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
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
Wendy Dietrich Meyer ’85
Wendy Meyer, 64, of Oskaloosa, passed away on the evening of January 14, 2026, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines. Wendy Lee Meyer, daughter of Wendell Elmer Erwin and Ethel Joy (Nielsen) Dietrich, was born on August 31, 1961, in Price, Utah. When Wendy was young, her family lived in various cities. She graduated from L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas, in 1980. After graduation, Wendy attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1985. She met Greg Arthur Meyer during her sophomore year at Wartburg while he was a freshman. The two…
-
Gary Zittergruen ’80
Gary Lynn Zittergruen, 67, of Waverly, formerly of Van Horne, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. Gary was born July 29, 1958, in Prairie Du Chien, WI, the son of Harlan and Dorothy (Mueller) Zittergruen. He grew up in Garnavillo, graduating high school in 1976. He then attended Wartburg College where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1980. Later, he received his master’s degree from the University of Iowa. On June 18, 1983, he was united in marriage to Jenny Barron in Guttenberg. He began his teaching career at Shellsburg Community School…
-
Christopher Schmidt ’66
Christopher Karl Schmidt, 82, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community. Chris was born on June 1, 1943, in Ohio, the son of Karl and Viola (Grambau) Schmidt. He grew up in Waverly and graduated from Wartburg College in 1966. Chris and Mary Hjermstad were married in 1966, and he began his graduate studies at Iowa State University, earning his doctorate in Physics in 1971. Chris taught Physics at Hope College, the University of Pittsburgh and returned to Waverly to teach at Wartburg College. Chris taught at Wartburg until his retirement in…
-
Richard Koehler ’65
Obituary for Richard “Dick” Koehler Departed on: January 12, 2026. Richard (Dick) Koehler, age 82, of Tama, Iowa, was born April 10, 1943, in New Hampton, son of Waldon and Arlene (Slack) Koehler. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School and earned a degree in music education from Wartburg College. He taught instrumental music for 19 years. He owned and operated a sporting goods store in Toledo before joining Horace Mann Insurance Company. He served as president of the Central Life Underwriters Association. He retired from Horace Mann after 22 years. He also worked for Tama County as a driving examiner for…
-
Logan Ruffridge ’14
Logan Martin Ruffridge, August 29, 1991 — January 8, 2026. Logan Martin Ruffridge, 34, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born on August 29, 1991, in Cedar Rapids, Logan brought joy and energy to everyone he met from the very beginning. As the beloved son of Torry and Anne Ruffridge, he grew up in the heart of his hometown, embracing life with a spirit that was as vibrant as it was kind. Logan was a proud graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids,…
-
Barbara Henry ’95
Barbara Henry, 53, died Thursday, January 1, 2026 at her apartment in Cedar Rapids. The only child of Dennis and Shirley (Schatzke) Henry, Barbara Kay Henry was born on July 21, 1972. After completing high school in Urbana, she attended Wartburg College. She was an avid sports fan and was an assistant student coach for girls’ softball and both boys’ and girls’ basketball. She was employed in various fields, such as a clerk for a marine dealership, a photographer, a clerk and receptionist at a law firm, and a document translator. She was most recently working as an administrative assistant…
-
LeEllen “Lonni” Hoffman ’62
Lonni Hoffmann, 85, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away in her home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with family at her side. LeEllen Grace “Lonni” Hoffmann was born on October 30, 1940, in Green Acres, Davenport, Iowa, to Clarence and Beatrice (Smith) Hoffmann. She was the second oldest of six daughters. The “son her father never had,” Lonni often worked side by side with her father from a young age-doing farm chores during grade school and later assisting with painting and carpentry projects throughout junior high and high school. She also helped her father remodel and open a family-operated nursing home…
-
Paul Weiblen ’50
Professor Paul Willard Weiblen, 98 years old, died peacefully in the presence of family on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was born on February 15, 1927 in Miller, South Dakota to Anna Bellin Weiblen and George Daniel Weiblen. He was a lifelong learner and seeker of knowledge. He joined the Army in 1945 and served during the occupation of Germany. Thanks to the GI Bill, he earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Wartburg College and a master’s in European History from the University of Minnesota. He served the Defense Department during the Korean War and…
-
Shirley Rodas Fosse ’81
Shirley Rodas Fosse, age 98, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital North in Tampa, Florida. We look forward to seeing her in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! She was born on July 27, 1927, the second daughter to Frank and Emma (Whittman) Rodas in rural Clayton County, Iowa. She was baptized on August 14, 1927 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elkport, Iowa. On August 13, 1939 she was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church, Littleport, Iowa. Shirley attended country schools in Clayton County and graduated from the Elkader High School. She attended the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar…
-
Sharyn Purcell Christensen ’64
Sharyn Lee (Purcell) Christensen of Bellevue, WA died on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Peacefull Adult Family Home. Sharyn was born on November 22, 1942, in Beloit, WI to John Spencer Purcell and Helen (Sommer) Purcell. She was raised in Beloit, WI and attended Beloit Memorial High School where she was part of the R.O.T.C., graduating from high school in 1960. Sharyn attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA where she graduated with a degree in Social Work in 1964. Sharyn married Thomas G. Christensen on August 23, 1964, in Beloit, WI at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Sharyn also attended the…
