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
-
Anne Leo Ellis ‘52
ELLIS–Anne Leo. (May 9, 1931 – October 30, 2023) was born in Osnabruck, Germany. She came to the U.S. at age eight, after her rescue from Nazi Germany through the Kindertransport program. She went to high school in Fredericksburg, TX, where her father was a pastor for a German-speaking Lutheran community. Anne earned degrees from Wartburg College and the University of Arizona (M.A.), after which she moved to New York to pursue a career in publishing. In 1957, she married William Ellis, with whom she had a loving marriage until his passing in 2015. She was a published children’s writer,…
-
Helen Hiittenmeyer Meade ‘50
Helen Marie Meade, 92, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Jefferson City Manor. She was born Tuesday, March 17, 1931, in Russellville, Missouri, a daughter of the late Otto and Minnie (Rosbach) Hiittenmeyer. She was united in marriage to Thomas Parker Meade, who preceded her in death. Helen worked as secretary in pathology for over 45 years with Charles E. Still and Capital Region Medical Center. She is survived by one son: Craig Alan Meade of Jefferson City. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one daughter: Lesley Meade in 2019. All obituary…
-
Wenhsiu “Yeehan” Wu ‘03
Wenhsiu “Yeehan” Wu, of Carlisle, accomplished pianist and piano instructor, passed away at her residence on October 21, 2023 following a five-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 45. Yeehan was born in Taiwan on October 25, 1977. She began to learn the piano at the age of 4, and passed certificate level 10 at the age of 9. She was the prizewinner of the Kaohsiung City Youth Piano Competition. She continued her passion for piano and singing through high school and continued her music studies in Iowa, before going on to receive a Master’s degree with honors from the…
-
Marcella Petersen Erickson ‘54
In Loving Memory of Marcella I. Erickson, December 21, 1931- September 25, 2023. It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marcella Erickson. She was 91 years old. Marcella, better known as ‘Marcie’, ‘Momsy’, ‘Grandma Marcie’, or ‘Aunt Marce’, by those who loved her, was born and raised in Rockwell, IA, the fifth of six children. Although, if you said she was from Rockwell, she would respond with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and say she actually was from Cartersville. Marcie was well known for her athletic ability, her musical…
-
Thelma Meisner Nash ’62
Thelma Nash, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday September 22, 2023. Thelma was born in Barre Mills, WI to Ewald and Hulda Meisner. Thelma married her high school sweetheart Myron Nash on August 14, 1960 in Wykoff, MN. Thelma and Myron moved to Fridley, MN in 1960 to begin her career at St. Philips Lutheran Church, where she started as church secretary and part time organist, and held multiple positions including Director of Childhood Education, and eventually retired as Church Administrator in 2005. During that time Thelma and Myron had a daughter Sara, son Peter, adopted a son Philip,…
-
Gina Anderson Smith ‘88
Gina M. Smith, 57, of Mound, passed away Sept 16, 2023, surrounded by husband Mark, children Inga and Gunnar. Gina lived with grace, seeing the best in people, and bringing the same optimism to her cancer treatments. She is survived by Mark, Inga, and Gunnar, mother Ted, sisters Wendy (Jim) and Stacey (Chad), nieces Taylor, Grace, Leah, and Ava. Preceded in death by her father Dean Anderson. Remember Gina by spreading joy and kindness. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
-
Dr. Richard Erbes ‘74
We regret to announce the passing of Dr. Richard Dean Erbes of Estherville, Iowa on June 9, 2023 at the age of 71. Rick passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Rick was born to Dean and Ruth (Hanson) Erbes on December 29, 1951. After graduating from South Hamilton High School in 1970, he continued his studies at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. After moving to Estherville in 1978, he became a dedicated podiatrist and was beloved by his patients over his 40 years of practice. In 1980, Rick married…
-
Rev. LaVerne Beener ’54
Laverne Charles Beener, February 11, 1927 – May 31, 2023. Laverne Charles Beener, age 96, of Hinsdale, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
-
Leila Sailer Simpson ’59
Leila Margaret Simpson (nee Sailer), passed away on April 21, 2023. She was one of twelve children born in Krem, Mercer County, North Dakota to the late George and Martha (nee Pempeit) Sailer. She is the sister of Walter Sailer, Lawrence Sailer, Gerhardt Sailer, Velma Wylie, Veona Jorgensen, Vernon Sailer, Roland Sailer, Arnold Sailer, Martin Sailer, Gerald Sailer, and Delbert Sailer. She grew up in Hazen, North Dakota on a farm until she attended college. In addition to her parents, Leila is preceded in death by her husband William Simpson Jr. who passed away November 18, 1995. She is survived…
