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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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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Kay Marshek Schroeder ’64
Kay Carol Schroeder, age 82, of Hendersonville, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the Elizabeth House. Born on March 9, 1942, in Chippewa County, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Myron Marshek and Faith Stubenvoll Marshek. Kay was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. She was known to have been born with a “green thumb” and was a horticulturalist for over 25 years. She was very active in the Damascus Theatre Company in Maryland where she was an actress and served on their board of directors. Kay loved to do word puzzles and was an avid…
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Ralph Lohse ‘69
Mr. Ralph Lohse passed away at his home in the Town of Trenton on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. He was 77 years old. Ralph was born to Roy and Helen (nee Anderson) Lohse in Franklin Grove, Illinois on July 7, 1947. Ralph, his three brothers, and their sister grew up in Franklin Grove and attended local schools. After graduating from Franklin Grove High School, Ralph went on to study at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. While studying Communications, he was actively involved with the Wartburg Players, the campus theatre group, honing in…
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Sylvester Van Hove ‘59
Sylvester Henry Van Hove was born May 5, 1932, in rural Titonka, Iowa, the son of Ted and Bina (Tjaden) Van Hove. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Titonka High School in 1950. He graduated from St. Louis College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis, Missouri, in June 1954. After Mortuary school, he attended Wartburg College. On January 18, 1958, Sylvester was united in marriage to Wanda L. Mueller in Waverly, Iowa. They lived in Waverly until moving to Dows, Iowa, where they purchased their first funeral home in 1959. He expanded his funeral business to…
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Gary Nielsen ‘69
Gary R. Nielsen, 77, of Schertz, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024. Gary was born in Racine, Wisconsin on March 5, 1947, to Russell H. Nielsen and Joyce (Bax) Nielsen. Gary had a zest for life, and although faced with many serious health issues, his faith, attitude, and love for his family and friends remained steadfast and positive. Gary’s father, Russell, was in the U.S. Navy and Army. Before he was killed in action in the Korean War in 1950, the family lived in Columbus, Georgia, Galveston, Texas, and Port Townsend, Washington. After Russ’ death, Gary and…
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Jeffrey Wad ‘74
Jeffrey James Wad age 74 of Nashua died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at his home. Jeffrey James Wad, born on May 23, 1950, in New Hampton, Iowa, he was the son of Earl and Wilma (Ransom) Wad and grew up in Ionia, where he developed a passion for art and education. A proud graduate of New Hampton High School in 1968, Jeffrey furthered his education at Wartburg College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art and Elementary Education. His love for his hometown led him back to Ionia, where he worked in various roles before dedicating himself to a fulfilling career…
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Luther Mohr ’58
Luther John Mohr AKA Luke Mohr was born on April 3, 1935 in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada. He died in his home on October 8, 2024 in Indio, California. He leaves behind his wife Marilyn, and was father to daughters Cindy (John) Perrin, Stephanie Mohr, Debra Dotson(predeceased), Susan Eddy, Roberta (John) Pearson. He was grandfather to Gina Casey and Jami Casey and also had 10 step-grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren. His siblings are Phyllis Dougherty, Marguerite Kruse, John Mohr, Darlene O’Brian, Joyce Steffenson and David Mohr(predeceased). He spent 35 years in banking, starting several banks and enjoyed motorhome…
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Leon Webrand ‘62
Leon Anton Webrand passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in Bermuda Dunes, California, on October 2, 2024. Born on July 11, 1933, Leon led a fulfilling life marked by devotion to his family and a distinguished career. Leon was a loving husband to his late wife, Sandra Webrand, who preceded him in death on September 18, 2024, after 66 years of marriage. He was also a cherished father to his son, Blair, and respected father-in-law to Rachel. His sister, Barbara Johnson, and his parents, Vendla and Melvin Webrand, also preceded him in death. Educated at Wartburg College, Iowa,…
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Valerie Gramlich-Broderick ‘06
Valerie Christine Gramlich-Broderick, 41, of Urbandale, IA, passed away on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, IA. Valerie Christine Gramlich was born August 15th, 1983, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Gerald (Jerry) and Mary (Berns) Gramlich. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Waukon, IA. Valerie graduated from Waukon High School in 2002. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She excelled in education and this was shown with her receiving…
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Rev. Carl Jech ’63
Carl died, serenely and with dignity, on September 28, 2024, at Coming Home Hospice in San Francisco, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born October 16, 1941 in Brainerd, MN, to Rev. Herbert and Helen Jech. He grew up in St. Paul, MN. His parents; and sister, Margaret, died before him. He is survived by longtime love, Eric Simpson; and loving family: sister, Mary; his children, Jeffrey and Dawn; his grandchildren, Mahkayla, Talisynn, Ayanna, and Scottie. He lived his life to the fullest, including as a minister, teacher, author, musician, magician, carpenter, world traveler, conversationalist, family man, and…
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Julie Rhoades DuVal ’92
Julie Kay (Rhoades) DuVal, lifelong educator, beloved friend and devoted follower of Christ passed away at her home in Logan, Iowa on September 24, 2024, at the age of 54. Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19, 1970, to D.G. and Peggy Rhoades, Julie attended Crescent Elementary, Kirn Junior High School, and Abraham Lincoln High School before continuing her studies at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. At Wartburg, Julie’s love for mathematics and education grew and she graduated with majors in mathematics education and mathematics with a minor in coaching. Mrs. DuVal taught for 31 years in the math departments…
