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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Kent Kooi ’71
Kent Kooi, 77, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away on May 19, 2026 at Oakridge of Plattsburg. His family will honor his wishes of having a private celebration of life at a later time. Kent was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Edward and Muriel Kooi. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Aplington Community School in 1967. After high school, Kent went on to Wartburg College. He then joined the U.S. Army Reserves, serving six years. Simultaneously, he also joined the Border Patrol, where he dedicated the first eighteen years of his career with the federal government to…
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Amy Gosnell ’96
Amy Gosnell ’96, Nichols, is CEO/Executive Director at Families Inc., West Branch.
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Deleva Schuchmann Stevenson ’52
Deleva Stevenson, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Manchester, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. She was born on March 15, 1931 in Strawberry Point, the daughter of Vernon and Hilda (Martens) Schuchmann. She graduated from Manchester High School and attended Wartburg College. On June 25, 1950, she was united in marriage to Gordon Grimm. After Gordon’s passing, she married Donald Stevenson. She lived and worked on a farm near Delhi for most of her life. Survivors include her four daughters, Candy (Richard) Altorfer of Cedar Rapids, Kay Phillips of Delhi,…
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Robert Severson ’66
Robert ’66 and Sally Severson, Ferryville, Wis., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 28, 2026. They married one day after his graduation in 1966. Bob served on the Alumni Board and Board of Regents.
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Carol Hoffman ’68
Carol J. Hoffman, 80, passed away on Sunday morning, May 10, 2026 at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Carol was born March 12, 1946 in Hampton, Iowa the daughter of Walter and Mabel (Baker) Hoffman. In 1950, at a young age she moved with her family from Dinsdale to Humboldt where she attended school and graduated from Humboldt High School. Carol went on to attend Wartburg College and earned her Bachelors in Education. She taught second grade at Ackley-Geneva for thirty-eight years. Faith was an important part of Carol’s life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran…
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Randall Wright ’70
Randall Mark Wright, age 78 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and formerly of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. He was born on December 20, 1947, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Ronald M. and Mary L. (Gould) Wright. Randy grew up in Villa Park, Illinois, and attended Willowbrook High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. He then furthered his education at Wartburg College earning is B.A. in Communication, until lastly attending the University of Norther Iowa where he earned his Masters in Communication. On November 27, 1971, he was…
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Rodney Thompson ’69
Wonderful husband, fantastic father, and a very proud grandpa of fine children, Rodney Thompson, recent resident of St. John, Indiana passed away one day shy of his 80th birthday on May 6, 2026. Rod grew up on the Northside of Chicago and was very proud to be a Steinmetz High School graduate class of 1964. He graduated from Wright Junior College and received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Iowa’s Wartburg College, Class of 1968. Rod and Carol were married in 1980 and became parents of twins, Alice and Christian in 1981. Rod was a multi-faceted man. He was a champion…
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Marjorie Miller ’63
Marjorie Lee Miller, June 24, 1940 — May 4, 2026. Marjorie Lee was born in Eldora, Iowa to Velma Tideback Miller and Lloyd Milller. Marge went to Eldora High School and graduated in 1958. She attended Wartburg College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1963 and then returned to earn a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995. Her teaching career spanned 42 years, and she taught in the greater Los Angeles, California area, Minnesota, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Marge was first a classroom teacher and then became a…
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Daryl Buchholtz ’57
Daryl Peter Buchholtz, age 90, formerly of Swaledale, IA residing at Highland Ridge Retirement Village in Williamsburg, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 4th, 2026. Daryl was born on the family farm in Monmouth, Iowa on February 6th, 1936, and grew up in Monmouth and Wyoming, IA. He was a graduate of Monmouth High School. He then went on to Wartburg College followed by the University of Northern Iowa. He got his teaching degree in 1958 and then moved to Manly, IA to teach science, physical education, coach baseball, and instruct drivers education. In 1959, he married Darling Mae “Tootie”…
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Dorothy Rathjen ’87
Dorothy “Dottie” Kim Rathjen, 66, passed away on May 2, 2026. Born on July 3, 1959, Dottie lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, service, and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. Dottie was a lifelong learner who pursued her education with dedication and purpose. She graduated from Northcentral Technical College in 1979 with an Associate of Arts degree in Secretarial Science with an emphasis in Medicine. In 1984, she achieved her Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation, reflecting her professionalism and commitment to excellence. Continuing her education, Dottie graduated from Wartburg College in 1987 with a…
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Katie Berglund ’23
Katie Berglund ’23 and Kolton Arnold were married May 2, 2026. Her bridesmaids were her teammates on the Wartburg soccer team.
