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
-
Jerry Bishop ‘67
Jerry Edward Bishop, 79, of Lafayette and formerly of Monticello, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at The Springs in Lafayette. He was born on October 9, 1944 in Urbana, OH to the late Marvin and Ada (Smith) Bishop. He was a graduate of Appleton High School in Wisconsin and Wartburg College in Iowa. He spent his career in social services and worked as a social worker with those with developmental disabilities. Jerry enjoyed Purdue sports, fishing, flea marketing, gardening, and traveling. He cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He connected with people everywhere he went and made friends easily. He…
-
James Niemann ‘58
James “Jim” L. Niemann Obituary James L. Niemann, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner surrounded by his family and friends. Jim was born December 26, 1936, to Paul & Emma (Klemp) Niemann. Jim graduated from Sumner High School in 1954 where he was a star athlete in basketball, track (where he held a school record for many years) and football. Upon graduation, he attended Wartburg College. In 1956, he joined his father in the family business, Paul Niemann Construction, as a quarry truck driver, a Link-Belt shovel operator, and various other positions, learning…
-
Kathlene Hoffman ‘67
Kathlene L. Hoffman, 80, of Rockford, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 4, 2024. She was born in Minnesota on September 24, 1943, the daughter of Mary and Arthur Kriesel. She married the love of her life, Robert Hoffman, in Branson, Missouri in 2010. Kathlene received a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She retired 15 years ago after a rewarding 40-year career teaching kindergarten and elementary school. Kathlene had a great love of music; she not only sang in the choir but wrote music and sang professionally with her sister. She also performed historical research for her…
-
Myrna Zirk Fauska ‘62
Myrna E. (Zirk) Fauska, 86 of Kendall passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at her home. She was born on April 10, 1938, to Herbert and Grace (Sweet) Zirk in St. Paul, MN. Growing up, Myrna would spend her summers with her grandparents on the Zirk family farm. After high school, she attended Wartburg College, Waverly, IA. Upon graduation she returned to the St. Paul area working as a social worker for the State of Minnesota. On October 9, 1971, Myrna was united in marriage to David C. Fauska. Myrna took a leap of faith motivated by love and…
-
Jane Broughton Thompson ‘69
Jane Arlene Thompson (nee Broughton, formerly Brinkman) died peacefully on April 29, 2024, in her “happy place” of Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by family and friends.Jane was born in West Union, Iowa to Arlene (Boess) and Walter Broughton. Her family moved to Dubuque, and she graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1965. She then spent two years at Wartburg College before adventuring out to Colorado to get a certificate in cytotechnology.She described her job to others as, “I worked in the lab in a hospital.” It was a career that she loved for 40 years. She eventually made her way to St. Paul,…
-
Henry Friedrich ‘58
Henry Bruce Friedrich died at his home in North Liberty, Iowa, on April 24, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by his wife, three children, and daughter-in-law. Bruce was born on October 20, 1936, to Henry and Margaret Wilson Friedrich of Bessie, Oklahoma. He grew up in a family of Germans from Russia, including his grandfather (John), six aunts and uncles and their families. His first eight years of school were at the Bessie School, with either four or two grades per room. In 1950, the family moved to Clinton, Oklahoma, where Bruce was the valedictorian of the high school…
-
Charles “Pete” Griffin Jr. ‘73
Our father, Charles Peter Griffin, Jr or “Pete,” sadly passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Cedar Court Senior Living Center in Adams, Minn., at the age of 72. Pete was born July 4, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Martha (Gardner) and Charles Griffin, Sr (Chuck). In his youth, dad loved sports, especially baseball and basketball and was even a standout athlete in college, playing on the school’s championship basketball team. He continued to play amateur basketball with a team from Iowa City, the Airliner, after college for a while. Despite his relatively short stature for a basketball player,…
-
Philip Truckenbrod ‘64
Philip Charles Truckenbrod, passed away after a sudden illness on April 22, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, with his daughter, Emily, by his side. He was born on the family farm in Paw Paw, Illinois to Edgar John and Evelyn Cecelia Margaret (Schmitz) Truckenbrod on August 25, 1942. During his youth, Philip was active is many school activities including playing drum set for the Mendota Accordion Band, in which his sister also played. After high school, Philip attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, majoring in Psychology. While at Wartburg, he made many wonderful life- long friends, especially “The Boys” from…
