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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Judith Kreft Bunz ’61
Judith (Judy) Ann Kreft Bunz passed away at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa, on March 24, 2024. She was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on March 15, 1939, and lived in Lytton, Iowa until her marriage to Claus Heinrich Bunz in 1961. Following high school, Judy studied at Wartburg College where she received a certificate in Medical Technology and completed her training at Mercy Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Judy practiced as a medical technologist at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa and at Denison Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa. She married Claus Heinrich Bunz, on October 7th,…
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Dolores Ellermeier Tjarks ’51
Sioux Falls, SD – Dolores Tjarks, age 91, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD. Dolores taught her children to love God above all else, see the best in people and dish out praise in heaping spoonfuls. She was endlessly kind. Dolores lived a life of service to her family, church, students, friends and colleagues. She had a passion for teaching and loved to help children discover the joy of reading. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved quilting. Dolores Eileen Ellermeier was born July 15, 1932, in the farm home of her…
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Patricia Donahoo Tuecke ‘59
Patricia M. Tuecke, 84, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center. She was born November 12, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Lloyd and Ester (Schomer) Donahoo. She grew up on her parents farm near Millard, Nebraska, and attended Millard High School. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and prior to marriage, Patricia was a teacher in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 1960 she was married to John Tuecke of Garnavillo, Iowa, whom she had met at Wartburg. They had two sons, Jeff and Steve. After the family moved to…
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Dr. Darrell Schlange ’61
Darrell Gene Schlange O.D, D.O.S, age 84, of Palos Heights, Illinois, passed away on March 10, 2024. He was born on October 18, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska. Darrell was a dedicated Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and also had a successful private practice in the Palos Heights area. He was known for his multiple research presentations both in the USA and internationally, as well as his publications. He was a proud graduate having excelled at Wartburg College and Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated as valedictorian. Darrell furthered his education at the University of Chicago. …
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Lois Wiese McCulloch ’56
Lois M. McCulloch died March 10, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Center in Freeport. Born Feb 15, 1935, in Spring Valley, IL to Herman J and Mildred (Hamer) Wiese, she married Donald “Mac” McCulloch of Freeport in Sept 1957. She is survived by her daughters, Rose Anne Flores of Phoenix, AZ, and Dawn (David) Bronkema of Cincinnati, OH; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Katrina) Roberts of South Jordan UT, Rachel Roberts of South Jordan UT, Amber Roberts of Scottdale AZ, Gabriel and Daniel Flores of Phoenix, AZ as well as 3 great grandchildren – Connor and Caleb Roberts and Holden Roberts, all of…
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Irene Streng Snyder ‘52
Irene E. Snyder, 93, passed away on Sunday March 10, 2024 in Oshkosh. Irene was born November 11, 1930, in Cook, Nebraska, the daughter of the Reverend John and Nora (Bischoff) Streng. The Streng family moved to Beatrice, NE when her father was called to serve at St. John Lutheran Church in 1937.During World War II, Irene served her country by delivering telegrams after school. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1948 and returned to Beatrice several times for reunions. In the fall of 1948, Irene started attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Irene remembers her first day on…
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Charles Birnstiel
Esteemed Professor, bridge engineer, and author Dr. Charles Birnstiel passed away on March 11th at the age of 94. Charles was born on December 6, 1929, in Manhattan, NY, to German immigrants Karl and Margarete Birnstiel. After attending public grade schools in East Harlem, Charles studied at Brooklyn Technical High School, and then at New York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, A Master of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Doctorate Degree in Structural Engineering. Following his graduation, Charles devoted himself to teaching and structural mechanics research as a professor at both New York University…
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Richard James ‘61
With heavy hearts, we announce Richard H. James, age 87 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, lawyer and a veteran of the U. S. Navy. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jana Sue James. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, survived by his three children: Joy James, Dawn Gartin, and Lance James, along with their spouses and his four grandchildren Nicholas James, Hannah James, Danielle James, and Ava James. Richard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched…
