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
-
Rev. Dr. Herman Diers ’49
Herman Diers, a wise and compassionate man of exceptional grace and generosity, a community builder committed to peace and an end to hunger, died March 7, 2026. He was 97. Born in Hampton and raised in Lutheran parsonages across eastern Iowa, Herman earned degrees from Wartburg College (BA), Wartburg Seminary (MDiv), Northwestern (MA), and Berkeley (PhD), and honorary degrees from Dana and Wartburg Colleges. On Dec. 28, 1950, he married Dorothy Lange. They first lived in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, to found Grace Lutheran Church. In 1959, they moved to Waverly, where they both worked at Wartburg College until 1993,…
-
James Pilgrim ’60
James W. Pilgrim, 87, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City. James Walter was born July 3, 1938, in Tracy, Minnesota, the son of Rev. Paulus W. Pilgrim and Elsie (Bartz) Pilgrim. Jim began his education in Austin, Minnesota, and attended country school for grades two through four in Fulda, Minnesota. He later graduated from Hector High School in Hector, Minnesota. He went on to attend and graduate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and later completed graduate coursework at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Jim…
-
Martha Farlow Knapp ’66
Martha Kay Farlow Knapp, 81, of Winterset, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Martha Kay McKeever was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 21, 1944 to William McKeever and Kathryn (Gordon) McKeever. Her parents were divorced and her mother later married Billy W. Farlow, who adopted her legally. Marty grew up in Winterset, attending North Ward Elementary, South Ward for junior high, and graduating from Winterset High School in 1962. She worked at the Ben Franklin store and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Three Little…
-
James Waterbury
James Bentley Waterbury died March 2, 2026, at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, after a short battle with metastatic melanoma. He was 78. Jim was born August 2, 1947, the third of four children born to Charles Arthur and Mary Elizabeth Stoddard Waterbury. His mother once told him he was her favorite because her labor with him was so short. However, he may have made that up. We all make up the stories we need. Jim graduated from Waterloo West High in 1965, and Princeton University in 1969. How he made it through is a testament to his professors’…
-
Sue Engel Dunshee ’62
Sue Ann Engel Dunshee, 85, of Houston, TX went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, March 2, 2026, at her home, Spring Cypress Senior Living in Cypress, TX. Sue was born September 30, 1940 in Cedar Falls, IA, the second of five siblings born to the late Paul and Mildred Engel. After graduating from Hudson High School, she studied at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Professionally Sue worked various office jobs, primarily in the accounting and payroll departments until she retired in 2005. Sue met her husband, Donald (Don) Dunshee on a blind date, an encounter that…
-
Darrell Arntzen ’68
Darrell Lynn Arntzen, a beloved figure in his community and a park ranger, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Bickford of Urbandale, Urbandale, Iowa. He was born on July 26, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Orie Edgar and Mary Priscilla (Murray) Arntzen. Darrell grew up in Iowa, graduating from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School with the class of 1962 before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree from Wartburg College in 1968. Darrell’s career began in 1969 when he joined the Department of Natural Resources as a park ranger. He worked tirelessly, moving from park…
-
Carol Suckow Wolf ’65
Carol J. Wolf, 82, of Oelwein, Iowa, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Arlington Place Assisted Living in Oelwein. Carol Jean Suckow was born July 14, 1943, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Lewis and Helen Mildred (Springer) Suckow. She graduated from North High School and then earned her bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and her master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Carol taught grade school in La Porte City, Northwood and Sacred Heart Catholic School in Oelwein. On August 10, 1968, she was united in marriage to Boyd Eugene Wolf at the Little Brown Church…
-
Joyce Mueller Paxson ’60
Joyce M. Paxson was born on September 11, 1938, to Adolph Mueller and Mary Chambers in Manchester, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her husband William T. Paxson, daughters Katie Paxson and Terri Bennett, and sister Jackie Gibson. Joyce is well-known for her passion and dedication to music. Receiving her training at the Wartburg College School of Music, she went on to sing with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and toured with the Roger Wagner Chorale in many places around the US and Europe. She sang all kinds of music: opera, classical, and liturgical music. Joyce was a voice…
-
Todd Wollenzien ’87
It is with deep sadness we announce Todd Wollenzien, 60, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at MercyOne Hospital in West Des Moines, Iowa. After a long battle with cancer, he passed peacefully in his sleep with his family at his bedside, after a day full of exchanging stories about him and his contagious humor. Todd was born to Francis and Jane (Barnard) Wollenzien in Waverly, Iowa, on June 15, 1965. From a young age he was rambunctious, funny, kind, and an intelligent spirit, who was a friend to everyone he met. He spent many mornings helping out in…