-
Abby Saathoff Doxey ‘09
Abbey Lee Doxey, 36, of Waverly, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at UnityPoint Health/Allen Hospital in Waterloo. She was born June 24, 1987, in Waterloo, daughter of Robert and Laurene (Smith) Saathoff. Abbey graduated from Clarksville High School where she played Basketball and Volleyball with the Class of 2005 then from Wartburg College in 2009. She married Matt Morrill in July 2013 and they later divorced. Abbey married Wesley Doxey in Nashville, Tennessee on October 22, 2022. She worked as a Graphic Designer for Woolverton Printing. Abbey was preceded in death by her grandparents: Peter and Darlene Saathoff,…
-
Eileen Wolken Schurr ’56
Eileen Ruth Schurr, 88, of Castle Rock, Colorado went home to be with the Lord on April 19, 2024. Eileen was one of 7 children born to Henry and Dora (Eilers) Wolken of Urbana, Illinois. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Robert Wolken, Dick Wolken, Martin Wolken and Walter Wolken; and her sister Annetta (Wolken) Freese. She is survived by her sister, Marie Buhr of Rantoul, IL and her children Sheila Bartlett of Parker, CO, Brian Capps of Gatlinburg, TN, Traci Link of Centennial, CO, and Matthew Schurr of Centennial, CO as well as her 10…
-
Peter Tundel ’69
Tundel, Peter C. Age 76 of Eden Prairie passed away April 17, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He is survived by wife, Sandi; daughter, Nikki (Tim), daughter, Laura (Aaron), and son, Mark (Jason). Pete was smart, funny, caring and determined. He was a unique mix of optimist and cynic. And he was extremely loved. He was born in Brooklyn to Christian, Norwegian parents. He grew up playing football, baseball and basketball with his three brothers. He met his wife at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. They got married in 1970. Pete worked for Cargill for 15 years, with job…
-
Ronald Fischer ‘68
Ronald (Ron) Alwin Fischer was born on August 7, 1946 to Edith and Marvin Fischer in Mendota, Illinois. He died in his Tonganoxie, Kansas home on April 15, 2024. After graduating from Mendota High School in 1964, Ron earned his college degree at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He then began pursuing an advanced degree at Iowa State when he was drafted into the Navy in the early seventies. He served as a corpsman all 4 years at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. He married the love of his life, Joyce Elayne Engle, in 1966. They were married for 41 years,…
-
Zoey Clark Bronsink ‘20
Zoey Marie Clark Bronsink, December 24, 1997 — April 15, 2024. Zoey was born December 24, 1997 in Des Moines Iowa. She was the oldest daughter of Brad and Sue Clark. Zoey graduated from Waukee High School where she was active in sports and marching band. Later, she attended Wartburg College. Zoey returned home where she met the love of her life, Joel Bronsink. They married on August 19th, 2023. Together they made a beautiful home with their cats, Gwen and Perry. Zoey loved reading, gardening, hiking, camping, traveling, sustainability, game nights and puzzles. She was passionate about the environment…
-
Dolores Pipho Boehm ‘46
Dolores M. Boehm, 97, of rural Wadena, Iowa, died Saturday evening, April 13, 2024, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Arlington, Iowa, with Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen officiating. Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Arlington and for one hour before the service on Friday at the church. Interment: Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa. Memorials may be directed in her name to the Bremwood Children’s Home, EWALU or LSI. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com Dolores Marie Pipho was born March…
-
Erma Baumgartner Clausing ’49
Erma Hilda Clausing, 95, of Cedar Falls, Iowa and formerly from Waverly, passed away early Thursday morning, April 11, 2024, at Nation Cottage in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Erma Hilda (Baumgartner) Clausing was born on September 21, 1928, to Emil and Elizabeth (Beyerlein) Baumgartner in Clayton County, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Sebald Lutheran Church, Strawberry Point, Iowa, on October 14, 1928, and confirmed there on April 5, 1942. She attended a rural school near her home through 8th grade and graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1945, and attended Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, graduating in 1946. She then…
-
Arnold Fritz ‘53
