts) Culbertson. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1946; UNI in 1950; and Drake Law School in 1954. On June 11, 1951, John and Donna M. Harden were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Donna passed away in 1987, and on October 22, 1988, John and Myrna Joy Kluiter were married at St. John Lutheran Church in…
-
Mark Buls ’68
Mark John Buls, aged 79, of Flippin, Arkansas, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Born on November 17, 1945, in Tripoli, Iowa, he was the son of Arlen and Malita Korte Buls. Mark’s early education took place at Tripoli High School, followed by his graduation from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1968. Demonstrating his commitment to service, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army, where he honorably served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. In 1971, he embarked on a new chapter as he emigrated to Australia, where he devoted his career to teaching. He…
-
Gaye Ostlund Scott ’71
Gaye L. Scott, 76, of Mason City went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025 at Heritage Care Center. Gaye Lorraine Ostlund was born January 31, 1949 at Lake City, Iowa to Donald and Frances (Lorraine) Ostlund of Lohrville, Iowa. She was the oldest of 3 children. Her first years were lived in Lohrville, Clarion, and Mason City until the family moved to Manly, Iowa in 1952. Gaye was baptized in December 1960 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly. Her deep faith in God was a gift that sustained her throughout her life, especially during her…
-
Robert Gronstal ’52
Robert Joseph Gronstal, 94, of Gastonia and formerly of Treynor, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Robin Johnson House on August 28, 2025. Born in Council Bluffs, IA on September 10, 1930 to Joseph and Elvira Gronstal. Bob grew up and spent most of his life in Treynor, IA. He was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, class of 1952. He served two years in the Army during the Korean War before a banking career that would span over two decades. He was a local businessman and an employee of Treynor Community School District where he worked for 42…
-
Dr. George Roleder ’50
We are saddened to share the passing of longtime chapter member George Roleder on August 26, 2025. George was known as a humorist and author of, “By George! The Birds are Copying Us” and “Flights of Bird Fancy” – collections of witty short stories that both challenge serious birders to double-check their handbooks and offer a lighthearted chuckle at the avian world. George and his wife, Betty, lived at San Antonio Gardens, where he was an active birder, often participating in their monthly walks and contributing to the annual Christmas Bird Count. He will be remembered as a generous, thoughtful…
-
Carolyn Joseph Stufflebeam ’58
Carolyn Teresa Stufflebeam, 89, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. Carolyn was born June 2, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois to Frank and Mary (Verdek) Joseph. She attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. On December 27, 1958, she married Daniel Leroy Stufflebeam in Chicago. She was a teacher for three years and then became a homemaker, raising three children. Carolyn spent much of her life volunteering and serving her community. She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she ran the food pantry as…
-
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…