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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Cheryl Sorensen Matthias ‘65
Cheryl Anne Matthias, age 81, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024. Born on June 23, 1943, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Soren and Vermilia Sorensen, Cheryl lived a life dedicated to education, counseling, and her family. Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Robert Matthias; her children, Tanya (Ed Kennedy) Matthias and Brock (Nicole) Matthias; her grandchildren Owen, Kira, Soren, and Brody and her sister, Beverly Sorensen. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her warm smile, infectious laugh and compassionate nature. A lifelong learner and educator, Cheryl graduated from Wartburg College in Iowa with a…
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Susan SmolikHagen ‘93
Susan Mae Smolik was born in Osage, Iowa in October of 1970. Her dad was working in the field when her mom went into labor, so her mom had to fetch him. He rushed her to the hospital and then went down the street to his brother’s to wash up. He came back 15 minutes later and the nurse handed him his daughter as he walked in. He told her she couldn’t be his, but she assured him that she indeed was. Suz was in a hurry to begin making her mark on the world! She began that mark-making in…
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Rev. Charles Layton ‘81
Charles Vern Layton September 30, 1958 — July 7, 2024 Rev. Charles Vern Layton (65) of Cedar Rapids. Christ called on St. Peter three times to feed his sheep before Peter got the message. With a BA from Wartburg College, Chuck Layton first planned to teach singing with his clear, strong voice. He loved singing but not teaching. Next, he thought to survive by his hobbies of fixing old vacuums and refurbishing old fountain pens – wishful thinking. Finally, he heard his true calling. He received his Master of Divinity at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and in 1987…
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Dr. Merwin Dieckmann ’50
Merwin Richard Dieckmann, MD, 95, of Macon, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024. Merwin was born November 30, 1928 in Clarksville, Iowa to the late Louis F. and Esther Clara Nordmeyer Dieckmann. The family later moved to Waterloo in 1941. Merwin graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1946. At the age of 17, his world changed forever when he met Betty Jane Baker during a youth play at Trinity Lutheran Church titled “Things Do Happen.” And, so it did… Merwin enrolled at Wartburg College after graduation, but transferred after one year to Iowa State…
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Jennifer Greenley Downing ‘74
Jennifer A. Downing (nee Greenley), 72, of Mount Laurel, NJ, passed away on July 2, 2024 surrounded by her family at Virtua Hospital in Marlton, NJ.Jen was born on April 13, 1952 in Des Moines, Iowa to parents Jack & Ethelmae (nee Johnson) Greenley. After Jen graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1970, she continued her education and earned her undergraduate degree in social work at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She eventually went on to earn her Master of Social Work at Ohio State University.While at Wartburg College, she met the love of her life, Brian. They were married…
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Barbara Gollnick Henkel ‘59
Barbara M. Henkel, age 86, of Hawthorn Woods, IL, passed away on June 29, 2024. Barbara was born on Sept 3, 1937 to Howard and Mabel Gollnick in Cedarburg, WI. In 1955 Barbara graduated from Cedarburg High School and went on to study Art and Music Education at Wartburg College. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1959 with a BS in Art Education. She furthered her educational years later with an MA in Education from Illinois University. Her teaching career began in Crystal Lake, IL. She would later teach Art for 23 years at MacArthur Junior High School…
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Ruth Clark Schaff ‘56
Ruth Schaff, September 27, 1934 – June 25, 2024. Ruth Schaff (nee Clark), beloved woman of faith, age 89 of Omaha, Nebraska, went home to be with the Lord, on June 25, 2024. Born in Peoria, IL in 1934, Ruth was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she earned a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. She was married to Robert Schaff, a dedicated Lutheran pastor who served congregations in Cook, NE, Gothenburg, NE, and finally at the Lutheran Church of the Master in Omaha, NE. She devoted her life to caring for her family and cherished moments…
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Glenyce Schneider Scherer ‘56
Glenyce M. Scherer (nee Schneider) died June 24, 2024, in Chanhassen, MN. Glenyce was born January 7, 1936, to Paul and Lydia Schneider of Waterloo, IA. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, after which her adventurous spirit drew her to California to teach. On January 1, 1959, she married David Scherer and together they built a life of service for the Lord. Their adventures included teaching in private Christian schools prior to accepting a call to the mission field of Papua New Guinea. After a six-year term they returned to the United States where Glenyce resumed teaching in elementary…