Arnold William “Bill” Fritz, age 92 of Carlyle, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Mr. Fritz was born in Wesley, Iowa on January 1, 1932, a son of the late William A. and Wilma (nee Gerdes) Fritz. Bill married Norma Jeane Ahrens in Grinnell, Iowa on June 21, 1953, and she preceded in death on March 2, 2015. Mr. Fritz is survived by his children – Dawn M. Stedelin and husband John of Huey, Illinois, Dale William Fritz of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jelene R. Rickhoff and husband Kenneth of Bartelso, Illinois; 5 grandchildren – Jarrod Ashby…
-
Fred Holzrichter ‘66
Fred W. Holzrichter – passed away peacefully, at home with family present, on Thursday April 11, 2024. He was 80 years old. Fred was born in Chicago to Hugo and Elsa Holzrichter. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from Harper H.S. He began his studies at Wartburg College, Waverly, IA., but during a “financial break” in 1967, was drafted into the Army. Trained as a Chaplain’s Asst., he was sent to Korea and served on the DMZ. Upon his return home, he completed his B.A. degree in Wartburg. Fred worked in Advertising, Alumni and Development fields. One of his…
-
Mary “Sue” Hitchins Kern ’70
Mary “Sue” Kern, 93, of Waverly, Iowa died on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Mary Adorine Kern was born on February 8, 1931, the daughter of James and Margaret (Reburn) Hitchins in South Bend, Indiana. She attended primary school in the New Albin area, then Iowa Teacher College (UNI) for two years where she received her teaching degree followed by Mt Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. She later went to Wartburg College, where she received her master’s degree. On June 1, 1957, she was united in marriage to Edward G. Kern at St. Joseph…
-
Linda Sturtz ‘75
Linda K. Sturtz, 71, of St. Louis Park, MN, formerly of Vinton, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis Park, MN. Linda was born November 29, 1952, in Independence, the daughter of Malin and Arlene (Kaiser) Sturtz. She attended school in Vinton, graduating from Washington High School in 1971. She then attended Wartburg College, graduating in 1975, where she earned her teaching degree. Linda’s teaching career was as a middle school science teacher. She taught in the school districts of Myservey-Thornton and Waterloo, both in Iowa. She was also a tennis and swimming coach…
-
Paul “Bob” Moeller ’61
Paul Robert “Bob” Moeller died on March 25, 2024 at home at the age of 84. Bob was born in Alpena, Michigan, the son of the late Lutheran Bishop Paul and Iris (Troyer) Moeller. Bob graduated in 1957 from Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio. Bob’s family was interested in nature – his mother was a Girl Scout leader. She had a federal permit to collect bird nests that were no longer used by nesting birds. The family helped with this collection which was donated to an educational center. Bob was a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Badge. In June…
-
Leroy Buchholz ‘59
Leroy “Lee” Buchholz, age 87, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington. Lee was born February 3, 1937, at his family’s home in Table Rock, Nebraska, the son of Otto and Anna (Geyer) Buchholz. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Lee attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and later graduated from high school in Johnson, Nebraska. He attended Nebraska State Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska, for two years before transferring to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He…
-
Leonard Schmidt ‘63
It Is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Leonard Richard Schmidt. He died Sunday evening December 1, 2024, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. He was 83 years old. Leonard (Len) was born in Savanna, Il to parents Richard Schmidt and Geneva (Brandenburg) Schmidt on May 14, 1941, the first of four children. His father was a farmer, so they moved around. Len talked of the one room schools he attended and the distance he would walk to school. He graduated from Andrew High School, then went to Wartburg College,…
-
Betty Sauer Dowis ’50
Betty Dowis passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, just days after celebrating her 96th birthday. Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Adam and Mary Sauer, Betty lived a life filled with love, devotion, and service to her family and community. Betty’s journey took a memorable turn at age 14 when she met the love of her life, Graydon Dowis while working part-time at the carnival owned by Graydon’s family. Their shared story became the foundation of a beautiful marriage. Together, they lived in Boulder, Colorado, while Graydon completed law school and later made their home in Sterling, Colorado, where…
-
Gerald Menning ‘51