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Rev. Harold McMillin ‘69
Harold Robert McMillin, Jr., 78, of Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Harold Sr. and Marie (Carlson) McMillin was born March 28, 1945, in McGregor. Harold passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2024. He faced many health challenges in his life and fought each one with resilience and courage. Harold grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1963, where he was active in both 4-H and FFA, showing cattle at many local fairs. He enjoyed participating in basketball and wrestling when he could. After high school, Harold graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly and Wartburg Theological…
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Michael Broghammer ‘78
Michael Donald Broghammer, age 67, of Cedar Rapids, IA, formerly of Cresco, IA, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mike was born on June 21, 1956 to Leonard and Margaret (Miskimins) Broghammer in Cresco, IA. He attended school in Cresco and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1974. After high school, Mike attended Wartburg College, where he played football and wrestled. A formidable athlete, he showcased his prowess on the football field and wrestling mat, earning recognition as an all-conference running back in 1977 and achieving the status of an All-American wrestler…
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Wayne Meyer ‘56
Wayne Otto Meyer was born on Feb. 3, 1935, in Smith County, Kansas, to Otto Meyer and Ida Zabel Meyer. He passed away on Feb. 26, 2024, in the loving presence of family members. He was 89. He grew up on a farm southeast of Gaylord with his brothers: Irvin, Waldean, Delmer, and Richard, and one sister, Berniel. For the past few years, he has been the last surviving Meyer sibling of his generation. He graduated from Gaylord High School in 1952, attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and served in the Kansas Army National Guard. On Feb. 1, 1959,…
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Elizabeth Larson Skov ‘67
Elizabeth Katherine Skov, a beloved wife, dedicated teacher, and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024, at the age of 83. She was born on July 18, 1940, to Clifford and Katherine (Norby) Larson in Osage, Iowa, and later settled in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Elizabeth’s life was marked by love and devotion. In November of 1967, she met her soulmate on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, leading to an engagement in March of 1968 and a joyous wedding on August 3rd of the same year. Their marriage, filled with patience, communication, and endless expressions of love,…
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James Sinnott ‘75
James Michael Sinnott, 70 of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, under Care Initiatives Hospice at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo. James was born on May 1, 1953, in Waverly, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo Sinnott and Evelyn (Eichmann) Sinnott, by his brother Joseph Sinnott and by his sister Jean Sinnott. James is survived by his four siblings—Jane (Valerie) Sinnott, Judy Sinnott, John (Gail) Sinnott, and Julie Sinnott. James is also survived by his nephew Travis Sinnott, his niece Rachael (Mark) Cioccari, his cousins Gena (John) Mackamul, Corby Eichmann, Alan Eichmann,…
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Charles Fischer ‘73
Charlie left us suddenly on Monday, February 19, 2024. We will miss his sense of humor and his positive unique spin on life. Charles John Fischer was born February 13, 1948, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and was raised in Latimer, Iowa. He graduated from CAL Community in 1966, and then went on to graduate from Wartburg College. Charlie met Karma, the love of his life. They married on May 16, 1976, and enjoyed 47 wonderful years together. They resided in Waterloo where they raised their son Nicholas (Nick). He worked for Iowa mutual for 30+ years as an insurance adjuster.…
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Jane Marten Claussen ’60
Jane Rosemary Claussen, 85, of Defiance, Ohio passed away on February 18, 2024. She was born in Muscatine, Iowa on December 23, 1938, to the late Henry and Anna (Rueckert) Marten. On June 25, 1961, she married the Rev. Ronald Claussen at Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine, Iowa and they shared almost 50 years together. Jane was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Defiance. She taught for many years at Tinora High School. Jane was a master gardener who liked quilting and traveling. She was an avid walker, often over two miles a day. In her spare time, she loved…
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Robert Thran ‘59