-
Kaitlyn McColley ‘23
Kaitlyn Christine McColley, 22 of Albert Lea, MN passed away on March 18, 2023 at her home. Kaitlyn was born on June 5, 2000 in Faribault, MN to Randy and Carmen (Kelly) McColley. She attended school in Onamia, MN through second grade and graduated from Greene County High School in Jefferson, Iowa in 2018. Following her high school graduation she attended Central College in Pella, IA for a short time before returning home in Albert Lea. In 2021 she decided to return to college, attending Wartburg college with her younger sister, Emma; she was most recently enrolled at Riverland College…
-
Richard Brandt ‘58
Brandt, Richard D. died March 9, 2023 in Lincoln, NE. Dick was born in State Center, Iowa December 3, 1936. He attended State Center high school where he played basketball and graduated in 1954. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and was a member of the Wartburg Choir graduating in 1959. He began his 38 year life insurance career in Waverly at Lutheran Mutual (now Cuna). He moved to Lincoln, NE where he worked for Lincoln Liberty Life Insurance Company as a life underwriter. From there he worked for companies in Texas and Wisconsin and then changed to selling life insurance. Dick was a member of…
-
Nadine Osincup Collins ‘48
Nadine Collins passed away on Saturday February 25, 2023 at the young age of 96. She was born on September 21, 1926 to Willard and Violet (Rohlf) Osincup in Waverly, IA. Loving wife of 63 years to the late Frederick D. Collins. Loving and devoted mother to David (Laura) Collins, Lauren (Dave) Bohanan, and Carolyn (Tom) Larsen. Devoted Grandmother to Jeff (Holly) Collins, Brian (Shelly) Collins, Steve (Alyse) Collins, Joel (Stacey) Taylor, Ahren Bohanan, Kristin Larsen and Alex (Marilyn) Larsen. Loving Great Grandmother to Jon and Sam Collins and Colton and Addyson Taylor. She was preceded in death by her…
-
Kay DeGarmo ‘74
Kay Lynn DeGarmo, 71 of Coralville, Iowa passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. She was born May 18, 1951, the loving daughter of the late Clifford Wesley DeGarmo who died in 1968 and Maxine Virginia (Steward) DeGarmo who died in 2004. Dear sister of the late Thomas Charles DeGarmo who died in 2010. Kay was born and raised in Postville, Iowa. Kay graduated from Wartburg College in 1974. She was a longtime resident of the Iowa City, Iowa area, where she worked as a Program Manager for the Center for Disabilities…
-
Rev. Charles Farnham ’55
Charles Norman Farnham was born on January 11, 1935, to Malinda Eichmeyer and Henry A. Farnham, in Hampton, Iowa and passed away on October 28, 2022, in Vancouver WA.Charles lived most of his life in Salem Oregon. He moved to Vancouver in 2018.After graduating from seminary, Chuck started his career as a Lutheran minister in a small town in Iowa. He felt a calling to Oregon in 1961 where he accepted a chaplain position with Fairview Training Center. He went on to dedicate the rest of his working life to the residents and fellow employees of Fairview while advancing through…
-
Marcea Moeller Clary ‘53
Marcea C. Clary, 90 of Sioux City, formerly of Sloan, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, September 22nd at Skien Lutheran Church in rural Sloan; with a Prayer Service at 7 pm. Funeral and Burial will held at a later date. Arrangements are with Waterbury Funeral Service in Sergeant Bluff. Marcea Catherine Clary was born June 16, 1932, on a farm in Sioux County Iowa, the daughter of Hans and Catherine (Tank) Moeller. She graduated from Rock Valley High School then received her teaching degree from Wartburg College. She taught for…
-
Alta Sanders Morris ’54
Alta Mae Morris, 88, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away March 19, 2022. Alta was born May 21, 1933 in Bellevue, Iowa to Lawrence and Alma Sanders. She played basketball, was Homecoming Queen and Valedictorian of her 1950 Graduating class at Maquoketa High School. Alta also attended Wartburg College. For the year after college, she worked for the FBI before leaving to care for her ill father. She married Charles Morris on November 29, 1958 and they raised four children. They moved to Liberty in 1974. Alta was an active member of St. Steven’s Lutheran Church since 1976, often helping with…
-
Norman Holzrichter ‘70
Norman Holzrichter February 26, 1946 — March 7, 2022. Norman Holzrichter, 76, of Grayslake, IL, died peacefully at his home surrounded with love by his family. He was born on February 26, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to Hugo and Elsie (Bonk) Holzrichter. He met Susan Brown at Wartburg College and on December 30, 1967, Norman married the love of his life, and they spent the next 54 years together. Norman is survived by his wife, Susan Holzrichter; children, Jill (John) Goldstein, Robb (Ken) Holzrichter, Laura (Nick) Novak; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Daniel, Allison, Dale, Lillian, Cecelia, and Morgan; and his siblings, Fred…