Gerald J. Menning, 96, of Waterloo, and formerly of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Kaufman, Texas. Gerald was born on May 28, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Alfred Carl and Della Agnes Geer. He was baptized in June 1928 in Milwaukee and confirmed in 1943 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Gerald graduated from the Oshkosh High School in 1947 and Wartburg College in Waverly in 1951. On April 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Griffey in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The couple made their home in Waverly,…
-
Rev. Norman Franzen ‘58
The Reverend Norman Norris Franzen of Omaha entered his heavenly home on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at Hillcrest Shadow Lake Nursing Facility, at the age of 88. Norman was born April 15, 1936, in Gothenburg, to Meinert and Elizabeth (Aden) Franzen. He was raised in Gothenburg and was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church. He graduated from Gothenburg High School with the Class of 1954. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, where he was a member of Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. He graduated from Wartburg College, before attending Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating with a master’s…
-
Marilyn Stoltz Isakson ‘69
Marilyn Isakson, 84, of Colwell, passed away peacefully at home November 28, 2024, where she was cared for by her loving family. Marilyn Kay (Stoltz) Isakson was born in Clarion, Iowa on October 19, 1940 to Roy Elmer Stoltz and Lillian Margaret (Shediwy) Stoltz. She received her education in schools in Palo Alto County, Iowa graduating in 1958 from Graettinger Community Schools. She attended Junior College in Emmetsburg and received an associate degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a BSE in Elementary Education from Wartburg College. Marilyn married Leon Allen Isakson on August 6, 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran…
-
Dennis Wesenberg ‘63
Dennis Wesenberg, 82, of Dows, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church in Dows with a time of fellowship to follow. Visitation will be an hour before the service. The service will be live streamed on the the First Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dowsfirstlutheran. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.Dennis Dee Wesenberg was born on February 11, 1942, in Franklin County, Iowa, to Richard “Dick” and Velma (Johnson) Wesenberg of…
-
Darlene Wilke Schwarzkopf ‘57
Darlene Kathryn Schwarzkopf died on November 24, 2024, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Canton, South Dakota on March 11, 1937, and grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa. Darlene graduated from Rock Rapids High School. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and later graduated from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in education. Darlene taught elementary school in Sibley, Iowa, Janesville, Iowa and for 35 years at Walnut Grove School in Council Bluffs. She was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter IQ-LP and Iowa Retired…
-
Betty Hoefs Bauer ’62
Betty Jane (Hoefs) Bauer, April 8, 1940 – November 21, 2024. Betty Jane Hoefs, the first child of Gilbert and Alice Hoefs, was born in the family farmhouse near New Prague, Minnesota. Being raised on the farm, she learned the toils and joys of farming first-hand. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery, and it was there she met and married her husband, Milton Bauer, a butcher’s son, on June 22, 1963, while he was in Veterinary school at the University of Minnesota, and she a medical technologist at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. Two years later…
-
Judy Harms Spinler ‘71
Judy Spinler, 75, passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on November 19, 2024, at the Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, Iowa. Judy was born July 7, 1949, daughter to Paul and Leola (Ingersoll) Harms in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from Wartburg College and the University of Northern Iowa. She was united in marriage to Frank Spinler on June 28, 1997, in Waverly, Iowa. Judy was heavily involved in volunteer work for Mercy. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, NEA , ISEA, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Judy enjoyed traveling, cross stitching, reading, and taking…
-
Vivian Rudolf Rindelaub ‘57
Vivian (Rudolf) Rindelaub, age 89 5/6 years, of Alexandria, formerly of Waseca, Marcell, and Grand Rapids, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at her home. A visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of the 3 p.m. service on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, with Rev. Megan Preston presiding, 1655 18th Ave E, Alexandria, MN 56308. A 12-noon interment will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Woodville Cemetery, Waseca. A 12:30 p.m. luncheon will be held at Trinity Hall, St. John Lutheran Church, 401 3rd Ave NE, Waseca, MN 56093. Memorial…