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Kay Johannsen Armstrong ‘61
Kay Ann Armstrong (nee Johannsen), 84, of Meramec Bluffs Assisted Living in Ballwin, Missouri died Saturday, June 22, 2024. She was born in Clinton, Iowa and spent her youth in the farming community of Welton, Iowa where she graduated class valedictorian from Welton High School in 1957. Kay spent two years at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa before transferring to Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where she completed her teaching degree. On May 5, 1962 she married Paul Armstrong, whom she met through a mutual friend. Together they shared 62 incredible years and raised three sons, David, Neal, and…
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Larry Ray ‘67
Larry Dean Ray, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville, Iowa. Larry Dean Ray was born on October 10th, 1944, at John McDonald Hospital, in Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Robert and Nellie (Nagle) Ray. He graduated from Monticello Community Schools in 1963. Larry served proudly in the United States Army for three years, with two tours in Germany. He attended Wartburg College, and then finished his last year at Mt. Mercy College where he achieved his business degree. Larry worked two years at…
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Rev. Myrin Bentz ‘57
Rev. Myrin Bentz passed away on June 19, 2024 in The Dalles, Oregon. Myrin was born November 10, 1935 and was 88 at the time of his passing. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Dale Hinrichs ‘69
Darrel Walter Hinrichs, 77, of Blair WI, and formerly of Waverly, IA died Thursday, June 13 at his home. Darrel was born December 2, 1946 in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Walter and Margaret (Wedemeier) Hinrichs. He grew up on the family farm and attended high school in Tripoli where he was an accomplished athlete. He graduated in 1965 and then attended Wartburg College. Darrel married Sheila Connell in 1966, and together they had 4 children Shannon, Ryan, Suzanne and Amanda. He farmed and worked for publishing companies in Waverly and Fort Dodge, Iowa, Minneapolis, and Winona, Minnesota. Darrel married…
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Brian Stewart ‘54
Brian MacDonald Stewart joined the angels on June 7, 2024. He passed due to natural causes. Brian was born in Charles City, July 26,1932 to Pauline Artz Stewart and Earl Stewart. Brian is survived by his sister, Diane Stewart Ryan of Rochester, Minnesota; his nephew Chris (Gerry) Casper of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his daughter Kari (Cliff) Finley of Santa Paula, California; his son Scott Stewart of San Diego, California; as well as seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Brian. Upon graduation from Charles City High School, Brian attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Soon afterwards,…
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John Seegers ‘71
John E. Seegers, 75, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. John was born December 22, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Mervin John and Eldora Rose (Lobeck) Seegers. He graduated from Linn-Mar High School and obtained a business degree from Wartburg College. After working at Anchor Frame & Axle with his father, he opened Seegers Truck and Trailer Repair, also with his father, in 1982. On May 2, 1987, John married Constance “Connie” Marie Hoyle. John was a great lover of animals, and…
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Kent Cuvelier ‘69
Kent Alton Cuvelier, 80, of New Hartford, Iowa, passed away Friday night, May 31, 2024, at home with his family lovingly at his side. Kent was born July 17, 1943, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Jean Elaine (Elliott) and Iven Earl Cuvelier. Following his graduation from New Hartford High School in 1961, Kent attended Ellsworth Junior College, Wartburg College and the University of Northern Iowa, earning his BA and Teacher’s Degree. On April 7, 1962, Kent was united in marriage to Linda Marie Venenga at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Kent’s career began teaching P.E. and Social…
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Nona Beemer Stella ‘67
NONA M. STELLA (nee Beemer) age 79, beloved wife for 56 years of Phil; loving mother of Peter (wife Rossana) and Andrew (wife Laura); devoted grandmother of Gabriella, Luciano, Zola and Frances; cherished daughter of the late Robert “Duck” and Helen (nee Randa) Beemer; sister-in-law of Michael and Mary Jane Stella. Preceded in death by her canine companions Muggsy, Sox and Sunny. Nona was born March 24, 1945 in Springfield, Illinois. Upon graduating from Springfield High School in 1963, she continued her education by earning her degree from Wartburg College in 1967. Her employment journey started in Danville, Illinois as…
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Janice Goeman Larsen ‘55
