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
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Heather Green Simpson ’98
Heather Green Simpson ’98, Geneva, N.Y., is visitor services and program manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House, two properties owned by Historic Geneva.
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Hillis DeVere Creger ’52
H. DeVere Creger of Waverly, Iowa passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 95. Hillis DeVere Creger was born November 7, 1930, the son of Hillis R. and Elna L. (French) Creger in Plainfield, Iowa. He graduated from Plainfield High School and then attended Wartburg College for two years. On March 25, 1951, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Eggleston at the Methodist Church in Waverly. DeVere worked for two years at Walker Motors as a bookkeeper and then as a general accounting manager at Koehring Cranes and Excavators (Terex) for 40 years until…
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Marianna Schutter King ’83
Marianna King of Waverly, Iowa passed away after a brief illness and one day of hospitalization from cardiopulmonary arrest at the Waverly Health Center, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the age of 81. Marianna was born July 30, 1944, the daughter of Alyle A. and Helen (Lounsbury) Schutter, in a military hospital at Barksdale Field near Shreveport, LA where her father, an army chaplain, was in training. After WWII her family moved from Louisiana to New York to Michigan and back to New York, finally settling in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Marianna graduated from New Brunswick High School and…
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Susan Madson Severson ’89
Joe Donnellan and Susan Madson Severson ’89, Hayward, Wis., were married Jan. 31, 2026.
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Dr. Richard Stedtfeld
Richard Warren “Dick” Stedtfeld, 97, of Glasgow, Montana, loved to sing and often burst forth into song throughout his long life. His eldest daughter, Laura, sang hymns to him in some of the last hours of his life and he passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. Born in Glasgow, Montana in September 1928, Dick met the love of his life, Ruth Elaine Lund, at a Bible Camp in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana in 1944. They married in 1952 and shared 70 beautiful years together until Ruth’s passing in 2021. Dick often recalled, “A long time ago, Ruthie…
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Rev. David Kruger ’58
On March 10, 2026, Reverend David P. Kruger known to many as Pastor Dave, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service. He was born on November 6, 1936, in Iowa to Reverend Emil Kruger and Emma (Cornelius) Kruger. Dave pursued his education at Wartburg College and Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1958. After feeling called to the ministry, he attended the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, where he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1962. During his internship for his divinity degree he met…
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Susan Linn Pillard ’81
Susan Linn Pillard ’81, Central City, authored the book Search, which tells her story as an adoptee and how she found her biological family before DNA advancements and without a private investigator.
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Justin Erickson ’10
Justin Erickson ’10, Roseville, Minn., was named deputy secretary of state for operations for the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. He will oversee legal, business services, human resources, and IT operations.
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Janet Krafka Rohrer ’68
Janet Krafka “Fritz” Rohrer passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026 at 91 years of age. Fritz lived a life full of family, faith and friendships. Christened Janet, she earned her nickname Fritz from her father who shortened it from Snickelfritz – a term of endearment for an energetic, curious child. The name stuck and embodied Fritz’s lively personality throughout her life. Fritz graduated from Ottumwa High School and earned her degree in elementary education from Wartburg College. She began her teaching career in Clarion, Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Ed Rohrer. She enjoyed…
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Maecie Wright Henson ’22
Maecie Wright Henson ’22, Waterloo, is a risk manager at Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, P.C.
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Morgan Goedken ’19
Morgan Goedken ’19, Mankato, Minn., is the associate athletic director of compliance and student engagement at Minnesota State University.
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Anna Mallen ’16
Anna Mallen ’16, Des Moines, is a member attorney with Whitfield & Eddy Law. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (2023-2026) for Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction, and Litigation – Labor and Employment. She has also been selected for inclusion in the Great Plains Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2023-2025) in the area of Employment Litigation: Defense.
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Jordan Anderson ’12
Jordan Anderson ’12, Olathe, Kansas, is CEO and partner at Scenic Development, Overland Park.
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Garrett Christeson ’09
Garrett ’09 and Kate Christeson, De Soto, were married on Oct. 11, 2025. Garrett is district sales manager at Rubrik.
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Christine Folkerts McSweeney ’94
Christine Folkerts McSweeney ’94, Center Point, is the associate high school principal in the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, Vinton.
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Jim Britton ’84
Jim Britton ’84, Eau Claire, Wis., is a special education assistant in the Eau Claire Area School District and has taught for 38 years. He currently serves as head coach for the Eau Claire Axemen, a professional indoor arena football team, and has coached football, baseball, basketball, and track for 46 years.
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Brian Rodemeyer ’76
Brian Rodemeyer ’76, Algona, is retired after serving 41 years as a school administrator. He officiated many high school baseball, basketball, and volleyball championship games and was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame for Sports Officials in March 2025. He now supervises student teachers for Buena Vista University and Morningside University.
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Joe ’71 and Julie James ’73 Breitbach
Joe ’71 and Julie James ’73 Breitbach, Waverly, celebrated 50 years as owners and operators of Joe’s Knighthawk Restaurant and Lounge. Julie has also written and published nine children’s books.
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Janet Ames Lockwood ’64
Janet Lockwood, 87, of Sheffield, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Jan (Janet) Lockwood was born in Atlantic, Iowa, April 23, 1938. Parents were Wyman and Eva Ames. She graduated from Madrid High School in 1956, then Waldorf Junior College in Forest city in 1958. She taught elementary school in Clarion, North Polk and in Waverly. During those years, she attended classes at Drake University, then received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wartburg College in Waverly. She was married in 1967, then widowed in 1969. In 1974, she married Larry…
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Robert Johnsen ’61
Robert J. “Bob” “Bubba” Johnsen, 86, of Beatrice, passed away Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln. He was born August 19, 1939, in Beatrice to William and Grace (Wallman) Johnsen. Bob graduated from Beatrice High School and later attended Wartburg College. On December 31, 1969, he married Donna Doehler at Holy Cross Church in Beatrice. Bob served for a short time in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Throughout his working years, Bob was employed by Schottler Manufacturing, served as a workshop supervisor at the Martin Lutheran Home, and later worked for Cominco, Natural Gas…
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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…