-
James Mann ’71
James George Mann, resident of Homer Glen, IL, died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 21, 2022 at the age of 73. James is survived by his mother Arlene Mann, his wife Delores Onate, his sons Paul (Meriel), and David (Sherry), the mother of his children Elizabeth Mann, stepson, David Karaffa and four grandchildren, Evan, Sean, Olin, and Jin, his brother Douglas (Sandra) and sister Christine. James was born in Dubuque, Iowa on January 20, 1949 to Floyd and Arlene Mann. He spent most of his young life in Boscobel, WI. He later attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA graduating with…
-
Rev. Howard Buenting ’55
Howard Buenting will be remembered most for his wry sense of humor that not only delighted people but often left people wondering. He was born in Green Bay, WI and was known for his pranks and playfulness. He had a kind and tender soul, and was loved wherever he went because of his ability to truly be present with people and accept them with grace and kindness. He worked as a Lutheran Pastor and as an Addiction Counselor throughout most of his life and gave hope and inspiration to others. He married Roberta Pageler in 1958 in Manson, IA and…
-
Betty Bakken Meyer Bodine ‘59
Betty Ann Bakken was born on September 7, 1937, to Walter and Rosella (Rude) Bakken in Decorah, IA. At the age of three, Betty was placed at The Children’s Home in Waverly, Iowa, along with her five siblings, due to her mom’s tuberculosis. At the age of five, she was adopted by Rev. Fredrick A. J. and Twilma Meyer. Betty was raised in a loving household in Scranton, ND with three adopted siblings. She loved growing up in a small town and was active in cheerleading, basketball, softball, and Peace Lutheran Church, where her dad served as the pastor and…
-
Marilyn Azbell Reid ‘65
Marilyn Irene Reid, 81, of Waterloo formerly of Greene, died Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Friendship Village in Waterloo. She was born October 9, 1943 in Kankakee, Ill., the daughter of William and Irene (Meyers) Azbell. She married John “Jack” Reid on December 10, 1983 at the United Methodist Church in Marble Rock. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2011. Marilyn graduated from Waverly High School in 1961 and received her BA in teaching from UNI. She worked as a third-grade teacher for many years at Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School District until retiring in 2005. She enjoyed reading books,…
-
Jack Mueller ‘73
Jack R. Mueller,77, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025, in Mason City, Iowa. Jack was born May 6, 1947, in New Hampton, Iowa, the only son of Willis and Doris (Liebenstein) Mueller. He grew up in Fredericksburg, attending Fredericksburg High School and graduating in 1965. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree from Wartburg College and finished his education at Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy. Jack served many communities as a Physical Therapist, eventually retiring from MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City. In 1974, Jack married Marilyn Eisenhauer, and the…
-
Judith Rieniets Schwake ‘58
Judith K. Schwake, 86, of Sumner, died Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner. Judith Kay (Rieniets) Schwake was born May 19, 1938, to Frederick and Kathryn (Gerdes) Rieniets in Monticello, Iowa. She was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello, where she received her Christian instruction and was confirmed. Judy graduated from Monticello Public High School in 1956. During school she was an active member of the speech club, winning awards for interpretive reading. She taught Sunday School throughout high school, even attending a class at a place called the Sunday School…
-
Douglas Brown ‘83
Douglas Dean Brown, September 3, 1960 – January 5, 2025. Douglas Dean Brown, 64, of North Liberty, passed away at his home surrounded by family. Doug was born on September 3, 1960 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Minerva (Nuss) Brown. He was raised in Dysart, Iowa, graduating in 1979 from Dysart-Geneseo High School. His youth activities included choir, band, and Zion Lutheran Church youth groups. He attended and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1983. He fell in love with and married Linda Cooper on July 17, 1999 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Iowa City Iowa. A…
-
Marilyn Rosdail-Moller ‘75