Janice Larsen (nee Goeman), passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024 in St. Louis, MO. She was born in Madison, South Dakota to (Adelia and John). Janice was a devoted wife, mother, and Oma. She was preceded in death by Wally, her husband of 66 years. She is survived by her son Scott (Heidi) Larsen and daughter Julie (Charlie) Elking, was a beloved Oma to Sidney (Mamadou), Thomas, Emily (Kevin),+ Sister Madeleine, and Chad. Janice was known for her love of Iowa State basketball and football and was Homecoming Queen in 1953 at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Janice earned…
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Judith Weiss Miller ‘67
Judith Ann Miller, age 79, of Woodville, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, Ohio. She was born on Feb. 17, 1945, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Robert and Hilda (Fischer) Weiss. Judith would later graduate from Isaac C. Elston High School in 1963 and the Wartburg College in 1967. On June 10, 1972, Judith married Herbert Miller at the Solomon Lutheran Church in Woodville, Ohio. They raised one son and celebrated more than 42 years of marriage, before Herbert’s passing in 2015. Judith was a teacher, first starting in Indiana, then moved and taught at Solomon…
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Elaine Hillmann Wilcke ‘51
We mourn the passing of Elaine Marie Wilcke, 94, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake, on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Elaine was born at Grinnell, Iowa on September 28, 1929, daughter of Elmer and Tena Pals Hillmann. On August 15, 1951, she married Ernest W. Wilcke, son of Detlef and Lulu Clausen Wilcke. To this union, one son, Victor Wendell Wilcke, was born.Elaine was a favorite soloist in the churches, organizations and schools of the Grinnell community from age 3 to her graduation from Grinnell High School in 1947. Quote from her high school annual – “Honesty and sincerity are…
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James VanDriel ‘63
James L. VanDriel, age 82, of Eden Prairie, passed from this Earthly life to begin his life in heaven, on May 19, 2024. Family was with him. He passed peacefully while dreaming. Preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Ester VanDriel; brother, Gene VanDriel; and wife, Barbara VanDriel. He will be forever loved and missed by his brother, David (Kate) VanDriel; stepchildren, Debbie Pierce (Bruce Olson), Jeff Pierce (Kathy), Tim Pierce, Mark Pierce (Barb); daughter, Libby Tomes (Dan); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; along with many relatives, dear friends, and special neighbors. Jim lived a full life. Born on Dec 26, 1941,…
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Hillis DeVere Creger ’52
H. DeVere Creger of Waverly, Iowa passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 95. Hillis DeVere Creger was born November 7, 1930, the son of Hillis R. and Elna L. (French) Creger in Plainfield, Iowa. He graduated from Plainfield High School and then attended Wartburg College for two years. On March 25, 1951, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Eggleston at the Methodist Church in Waverly. DeVere worked for two years at Walker Motors as a bookkeeper and then as a general accounting manager at Koehring Cranes and Excavators (Terex) for 40 years until…
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Marianna Schutter King ’83
Marianna King of Waverly, Iowa passed away after a brief illness and one day of hospitalization from cardiopulmonary arrest at the Waverly Health Center, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the age of 81. Marianna was born July 30, 1944, the daughter of Alyle A. and Helen (Lounsbury) Schutter, in a military hospital at Barksdale Field near Shreveport, LA where her father, an army chaplain, was in training. After WWII her family moved from Louisiana to New York to Michigan and back to New York, finally settling in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Marianna graduated from New Brunswick High School and…
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Dr. Richard Stedtfeld
Richard Warren “Dick” Stedtfeld, 97, of Glasgow, Montana, loved to sing and often burst forth into song throughout his long life. His eldest daughter, Laura, sang hymns to him in some of the last hours of his life and he passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. Born in Glasgow, Montana in September 1928, Dick met the love of his life, Ruth Elaine Lund, at a Bible Camp in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana in 1944. They married in 1952 and shared 70 beautiful years together until Ruth’s passing in 2021. Dick often recalled, “A long time ago, Ruthie…
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Rev. David Kruger ’58
On March 10, 2026, Reverend David P. Kruger known to many as Pastor Dave, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service. He was born on November 6, 1936, in Iowa to Reverend Emil Kruger and Emma (Cornelius) Kruger. Dave pursued his education at Wartburg College and Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1958. After feeling called to the ministry, he attended the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, where he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1962. During his internship for his divinity degree he met…
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Janet Krafka Rohrer ’68