Robert Richard Thran, age 94 of Nashua, IA, died Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Bob was born in Readlyn, Iowa, September 20, 1929, the son of Oscar and Loueen Diekmann Thran. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Readlyn High School in 1947. He attended Iowa State Teachers College 1947–1948, and The University Of Iowa 1948–1951.Bob was drafted into the United States Army September 10, 1951, and served with the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War. He was discharged in May of 1953. Bob married Gerda Franken of Allison on…
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Karen Jones ‘69
Karen Marie Jones, 76, of Waterloo, Iowa passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at North Crest Specialty Care, following a brief stay. She was cared for by friends in her home prior to that stay. She was born November 22, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Nell (Wright) Jones. At the age of 3, her family moved to Moline, Illinois, and she returned to Waterloo, Iowa to begin her career as a social worker in 1969. Karen graduated from Moline High School in 1965. She attended Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois for two years. Then she…
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Kelley Burg Mikesh ‘98
Kelley Kathleen (Burg) Mikesh, age 47, passed away peacefully at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, Wisconsin on Monday, February 12, 2024. Kelley Kathleen Burg, age 47, was born to Barbara and Philip Burg on February 22, 1976 in Waukon, IA. Kelley was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, Iowa. Kelley attended St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA through 8th grade, completed secondary school within the Decorah Community School District, graduating in 1994. During high school, Kelley was involved in a variety of activities including track, cheerleading and band. Kelley was selected as the homecoming queen for her…
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Dr. Paul Samo ‘89
Paul John Samo, age 57, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, in Legacy Cottage at Creekside in Grundy Center, Iowa. Paul was born on August 8, 1966, to Jack and Jackie (Walbaum) Samo in Grundy Center. He attended Grundy Center High School, graduating in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Wartburg College in 1989 graduating with honors. Paul continued on his journey of becoming a physician and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in May of 1993 and completed the psychiatry residency program in 1997. On August 6, 1988,…
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John Pearson ‘71
John W. Pearson, 75, of Rockford, Iowa, died Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Floyd County Memorial Center.John William Pearson was born on December 19, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, to William Boyd and Maxine Jane (Trunkey) Pearson. He was the older of two sons. He was a resident of LaPorte City, Iowa, until adulthood. His grandfather started the Agriculture program in the schools and later Black Hawk Seeds became the family business. John was baptized at St. Paul United Methodist Church. He graduated from LaPorte City High School with the class of 1967. He enjoyed participating in football, wrestling, track,…
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Patrick Feltus ’63
Patrick Marshall “Pat” Feltus, 84, of Allison, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Maple Manor in Aplington, with family by his side. Pat was the son of Robert Dale Feltus and Siena Margaret (DeBower) Feltus. He graduated from Allison-Bristow High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly. Pat married Ruth Ann Endelman on November 3, 1961. He was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Pat was a proud union Certified Master Mason and bricklayer. He left his craftmanship mark on several homes and businesses in Butler County. He was a multi-generational farmer of his family…
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Margrete Gorden Smeby ’64
Margrete Oline Smeby, 106, passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Wellington Place Nursing Home in Decorah, IA. Margrete was born May 28, 1919, to Joseph and Margit Gorden in Detroit. She was the oldest of four children, followed by three brothers: William, Frank and Bernie. She graduated from high school in Detroit and from the Detroit Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano. She married Carsten Smeby, a Lutheran intern, at her church in Detroit on May 18, 1944. They moved back to St. Paul, where Carsten finished his last year of seminary. Carsten and Margrete had five children:…
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Oscar “Ozzie” Scofield ’63
Oscar Ray “Ozzie” Scofield, 84, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 1, 1941, Ozzie was the son of the late Ray F. Scofield and Marion Kalman Scofield. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he embraced adventure on the open road and earned several prestigious “Iron Butt” endurance and distance awards. Ozzie’s professional life was equally distinguished. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, he went on to earn his Master of Business Administration there as well. His career in the reinsurance industry was marked by dedication and achievement,…
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Laurita Top Perry ’76