-
Rev. David Hagemann ’77
On Tuesday December 16, 2025, our brother in Christ, David Roland Hagemann, died at Essentia Health- St. Mary’s Medical Center due to pulmonary complications while battling cancer. David was born to Robert F. Hagemann and Lorraine A. (Kolczaski) on December 2, 1954, in Lawton, Oklahoma. David spent his childhood years growing up in Mendota llinois, a small farming community, 60 miles west of Chicago. He was a member and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota. While in Mendota, he graduated from Mendota High School in 1973 and went on to Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa. His seminary work was…
-
Dr. James Fritschel ’51
James Erwin Fritschel, May 13, 1929 — December 15, 2025. Jim Fritschel was born on May 13, 1929, in Greeley, Colorado. He was originally named “Erwin James,” after his father Erwin (Doc) Fritschel, but Doc and his wife, Irma (Hast), always called him Jim, Jimmy, or James. And it stuck. Jim grew up as the eldest of three sons. With a pastor father and a church organist mother, Jim grew up surrounded by Lutheran faith and music. Word has it that sometimes the pastor was paid in bags of potatoes, and frugal Irma managed to readily feed the family with…
-
Dr. Barry Greene ’63
Barry Raymond Greene, age 84, died on December 13, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was born on March 27, 1941, in Clinton, Iowa, to Earl and Mildred Greene. Barry grew up in postwar Clinton, Iowa, where he found joy and freedom in the rhythms of community life: parks, sports and music on the radio, neighborhood games, his bike, and the pull of the Mississippi River. He was a jock, a class clown, and a self-proclaimed crooner, known early on for his humor, competitiveness, and sharp observations about the world around him. Barry’s father, Earl, was the hero of his…
-
Brenda Begalske George ’83
Brenda Le George (nee Begalske), age 66, passed away on December 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice following a four year long battle with breast cancer, surrounded by loved ones. Brenda was born to Walter “Gus” and Donna Begalske on February 7, 1959, in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, as the oldest of three daughters. She attended MFL Community Schools in Monona, Iowa, where her father was a long-time teacher of physics and chemistry. She was an active member of the golf, softball and basketball teams at MFL, as well as band and choir. Brenda briefly attended Iowa State University before…
-
Laurel Smeins Hibbard ’98
On Monday, December 8, 2025, Laurel Lee (Smeins) Hibbard won her long battle against cancer and passed through death into new life in Christ. Laurel was born on July 2, 1976, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Dennis and Phyllis (Milhous) Smeins, joining big sister Sarah. Her childhood was filled with family, friends, time spent outdoors and at the lake, music, laughter, and above all else, love. She met her best friend, Melissa (Dooley) Barber, on the first day of first grade, and their friendship spanned a lifetime. Their circle of friends grew into what they would eventually call “The Group,” a…
-
Dr. William Davis ’64
Dr. William A. “Bill” Davis, 83, a nationally recognized pioneer in the field of in-vitro fertilization, peacefully transitioned into eternal life at his home on December 7, 2025 with family by is side. Born on November 11, 1942. He devoted his career to giving life. He was a gifted and compassionate OB-GYN whose work helped countless couples conceive families of their own. His calm and affirming bedside manner, paired with his innovative work in reproductive endocrinology, leaves a multigenerational legacy of life and love. Bill was a true renaissance man — abundantly kind, generous, creative, intellectually curious, artistic, and adventurous.…
-
Eleanor Schlueter Arneson ’53
Eleanor E. Arneson, age 95, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Mount Horeb. She was born on October 5, 1930, in Oconomowoc, Wis., the daughter of the Rev. Roland and Anna (Herbener) Schlueter. Eleanor graduated from Monona High School in Monona, Iowa, where she was a basketball star. Following high school, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Eleanor was united in marriage to Dale K. Arneson on February 20, 1955, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa. Over the years, Eleanor worked as a homemaker and daycare provider, and at the Cave of…
-
Diane Christensen Melrose ’72
Diane Pearl (Christensen) Melrose, age 88, of Charles City, was called home to her Lord on November 29, 2025. Born on November 17, 1937, in Montevideo, Minnesota to Arthur and Norma (Larsen) Christensen, Diane grew up surrounded by faith, family, and community. She lived in Montevideo until 1951, then moved with her family to Pipestone, Minnesota, where she graduated high school in 1955. Diane continued her studies at St. Cloud State College, earning her Associate of Education degree in 1958. It was there she (the cheerleader) met the love of her life, Andy Melrose (the football player). The two shared…
-
Dale Pedersen ’72
Dale Allen Pedersen, 75, of Waukee, IA passed away on November 24, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer compounded by a recent stroke. His wife, Kathy, was by his side. Dale was born in the office of Dr. H. Frank Givens of West Bend, IA on December 8,1949 weighing 9 lbs. 10 oz., the second child of Alvin and Delva Pedersen. He was a 1968 graduate of Algona High School where his passion for sports led him to excel as a pitcher on the baseball team and an all-conference first team dead eye shooting guard for the basketball team. After…
-
James Ristau ’73
James Conrad Ristau, 85, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. James Conrad Ristau was born on August 23, 1940, to Clarence and Bernice (Hockenson) Ristau at the family home in Thornton, Iowa. Growing up with two sisters in a close family home, James loved Sundays which meant church, home-cooked meals, and lively baseball games with uncles and cousins. These gatherings became treasured traditions, instilling in James a lifelong love for family and the joy of coming together for good conversation. James spent his early years in Iowa before his family moved…