Marilyn Carol Rosdail-Moller, 72, passed away on December 31, 2024. She was born on April 19, 1952, to Milton and Marvel (Barr) Rosdail in Storm Lake, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Marilyn was the eldest child and helped her mother care for 7 lively brothers & sisters while growing up. She helped cook and clean–and became an excellent seamstress–eventually earning the title, “Miss Betty Crocker” for her homemaking knowledge. Marilyn also spent time with her father in the gas station and, later, his garage, where she may have helped him repair…
-
Janice Winter Perine ’57
Janice Alice Perine, age 89, of Glendale, Arizona passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. Janice was born on a farm near Parkston, South Dakota on January 25,1935 as the 4th child to Albert Winter and Hulda Uttecht Winter. She weighed 9 pounds and 11 ounces at birth. On February 23, 1935, she went on to be baptized in a country church close to the farm called Eigenfeld Lutheran church. Since her youth Janice was a big fan of her uncle Dan. He would carry her all over town on Saturday night when the farmers did their marketing. Dan would…
-
Paul Anderson ‘66
It is with profound sadness that the family of Paul Gene Anderson announces his passing after a prolonged illness, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 81 years old.Early Life and EducationPaul was born on August 12, 1943, in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of Theodore Grant and Florence Hackett Anderson. He spent much of his childhood in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he developed a deep appreciation for both the rugged beauty of the Upper Midwest and the values of community and learning instilled by his father, who served as the principal of John Marshall High School.…
-
Allen Hansen ’92
Allen Edward Hansen, 55, of Lake City, passed away unexpectedly of complications from Congestive Heart Failure, at Hansen’s Harbor on December 28, 2024. Allen was born May 14, 1969 to Peter and Jane Hansen in Lake City. He grew up, lived, and worked his entire life at Hansen’s Harbor, getting his start by running forklifts by the age of 10. In his later years, he managed the business and did all the maintenance, boat repairs, and care. He was proud of the development of the building of the harbor store as well as many docks over the years and the…
-
Jeff Sandlin ‘06
Jeffrey Nels Sandlin passed away on December 26, 2024. His heart could not overcome a recent illness after enduring many years of medical challenges. Jeff was born December 30, 1983, in Belleville, Illinois, the only son of Rev. Kenneth and Marcia (Haupt) Sandlin. He spent his early childhood in Cahokia, where he loved to watch the planes take off from the downtown St. Louis airport and to look out the patio door at the St. Louis Gateway Arch. His elementary, middle, and high school years were spent in Hillsboro, IL, where he graduated from high school in 2002. Following high…
-
Lois Rueber Cordes ‘58
Lois Elaine Cordes, 85, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo. She was born on May 16, 1939, on her grandparents’ farm near Oelwein, the daughter of Arnold and Wilma (Brickman) Rueber. Lois attended Putnam #11 Country School and then attended Arlington Schools and graduated from Arlington High School. Lois then attended and graduated from Wartburg College. She began her teaching career at the Monona Elementary School where she met the love of her life, Norman Cordes, at St. Paul Lutheran Church during choir practice. On June 28, 1959,…
-
John Goeman ‘61
John Goeman, age 86, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at Bethel Lutheran Home. John A. Goeman was born September 8, 1938 northeast of Madison to John “Jack” and Adelia (Fischer) Goeman. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school and high school at General Beadle School and attended college for two years at Dakota State University. Goeman also attended Wartburg College in Iowa and graduated with a First-Class Electronic Engineering Degree from Brown Institute of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He joined the staff of KJAM AM Radio as an Engineer/Announcer in 1959. He also…
-
Rev. Frederick Henkelmann ‘70
Reverend Frederick W. Henkelmann, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Pigeon, died on December 25, 2024. Fred was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on June 25, 1948, to Reverend Ernst and Evelyn (Westphal) Henkelmann. At age 2, his family moved to Pigeon, Michigan where he attended Cross Lutheran School and Laker High School, graduating in 1966. Fred received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College in 1970, the same year he married Raylene Friederich on June 20th. Fred continued on to earn his Master of Divinity degree in 1974 from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, during which…
-
Frieda Schmitz ‘64