Ms. Laurita “Laura” Top Perry December 30, 1953 – August 18, 2025 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Laurita “Laura” Perry of Parker, CO on August 18, 2025. Our beloved mother, Laura, was one of the most courageous, compassionate, and resilient women to ever walk this earth. Her strength of character, generosity of spirit, and unwavering love for her family left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. To her children, she was everything—our guide, our protector, our comfort, and our greatest supporter. We loved her beyond measure and will…
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John Netty II ’88
John Anthony Netty II, 59, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away to be with the Lord on August 16, 2025, at his Richmond Lake home, with his wife, Brandy, by his side. John was born June 1, 1966, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of John and Luella (Comstock) Netty. John graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1984 and earned all-state honors in baseball, all-conference in football, and had a 28-scoreless inning streak that was recognized by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He also played in the Iowa High School All-Star Baseball game, where he…
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Bonnie Simpson Brewer ’68
Bonnie Brewer, age 79, of Ripon, was received into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 4, 2025, at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital. She was born on March 21, 1946, in Ripon, WI, a daughter of Colin Jr. and Desiré (Hardell) Simpson. After graduating from high school, Bonnie went on to further her education and earned a bachelor degree in social work from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. On July 27, 1968, she was united in marriage to Gary Brewer. Bonnie was strong in her faith and a fervent servant of the Lord. She was…
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Harlan Dubs ’54
Age 93 of Inver Grove Heights, MN. Passed away peacefully and into the loving arms of Jesus on August 3, 2025.Harlan was born in New Leipzig, ND, on May 19, 1932 to Carl and Elma Dubs. He graduated from New Leipzig High School, later drafted into the US Army in 1952 serving in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He attended Northern State College, Aberdeen SD and obtained a BS Degree with Honors.Harlan’s career started with Swift & Co. in Watertown, SD where he met his wife Priscilla and was married. His company later transferred him to…
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Naomi Ketema Alene ’18
Naomi Ketema Alene, age 29, of Aurora, Colorado passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Naomi was born in Denver, Colorado on July 25, 1996 to Ketema and Salome. She was a treasured daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. Naomi will be deeply missed by all who she crossed paths with. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Gene Niewoehner ’76
Gene William Niewoehner age 70 of rural Sumner, IA, died Thursday, July 31, 2025, at MercyOne in Waterloo. Gene William Niewoehner (70), of rural Sumner, Iowa, passed away on July 31st, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and a deep reverence for family, history, and the land that raised him. Born in 1954 to Adolph and Eva Mae Niewoehner, Gene was the younger brother of Alan Roy Niewoehner, whose tragic passing in childhood would shape Gene’s compassionate and reflective spirit for the rest of his life. Gene grew up on the Niewoehner family farm, where he learned early…
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Rev. Harold Oelschlager ’52
Harold E. Oelschlager, 95, passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Illinois. He was born on February 22, 1930, to Otto and Della (Heitman) Oelschlager in Princeton, Minnesota. Harold graduated from Princeton High School and attended Wartburg College, in Waverly, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He completed seminary training at Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and was ordained in 1956. He later earned a master’s degree in sacred theology and pursued doctoral work in Old Testament theology. Harold served in the parish ministry at…
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Randolph Murty ’93
Randy was born in Wichita, Kansas on February 16, 1958. His parents, Joe and Inez Murty, moved to Tama, Iowa and he grew up there along with three brothers. He graduated from LDF High School in Le Grand, Iowa, and received a B.A. degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He received his certificate for Candidacy for Ordained Ministry from the United Methodist Church Conference in Ottumwa, Iowa, and pursued theological studies at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri for several years. Hampered by physical limitations he gave up his goal of becoming an ordained minister, but…
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James “Ed” Veasey Jr. ’94
James “Ed” Veasey Jr., 52, of Rock Island, passed away Monday July 14, 2025 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis. James was born on October 27, 1972 in Moline, the son of James and Ruby (Barnett) Veasey Sr. He was a graduate of Rock Island High School, and James later graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played basketball. He completed his master’s degree at Western Illinois University. He married Carla (Reitz) Whitbread in 1998 with whom he had two wonderful daughters, Jada and Zoe. They divorced in 2007. James later married Molly Mayfield on September 8,…
