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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All Class Years
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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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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Gloria Seibert Gibbons ’58
Gloria Gibbons of Richland, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026 with her loving family and caregiver at her side. Gloria was born July 11, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa to Hayden and Mamie Seibert, the second of three children. She was active in 4-H, singing in chorale groups, played French Horn, piano and the organ. She was from Des Moines, Iowa and has fond memories of her early years growing up on a farm. Gloria graduated from Johnston High School in 1954. After high school, she completed two years at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa then received a…
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Bruce Garberding ’71
Bruce Eugene Garberding, January 26, 1949 – April 15, 2026. Bruce was an Iowa farm boy through and through. He grew up with his loving parents, Ray and Lucille Garberding, on their farm near Albert City, Iowa. Bruce’s childhood was idyllic, helping on the farm and loving all the farm animals and pets. Throughout his schooling at Albert City, Bruce participated in almost every activity they offered. He then completed a degree in Social Work at Wartburg College. After that Bruce then served in the U.S. Navy before going on to complete his master’s degree in social work at the University of…
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Dr. Herman Hein ’59
Herman August Hein passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026. Herman was born on July 30, 1936 at Anamosa Hospital in Iowa to Rev. Herman and Marie Reyelts Hein. After his family settled in Waverly, Iowa he graduated summa cum laude from Waverly High School in 1955. He went on to attend Wartburg College in Waverly where he met the love of his life Carol Bergquist. They married in August of 1958 and would have celebrated 68 years of marriage this year. In 1959 he graduated magna cum laude and went on to attend medical school at the University of…
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Rev. Stanley Lillich ’64
Stanley R. Lillich (Stan) died of cancer on his 84th birthday on Sunday, April 12th after a six-day stay at Oakwood Village Health & Rehabilitation Center at Prairie Ridge where he was well cared for by family and staff. His death claimed a temporary victory. Our Lord’s promise is “the last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Thanks be to God that His victory over death and the grave will also be ours, through faith in Him. Stanley R. Lillich was born on April 12, 1942, in Benkelman, NE to the Reverend Adolph and Clara Lillich. He was baptized by…
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Dawn Maas Jaeger ’83
Dawn Jaeger, 64, of Grinnell, died on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. Dawn Marie Maas was born to William and Joyce (Tretow) Maas on June 29, 1961, in Sheboygan, Wis. She was raised in Random Lake, Wis., and graduated with the Random Lake High School Class of 1979. Dawn continued her education at Wartburg College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work in 1983, and completed her Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Iowa. On August 27, 1983, Dawn was united in marriage with Brent Jaeger at Saint Paul’s…
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David Kalkwarf ’70
David Orville Kalkwarf, 77 of McGregor, Iowa passed away from Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Meadow View Memory Care in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. David was born October 7, 1948 to Orville and Hazel (Voss) Kalkwarf in Madison, Wisconsin. He graduated from Pontiac High School with the class of 1966 and attended Wartburg College for two years before joining the United States Army. When David returned from serving in the Army he continued his education at the Illinois State College and graduated with a CPA certificate in accounting. On November 28, 1969, David was united in marriage with Barbara Augsburger at…
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Marian Boicourt Glidewell ’59
Loving wife and mother, Marian Janice Glidewell of Emporia, KS died at Newman Regional Health on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the age of 88. Marian was born June 20,1937 in Minneapolis, MN to Melvin Alvin and Adeline Mae (Nelson) Boicourt. She grew up in the Homecroft neighborhood of St. Paul, MN surrounded by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to her family, Marian found guidance at Homecroft Elementary and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. During WWII, the tight-knit neighborhood supported each other while the men were serving their country. Marian had many stories to share of her childhood…
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Arlington Fink ’56
Arlington M Fink passed on April 6, 2026, at the age of 93; born December 15, 1932, in Delmont, Arlington resided in Ames, Iowa. A.M. Fink was born in his German-Russian grandparents’ home in Delmont, South Dakota. The youngest in a deeply religious family, he got to sit on his father’s lap as his father read from the German Bible every morning. In this intimate time he learned to read German script before dealing with English in a one-room school at age six. Being unsuited to farming because of hay fever, A.M. attended Armour High School and Wartburg College, a…
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Michelle Stearns Parsons ’99