-
Sheridan Skeen ‘69
Sheridan Ray Skeen, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on March 9, 1947, he received the nickname “Peanut” by his family since he arrived prematurely and was such a small baby. Sheridan grew up on a farm near Kankakee, Illinois, where he was raised by his grandmother, Lena, along with Myron and Charlotte Skeen who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion that shaped his life’s path. A strong athlete and scholar, he attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played football and cultivated a…
-
Dr. Duane Koenig ‘53
Dr. Duane G Koenig, 90 years of age, of Plymouth, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024. He was born on November 5, 1933, in Beatrice to Albert and Elsa (Pfingsten) Koenig. Duane attended Hoag country school through the 8th grade, then transferred to Beatrice, graduating in 1951. He was confirmed in faith at St John’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, for two years, where he studied music and started the college’s first ever jazz band. Duane married Yvonne Kyles in 1954, they had four children, divorcing 30 years later. From 1954 to 1956 he…
-
Margaret Baker ’76
Margaret Lynn Baker of Olathe Kansas unexpectedly passed away November 04, 2024. Margaret (Maggie) was born on November 20, 1953, in New Hampton, Iowa. She was the daughter of Mark Homer Baker and Madelynn Anne Baker (nee Elscott). Maggie graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1973, then went on to Wartburg College, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (minor in political science). Maggie then attended the University of Iowa where she obtained a master’s degree in library science. After graduation, Maggie took a position at the Fort Dodge Public Library working there until 1987. Thereafter she took a similar…
-
Peter Weller ‘61
Peter John Weller, age 84, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Halcyon House in Washington. Peter was born January 13, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Carl Wilhelm and Kathryn (Bieber) Weller. He attended school at the Lane Tech Preparatory High School in Chicago, Illinois, and received his Business Administration Degree from Wartburg College. He then attended the University of Iowa where he received his Master’s Degree in Recent American History in 1964 and moved to Washington later that year. In 1968 Peter’s life was forever transformed after meeting the love of his life…
-
Rev. Harold Heinzig ‘56
Rev. Harold Frederick Herman Heinzig October 3, 1934 — November 1, 2024 Rev. Harold Frederick Herman Heinzig, age 90, died on Friday afternoon, November 1, 2024, at Centra Care – St. Cloud Hospital, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson.…
-
Joyce Wonsmos Kasper ‘63
Joyce Arline Kasper, 84, of Clear Lake, formerly of Forest City and Thornton, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake. Born on August 5, 1940, to Marius (Shorty) and Helen (Hartwig) Wonsmos in Thornton, Iowa, Joyce cherished her early years, often helping her father on the family farm. She graduated from Thornton School in 1959 and attended Wartburg College, majoring in Business Education. In 1963, Joyce married John Kasper, and they moved to Oak Lawn, Illinois, where they welcomed two sons, Kenneth Douglas and John…
-
James Carver ‘64
James “Jim” Douglas Carver Obituary James “Jim” D. Carver, 82, of Waverly died on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at his residence in Waverly. James Douglas Carver was born on April 15, 1942, the son of Francis and Dorothy (Wilson) Carver in Spencer, Iowa. He earned his Eagle Scout and was active in sports while in high school, notably football, basketball, swimming and diving. Jim received his BA in Fine Arts at UNI and also attended the University of Iowa and Iowa State University for City Planning. Jim had two previous marriages to Daniela Salvadori and Jan Chesler. He…
-
Rev. John Sieverts ‘74
Rev. John C. Sieverts age 72 of Minocqua, WI, formerly of Waterloo, IA, died Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Country Terrace Home in Minocqua. John C. Sieverts, born on December 10, 1951, to John J. and Anna Mae (Johnson) Sieverts. John was baptized and confirmed at Crane Creek, where he began a lifelong journey of devotion and leadership in the Lutheran Church. A proud member of the New Hampton High School Class of 1970, John continued his education at Waldorf College, graduating in 1972, followed by Wartburg College in 1974, and finally earning his degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in…
-
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,…