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Dr. Darrell Wiener ’59
Dr. Darrell Dean Wiener, 88, of Le Mars, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord on July 5, 2025, after four plus years of fighting cancer. Darrell was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on January 15, 1937, the son of Albert and Elda (Ludwig) Wiener. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up in the Merrill area where he attended country schools in Stanton Township and graduated from Merrill High School in 1955. In 1954, Darrell joined Company K, 133rd Infantry, of the Iowa National Guard. Darrell proudly served his country for eight years, attaining…
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Robert Matthias ’64
Robert “Bob” Lee Matthias, May 20, 1942 – July 3, 2025. Robert “Bob” Lee Matthias, age 83, passed away at his home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a place he cherished and called home for nearly five decades. Born on May 20, 1942, in Denver, Iowa, Bob grew up with a strong work ethic and deep family values on a farm run by his late parents, Matt and Leona Matthias. Alongside his siblings—Don, Sonja, and Barb—Bob experienced a rural upbringing that shaped his lifelong character and humility. Bob’s life was forever changed when a high school coach recognized his potential and encouraged…
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Donald Hein ’62
Donald Ray Hein, 85, of Fishers Indiana was called to the Lord Thursday, July 3, 2025. Don Hein was born May 24, 1940 in Oelwein, Iowa to the late Rev. Herman and Marie (Reyelts) Hein. Don was a remarkable athlete at Waverly High School, playing for the conference champion Waverly football team, pitcher for the Waverly baseball team, and playing forward for the Waverly basketball team having been named First-Team All-State in basketball, leading his team to the championship game of the Class A Iowa State tournament. Don graduated Waverly High School class of 1958. In 1960, Don was named…
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Brian Mirs ’89
Brian Lee Mirs, age 60 of Burnsville, MN passed away unexpectedly at his lake home on July 3, 2025. Brian was born on December 18, 1964 in Waverly, IA to Frank and Carol Mirs. Brian graduated in 1983 from Waverly Shell Rock High School, and in 1988 from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Brian earned his private pilot license while still in high school, and eventually joined the US Navy in 1988, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served three deployments where he flew the P-3 Orion. In 1996, Brian was honorably discharged from the Navy…
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Cheryl Tomke ’71
Cheryl “Cheri” Tomke, 76, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. Cheryl “Cheri” Lee Tomke was born at Hampton, Iowa on June 17, 1949 and was the only child of Joseph R. and Irma (Evans) Tomke of Clarion. In her youth, Cheri was active in Camp Fire Girls and 4-H. She graduated from Clarion Public High School in 1967 and earned a B.A. degree at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a major in English and a teaching degree in Secondary Education. Cheri worked at three area churches (Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic)…
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Rev. James Baseler ’69
Pastor James ‘Jim’ Edward Baseler, 78, of Toms Brook, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev George Edward and Ruth Mardorf Baseler, his sister, Dorthy ‘Dottie’ Carvalho and nephew Eric Carvalho. Jim was born on October 21, 1946, in Bloomington, Illinois. He graduated from Lowell High School, San Francisco, Ca., Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Ca. His internship was in Hickory, North Carolina with Pastor Albert Keck. Pastor Jim was called to serve at Bethel Lutheran Church, Manassas, Toms Brook…
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Ardell Troester Dietzler ’61
Ardell (Troester) Dietzler, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025. She was born in Guttenberg, IA, on January 30, 1939, to the late Emil and Ruth Troester and grew up in Clayton County, IA. She loved to read, cook, quilt, sew, knit, and crochet. Ardell met her husband, William (Bill) at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. After graduating college, Ardell enjoyed teaching students in K-12 grades (plus Sunday School classrooms) in Iowa, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Tennessee. She was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church. Ardell was an active member…
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Jeffrey Schroder ’77
Jeffrey “Jeff” Roy Schroder was born in West Union, Iowa on March 20, 1955, to Harry and Gertrude (Lauer) Schroder. He died on June 20, 2025, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Gwen, two daughters Alison (Mitchell) Stewart and Emily (Lane) Sturtz, four grandchildren Remy, Isla, Bodey, and Blythe, two sisters Kathy Meyer and Carol (Roger) Robinson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved mom Gertrude Lauer Schroder, dad Harry Schroder, brother-in-law John Meyer, and mother and father-in-law Marvin and…