Frieda Fay Schmitz, 82, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Christmas Eve Day, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Meth-Wick Woodlands in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on January 17, 1942, in Manchester, the daughter of Dr. Orville and Harriet (Holverson) Schmitz. Frieda lived in Manchester with her parents and two sisters, Sharell Ann and Mary Lee. She attended school in Manchester where she was active in marching band, concert band, cheerleading, newspaper, yearbook, and National Honor Society. While in high school, Frieda volunteered for Head Start and at the Good Neighbor Home. Frieda was the only girl in Science…
-
Beverly Shreve Menk ‘56
Beverly “Bev” Ann Menk (née Shreve), age 88, of New Brighton, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on December 20, 2024. Bev was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Shreve; mother, Velma (Smith) Shreve; and grandson, Colton Menk. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Menk; her children, Jill (Barry) Froehlich, Roger Menk (Viviana Schwab), Bryce (Colette) Menk, Sara (Scott) Chartier, and John (Carrie) Menk; and grandchildren, Spencer (Alyssa) Menk, Hallie Froehlich, Britta (Jack) Reiman, Danielle and Jack Menk, Eric and Kira Chartier, Reuben and Theodore Menk, and Tyler, Rae, and Kyle Schwab; as well as six wonderful…
-
Cecelia Dykstra ’21
Cecelia Elise Dykstra, 27, slipped into eternity on December 17, 2024 at home in North Aurora, Illinois. She entered this life with the sunrise on May 24, 1997 in Aurora, Illinois. Her arrival was eagerly awaited by her parents, David and Valerie Brown Dykstra, and her big sister, Victoria. Cecelia, who was affectionately known as C.C., was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois where she enjoyed working with the preschool classes at vacation Bible school. She attended Schneider Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from West Aurora High School in 2015. C.C. loved music and performing; she…
-
Rev. Dean Brockmeier ‘62
Rev. Dean was born on October 11th, 1940 and passed away on December 15th, 2024 at the age of 84. On December 15th, after a life of ministering to others, the Rev. Dean C. Brockmeier passed on to his heavenly reward surrounded by his family. Born October 11th, 1940, in Holdredge NE, Dean grew up on a cattle farm but felt the call to the ministry as a teenager. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary in 1966 and soon after married Carolyn “Kari” (Strey) Brockmeier, an RN and the loving and practical hands that complemented his spiritual heart. Dean will be…
-
Jan Schmidt ‘65
Jan A. Schmidt passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Manchester, Iowa. Jan was born on February 25, 1943, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, the son of Alex and Helen (Hock) Schmidt. He was confirmed at St. Sebald Church, graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1961 and went on the receive his BS from Wartburg College in 1967. Following college, Jan served in the Airforce as a Staff Sargent at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas from 1966-1970. After he returned from service, he attended the University of Illinois and earned his Master’s in Social Work. He dedicated his career…
-
Paul Sly ‘62
Paul Eldon Sly passed away on December 12, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Paul was born on September 2,1940, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, to Arthur and Lois Sly. He grew up in Nauvoo, Illinois, alongside his brother, Dennis. In 1958, he graduated Valedictorian of his class from Nauvoo High School and continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After completing two years of study, he transferred to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he was an active member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. After college, he…
-
Harold Schlesinger ‘59
Harold “Hal” L. Schlesinger Obituary It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold LeRoy Schlesinger, 87, who left us on December 10, 2024, in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Hal was born July 2, 1937, in Mendota to Homer and Edith (Martin) Schmidt. Edith passed away shortly after his birth, and he was then lovingly raised by Harold and Mary Schlesinger. He graduated Mendota High School in 1955 and attended Wartburg College. Hal honorably served in the United States Army. During his travels he resided in California for a time but settled back in his…
-
Roger Palmer ’64
Roger Sherman Palmer was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on September 4, 1942, to Charles Aaron and Cora Viola (Henderson) Palmer. Nearing the age of 44, Cora followed her doctor’s orders and went to the hospital in La Crosse even though the family resided in nearby Waukon, Iowa. Birth in Wisconsin was probably the beginning of Roger’s life-long love of the Green Bay Packers. Roger was the caboose of the five Palmer children. He was one of “The Nines”: Verle (18), Helen (9), and Roger (0). The other two siblings were the first-born, Lee, and the oldest daughter, Pat, who…