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Delaney Coffman ’26
Delaney Coffman ’26, Eldridge, is a promotions and events specialist at Caesars Entertainment, Bettendorf.
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Nikayla Youngblut ’26
Nikayla Youngblut ’26, Waverly, is a graduate student in leadership at Wartburg College.
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Lauren Funk ’26
Lauren Funk ’26, Tripoli, is a human resource coordinator at ATEK Metal Technologies, New Hampton.
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Ann Huck Bahlmann ’57
Ann Margaret Bahlmann, 90, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Monday evening, April 27, 2026 at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Ann was born on March 22, 1936, in Jefferson Township, Iowa, the daughter of Gladys E. (Pape) and Leslie W. Huck. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly on March 29, 1936 and confirmed in 1950 at St. John Spring Fountain Church. Ann graduated from Sumner High School, attended Wartburg College and proudly earned her teaching certificate. On June 29, 1958, Ann was united in marriage to Duane Clarence Bahlmann at Spring Fountain Church in Sumner,…
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Johanna Guetzlaff Kissell ’66
Johanna ‘Jo’ Marie Kissell, 81, of Muscatine, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Lutheran Living Senior Campus. Jo was born on September 12, 1944, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Albert and Viola Prange Guetzlaff. She married Gary P. Kissell on August 12, 1967, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2023. She was a member of the Grandview Community Bible Church and enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Jo will be deeply missed by her three children, Jennifer Howell and husband, Chris, of Muscatine, Paul Kissell and wife,…
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Delores “Lori” Lemke Grothaus ’58
Dolores Jean “Lori” Grothaus lived a life defined by faith, resilience, and deep love for herfamily. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and businesswoman whose quiet strength and gracious spirit touched all who knew her. Lori was born on April 5, 1930, in Holstein, Iowa, to Erich and Edna Lemke. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dean Lemke; her sister, Joelle “Babe” Hoops; and her beloved husband, Victor Gene Grothaus. She is survived by her brother, Delaine “Bud” Lemke; her daughters, Ann (Kim) Hunt and Jean Finegan; her grandchildren, Patrick…
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Eddie ’14 and Madison Stumbo ’14 Diemer
Eddie ’14 and Madison Stumbo ’14 Diemer, Grimes, announce the birth of Nolan on Oct. 7, 2025.
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Regina Welsch Mueller ’52
Regina Welsch Mueller, 97, died April 22, 2026 at Vista Prairie at Brentwood Memory Care in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Born Regina May Welsch to Goldie Jacobson Welsch and Alfred J. Welsch, November 28, 1928, in Jesup, Iowa, Regina spent her childhood and completed all of her K-12 schooling in Jesup. She excelled at math and enjoyed gymnastics until a knee injury required experimental surgery. This did not inhibit her adventurous spirit. Regina spent some free time at her father’s barber shop and entire summers with her beloved grandmother, Christy Jacobson, in Kansas City. Regina studied Parish Work at Wartburg College…
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Matthew Parmely ’88
Matthew J. Parmely, 60, of rural Hazleton, Iowa passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at his home. Matthew John Parmely was born December 10, 1965, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of John Howard and Betty Lou (Coonrad) Parmely. He was raised on the family farm outside of Lamont. Matt graduated from Starmont High School in 1984 and then wrestled collegiately for four years at Wartburg and Cornell College. In 1989 Matt married Lesa Carrothers of Alburnett, and they raised their four children, Brooke, Jordan, Ryan, and Tanner on their farm near Hazleton. Matt loved to farm, hunt, fish, and…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…