Janet Krafka “Fritz” Rohrer passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026 at 91 years of age. Fritz lived a life full of family, faith and friendships. Christened Janet, she earned her nickname Fritz from her father who shortened it from Snickelfritz – a term of endearment for an energetic, curious child. The name stuck and embodied Fritz’s lively personality throughout her life. Fritz graduated from Ottumwa High School and earned her degree in elementary education from Wartburg College. She began her teaching career in Clarion, Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Ed Rohrer. She enjoyed…
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Janet Ames Lockwood ’64
Janet Lockwood, 87, of Sheffield, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Jan (Janet) Lockwood was born in Atlantic, Iowa, April 23, 1938. Parents were Wyman and Eva Ames. She graduated from Madrid High School in 1956, then Waldorf Junior College in Forest city in 1958. She taught elementary school in Clarion, North Polk and in Waverly. During those years, she attended classes at Drake University, then received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wartburg College in Waverly. She was married in 1967, then widowed in 1969. In 1974, she married Larry…
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Robert Johnsen ’61
Robert J. “Bob” “Bubba” Johnsen, 86, of Beatrice, passed away Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln. He was born August 19, 1939, in Beatrice to William and Grace (Wallman) Johnsen. Bob graduated from Beatrice High School and later attended Wartburg College. On December 31, 1969, he married Donna Doehler at Holy Cross Church in Beatrice. Bob served for a short time in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Throughout his working years, Bob was employed by Schottler Manufacturing, served as a workshop supervisor at the Martin Lutheran Home, and later worked for Cominco, Natural Gas…
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Rev. Dr. Herman Diers ’49
Herman Diers, a wise and compassionate man of exceptional grace and generosity, a community builder committed to peace and an end to hunger, died March 7, 2026. He was 97. Born in Hampton and raised in Lutheran parsonages across eastern Iowa, Herman earned degrees from Wartburg College (BA), Wartburg Seminary (MDiv), Northwestern (MA), and Berkeley (PhD), and honorary degrees from Dana and Wartburg Colleges. On Dec. 28, 1950, he married Dorothy Lange. They first lived in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, to found Grace Lutheran Church. In 1959, they moved to Waverly, where they both worked at Wartburg College until 1993,…
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James Pilgrim ’60
James W. Pilgrim, 87, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City. James Walter was born July 3, 1938, in Tracy, Minnesota, the son of Rev. Paulus W. Pilgrim and Elsie (Bartz) Pilgrim. Jim began his education in Austin, Minnesota, and attended country school for grades two through four in Fulda, Minnesota. He later graduated from Hector High School in Hector, Minnesota. He went on to attend and graduate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and later completed graduate coursework at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Jim…
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Martha Farlow Knapp ’66
Martha Kay Farlow Knapp, 81, of Winterset, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Martha Kay McKeever was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 21, 1944 to William McKeever and Kathryn (Gordon) McKeever. Her parents were divorced and her mother later married Billy W. Farlow, who adopted her legally. Marty grew up in Winterset, attending North Ward Elementary, South Ward for junior high, and graduating from Winterset High School in 1962. She worked at the Ben Franklin store and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Three Little…
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James Waterbury
James Bentley Waterbury died March 2, 2026, at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, after a short battle with metastatic melanoma. He was 78. Jim was born August 2, 1947, the third of four children born to Charles Arthur and Mary Elizabeth Stoddard Waterbury. His mother once told him he was her favorite because her labor with him was so short. However, he may have made that up. We all make up the stories we need. Jim graduated from Waterloo West High in 1965, and Princeton University in 1969. How he made it through is a testament to his professors’…
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Sue Engel Dunshee ’62
Sue Ann Engel Dunshee, 85, of Houston, TX went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, March 2, 2026, at her home, Spring Cypress Senior Living in Cypress, TX. Sue was born September 30, 1940 in Cedar Falls, IA, the second of five siblings born to the late Paul and Mildred Engel. After graduating from Hudson High School, she studied at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Professionally Sue worked various office jobs, primarily in the accounting and payroll departments until she retired in 2005. Sue met her husband, Donald (Don) Dunshee on a blind date, an encounter that…
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Darrell Arntzen ’68