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Patricia Tiffany Hinman ‘65
Patricia Sue Tiffany Hinman passed away after a lengthy illness on September 24, 2024, in McKinney, TX, where she had resided the last 14 years. Pat was born May 9, 1943, to Jessie Vonnie (Davisson) and Howard Milton Tiffany in Dumont, Iowa. She attended Chapin, Iowa, community schools until her senior year, when her school-teacher mother was forced to change teaching jobs because of school consolidation. They moved to Mondamin, Iowa, where Jessie taught for one year and Pat graduated with the class of 1961. Pat graduated from Wartburg College with a business education degree and later obtained a master’s…
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Beverly Hinkel Shalkhauser ‘65
Beverly left us on September 16, 2024 to dance and sing in heaven. She was born Beverly Kay Hinkel on July 19, 1943 in Waterloo, Iowa to Russell and Maxine (Foster) Hinkel. Her father was killed in WWII and later Maxine married Carl Reisner. Bev graduated from Cedar Falls High School and met her husband at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. They were married August 7, 1965 in Cedar Falls. They recently celebrated their 59 year anniversary. Bev graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Social Work. She started teaching Special Education in the Green Bay school system. She…
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Dennis Bigelow ‘65
Dennis Clair Bigelow, 81, of Cedar Falls, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics on Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Sumner on December 1, 1942, son of Clair and Maye (Morf) Bigelow. Denny graduated from West Central Maynard High School with the Class of 1961, then Wartburg College in 1965 with a B.S. in Economics. On August 14, 1965, he married his fellow Wartburg Classmate and true love, Alma Marie Brunscheen, at Zion Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Iowa. Denny worked a variety of sales and marketing jobs during his…
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Arlys Orvella Soeder ‘68
Arlys Lorraine Soeder December 2, 1931 – September 11, 2024 Lorraine Soeder, age 92, of Waverly, Iowa and formerly of Denver, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 11, at Whispering Willows Care Center in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Arlys was born December 2, 1931, in Decorah, Iowa, the daughter of Helmer and Cora (Stoen) Orvella. She graduated from Decorah High School and then Luther College in Decorah where she obtained her teaching certificate. Arlys later received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wartburg College in Waverly. On August 27, 1952, Arlys was united in marriage to Wayne Soeder in Canton, South Dakota. Arlys taught country school…
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Julie Whitney Florence ‘85
Julie Irene (Whitney) Florence passed away at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from complications of necrotizing fasciitis. Julie was born on September 29, 1962, in Albany, Georgia, to James and Katherine Whitney. She grew up in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and graduated from Southeast Polk (SEP) High School and Wartburg College. She resided in Columbia, Missouri, for most of her life. Her career as a probation/parole officer in Columbia, Missouri, was her passion, however, for the past 10 years, she was employed by MOHELA (Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority). Julie was an independent and soft-spoken person…
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Erin Brown ‘94
Erin Scott Brown passed away at his home on September 3, 2024. He was born in Mason City, Iowa on January 25, 1972. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School and then attended Wartburg College, receiving a degree in social work. Erin currently worked at Becker Public Schools as a social worker. Previous employment includes the US Postal Service in Osage, IA as a mail carrier, Boys & Girls Club, Lutheran Social Services, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. His career as a social worker was very important to him and he was dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth.…
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Dr. James Bastian ‘62
Dr. James “Jim” Louis BastianAugust 16, 1940 – September 2, 2024 Jim, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated chiropractor, passed away at age 84. Born to Louis “Doc” Allen Bastian D.C., and Bernice Eleanora Bastian, Jim lived a life full of purpose and dedication to service, work, and providing for his family. Jim had a wonderful life beginning in Independence, Iowa, surrounded by the love of family and friends. It was there that Jim worked hard and found happiness in being a good student, participating in Boy Scouts, basketball, duck hunting, fishing, and many other hobbies including building a…
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Kevin Perrinjaquet ‘73
Kevin James Perrinjaquet, 73, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Kevin was born on July 17, 1951, the son of Gerald and Marjorie (Knickerbocker) Perrinjaquet. After graduating from Edgewood-Colesburg High School in 1969, Kevin attended Wartburg College, where he earned a business degree in 1973. Upon graduation, he returned to Edgewood to become the third generation in the family business: The Edgewood Feed Mill. An active leader in the Edgewood community, Kevin served as a board member of the Edgewood Community Savings Bank, as well as the Edgewood Convalescent Home, where he…
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Thomas Havemann ‘67
Thomas H. “Tom” Havemann, 79, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, IA. Tom was born on May 25, 1945, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of William C. Havemann and Bertha A. (Swanson) Havemann. He married Judith M. (Judy) Vorwerk on September 23, 1967, at First Baptist Church in Muscatine. Tom graduated from Muscatine High School in 1963. He then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. From 1967 to 1971, Tom served in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. and Virginia Beach, VA. He also served aboard the…
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Rosella Dirksen Beninga ‘48
Rosella (Rosie) M. Beninga, 97, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away August 27, 2024, at Arlington Place in Grundy Center. Rosie was born on September 19, 1926, in Bancroft, South Dakota, the daughter of Harm and Catherine (Peterson) Dirksen. She graduated from Bancroft High School in 1944. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, she accepted the job of Parish Counselor at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. She met Milo Long at the local DX gas station. They were married on June 15, 1951. They were blessed with two children, Laura, and Bob. Milo passed away on…