Michelle Lynn Stearns Parsons, age 48, of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, was born the daughter of Dale and Janet (Honsbruch) Stearns, on July 26, 1977, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, Iowa. Michelle graduated from Aplington Parkersburg High School in 1995 and continued her education, graduating from Wartburg College with her bachelor’s degree and had been working towards her master’s degree. Michelle had a passion for helping people which led her to several communities, working in social work and substance abuse counseling over the years before making her current home in Mineral Point,…
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Rev. Robert Wessels ’57
Robert “Bob” Gerd Wessels was born February 12,1934 to Adolph and Johanna Wessels. Bob was one of four children and grew up on a farm 7 miles north of Independence Iowa. Bob attended Buchannan County Rural School #5 and Independence High School. After graduation in 1951, Bob farmed for two years with his “Opa”, dad, older brother Harry and younger brother Lawrence “Lornie”. During this time Bob met and dated Margie Harris. Marge and Bob both did volunteer work for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence. Bob received God’s call while at camp and soon after was enrolled at Wartburg College…
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Roger Pagel ’63
Roger Allan Pagel, October 22, 1941 – April 3, 2026. Roger graduated from Tama High School, and also Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where he played football. He met Marty in 1962 at Wartburg and they were married on August 21, 1965. Roger was a PE teacher at Mission Middle School from 1970-1999. He was a football coach at Bellevue High School, Mission Middle School, and Bellevue East High School. Preceded in death by parents Harold and Darlene Pagel brother in-law Curtis Olthoff. Survived by wife of 60 years, Mariedith “Marty” (Greenlee) Pagel; children Scott Pagel (Angie), Shawn Pagel (Michele),…
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Robert Beener ’63
Robert “Bob” Beener, 97, of Cedar Falls, IA, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2026, at Western Homes Creekside Living in Grundy Center. Bob was born June 14, 1928, in Waterloo, IA, the third son of Charles and Lydia (Speicher) Beener. His family included-two older brothers, Irvin and LaVerne, two younger sisters, Mary, and Janice “Jenny,” and one younger brother, Richard “Dick” Beener. Growing up in the Great Depression years, Bob’s work history began at an early age with a paper route. In High School, he began working second shift at the Rath Packing Company and continued to work there while…
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Elizabeth von Fischer Hier ’53
Elizabeth Mae von Fischer Hier, January 28, 1931 – March 23, 2026. Elizabeth (Betty) von Fischer Hier, 95, of Clear Lake, IA, passed away peacefully at the IOOF Home in Mason City, IA after a courageous three-month battle with bone cancer. Betty was born on January 28, 1931, in Springfield, Minnesota, the daughter of Philip Emil and Vera Santine Wilhelmina (Buth) von Fischer. She attended school in Springfield and began playing the flute in the 6th grade with three other classmates. In 7th grade, and each year following, they were the top small group at regional, and state contests. She graduated from…
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Rev. Robert Edwards ’72
Rev. Robert Lynn Edwards passed away on March 22, 2026 in Ames, IA after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Bob was born on November 14, 1949, in Emmetsburg, IA to Leslie and Marian Edwards. Bob attended school in Emmetsburg until his family moved to Forest City, IA. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1968. While still in high school, he started attending church on his own and after a particularly moving Lenten service, decided he wanted to become a pastor. Bob attended Waldorf College for two years, where he met the love of his life and…
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Larry Stille ’64
Larry Lee Stille, aged 83, was called home by his Savior on March 22nd, 2026, surrounded by his family, at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Larry was born August 7th, 1942 in Charles City, IA. He was a proud graduate of Wartburg College, graduating with a BA in biology and going on to attend Schoitz Memorial Hospital’s medical technologist training program. He then began thirty-five years of service at St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, IA, rising to become Director of Technical Lab Services, as well as Director of Pharmacy and Radiologic Services. At St. Luke’s, he met the…
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Beverly Riis Sperry ’64
Bev, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026 at Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home (St. Paul, MN), with her daughter and husband at her side. Bev leaves a legacy of humor, honesty and caring for others; her long-time commitment to education, her family, and her church. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Born on February 19, 1943 at Lutheran Hospital (Hampton, Iowa) to Alvin and Ardyce Riis of Coulter, Iowa. Becoming a big sister when Susan was born six years later. The family later made their home on a dairy farm…
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Joan Havener Anderson ’71
Joan L. Anderson, 76, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church on Northland, 5200 Northland Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids. The family will greet friends an hour prior to services at the church. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s social media pages. Joan was born on May 3, 1949, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Chilcote) Havener. She was a 1967 graduate of Knoxville High School and earned her teaching degree from Central…