Darrell Lynn Arntzen, a beloved figure in his community and a park ranger, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Bickford of Urbandale, Urbandale, Iowa. He was born on July 26, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Orie Edgar and Mary Priscilla (Murray) Arntzen. Darrell grew up in Iowa, graduating from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School with the class of 1962 before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree from Wartburg College in 1968. Darrell’s career began in 1969 when he joined the Department of Natural Resources as a park ranger. He worked tirelessly, moving from park…
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Carol Suckow Wolf ’65
Carol J. Wolf, 82, of Oelwein, Iowa, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Arlington Place Assisted Living in Oelwein. Carol Jean Suckow was born July 14, 1943, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Lewis and Helen Mildred (Springer) Suckow. She graduated from North High School and then earned her bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and her master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Carol taught grade school in La Porte City, Northwood and Sacred Heart Catholic School in Oelwein. On August 10, 1968, she was united in marriage to Boyd Eugene Wolf at the Little Brown Church…
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Joyce Mueller Paxson ’60
Joyce M. Paxson was born on September 11, 1938, to Adolph Mueller and Mary Chambers in Manchester, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her husband William T. Paxson, daughters Katie Paxson and Terri Bennett, and sister Jackie Gibson. Joyce is well-known for her passion and dedication to music. Receiving her training at the Wartburg College School of Music, she went on to sing with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and toured with the Roger Wagner Chorale in many places around the US and Europe. She sang all kinds of music: opera, classical, and liturgical music. Joyce was a voice…
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Todd Wollenzien ’87
It is with deep sadness we announce Todd Wollenzien, 60, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at MercyOne Hospital in West Des Moines, Iowa. After a long battle with cancer, he passed peacefully in his sleep with his family at his bedside, after a day full of exchanging stories about him and his contagious humor. Todd was born to Francis and Jane (Barnard) Wollenzien in Waverly, Iowa, on June 15, 1965. From a young age he was rambunctious, funny, kind, and an intelligent spirit, who was a friend to everyone he met. He spent many mornings helping out in…
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Robert Selk ’59
Robert Rudolph Koeppen Selk, 89, of Dysart, Iowa, passed away on February 22, 2026, just 25 days after celebrating his 89th birthday. Robert will be buried in the Dysart Cemetery. He was born on January 28, 1937, to Rudolph and Louise Selk. Bob graduated from Dysart High School in 1955 and later attended Wartburg College where he received his degree in business administration in 1959. After college, he worked for Maytag and later retired as a manager from Job Service of Iowa. He also had his own tax business and would farm. He had a deep desire to help…
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Verona Orth Zelle ’52
Verona Zelle, 95, of Waverly, Iowa died on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Verona Ruth Zelle was born on January 21, 1931, and raised in rural Jesup in Black Hawk County, Iowa, the fifth daughter of six children born to Louis A. and Olinda M. (Riensche) Orth. She was baptized on February 1, 1931, and confirmed on March 5, 1944, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jubilee, Iowa. Verona attended Jubilee Consolidated Schools through the 8th grade and graduated in 1948 from Jesup High School. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly for one year and…
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Daniel Glommen ’63
Daniel Stanley Glommen, February 13, 1941 — February 20, 2026. Daniel Stanley Glommen was born on February 13, 1941, in Wilmington, Ohio. As a son of an Air Force officer, Dan and his siblings lived in many areas, including Washington Courthouse, Ohio; Levittown, New York; and Frankfurt, Germany. At the age os 12, he and his family moved to San Antonio, Texas. Dan played football for the South San Antonia Bobcats and played the biggest bass drum in the state of Texas. In 1955, Dan and his family moved to Security, Colorado. He attended Fountain High School and then transferred to Widefield…
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Carol Burdick Rudey ’73
Carol Anne Rudey, 74, of Racine, WI, died of complications from a fall at Aurora SummitOconomowoc Hospital on Friday, February 20th, 2026, surrounded by family in her finalmoments. The fall took place in early December.She is a true testament to love and determination in her lifelong battle against RheumatoidArthritis.Carol was dedicated to her family and will be forever loved by her husband of 51 years (TomRudey) and two adult sons (Scott Rudey and David Rudey- wife Casey (Ulman)-grandson LukeRudey). Carol was preceded in death by her mother (Frances) and father (Milton), her oldestbrother John Burdick and her younger brother Paul,…