-
Robert Selk ’59
Robert Rudolph Koeppen Selk, 89, of Dysart, Iowa, passed away on February 22, 2026, just 25 days after celebrating his 89th birthday. Robert will be buried in the Dysart Cemetery. He was born on January 28, 1937, to Rudolph and Louise Selk. Bob graduated from Dysart High School in 1955 and later attended Wartburg College where he received his degree in business administration in 1959. After college, he worked for Maytag and later retired as a manager from Job Service of Iowa. He also had his own tax business and would farm. He had a deep desire to help…
-
Verona Orth Zelle ’52
Verona Zelle, 95, of Waverly, Iowa died on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Verona Ruth Zelle was born on January 21, 1931, and raised in rural Jesup in Black Hawk County, Iowa, the fifth daughter of six children born to Louis A. and Olinda M. (Riensche) Orth. She was baptized on February 1, 1931, and confirmed on March 5, 1944, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jubilee, Iowa. Verona attended Jubilee Consolidated Schools through the 8th grade and graduated in 1948 from Jesup High School. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly for one year and…
-
Daniel Glommen ’63
Daniel Stanley Glommen, February 13, 1941 — February 20, 2026. Daniel Stanley Glommen was born on February 13, 1941, in Wilmington, Ohio. As a son of an Air Force officer, Dan and his siblings lived in many areas, including Washington Courthouse, Ohio; Levittown, New York; and Frankfurt, Germany. At the age os 12, he and his family moved to San Antonio, Texas. Dan played football for the South San Antonia Bobcats and played the biggest bass drum in the state of Texas. In 1955, Dan and his family moved to Security, Colorado. He attended Fountain High School and then transferred to Widefield…
-
Carol Burdick Rudey ’73
Carol Anne Rudey, 74, of Racine, WI, died of complications from a fall at Aurora SummitOconomowoc Hospital on Friday, February 20th, 2026, surrounded by family in her finalmoments. The fall took place in early December.She is a true testament to love and determination in her lifelong battle against RheumatoidArthritis.Carol was dedicated to her family and will be forever loved by her husband of 51 years (TomRudey) and two adult sons (Scott Rudey and David Rudey- wife Casey (Ulman)-grandson LukeRudey). Carol was preceded in death by her mother (Frances) and father (Milton), her oldestbrother John Burdick and her younger brother Paul,…
-
Keith Meyer ’64
Keith E. Meyer, 84, formerly a longtime resident of Davenport, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with family at his side. Keith Edwin Meyer was born on August 6, 1941, in Woden, Iowa, a son of Edwin Henry and Eva Ruth (Valley) Meyer. He spent his early years in Woden before the family moved to Dows, Iowa. Keith graduated from Dows High School in 1959. He graduated from Wartburg College in 1963. While working as a Social Service officer in Albia, he met and married Mary Josephine Cardenzana in 1965. They moved to Clarion, Iowa where Keith served as the Director…
-
Rev. Wesley Sackmann ’53
The Rev. Wesley Lee Sackmann died peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Eliseo Health Center in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 94. Wes was born in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, on July 29, 1931, to Theodore and Marie (Walcker) Sackmann. He spent his early life in Mercer, North Dakota. In 1944, the family moved to Eureka, South Dakota, where they owned and operated a grocery store. After high school, Wes moved to Iowa to attend Wartburg College and Theological Seminary. There, he met Dorothy Stone. The pair married on August 29, 1954, and went on to have three…
-
Gary Schwandt ’65
Gary D. Schwandt, 83, passed away peacefully at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by compassionate care at Avina Nursing Home and under the devoted support of hospice. Gary was born on April 14, 1942, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Everett and Virginia (Derge) Schwandt. He grew up on the family farm near Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, alongside his three brothers—Michael, Pastor Richard, and Morry—where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide his life. While in high school, Gary played baseball, football, basketball, and trumpet in band, showing…
-
Maggie Gibney Atkinson ’04
Maggie Gibney Atkinson ’04, Iowa City, is a graduate program coordinator for the communications studies department and School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa.
-
Delores Jaspersen Mindrup ’66
Delores Ann Mindrup, 80, of Mesa, Arizona, and formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. Delores was born on September 8, 1945, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd C. and Alma Jennie (Nelson) Jaspersen. She was raised in the Sheffield area and graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School in 1963. She continued her education at Wartburg College, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. Later in life, she followed her heart back to school, receiving her Occupational Therapy certification from the College of St. Catherine in December of 1995. On August 24, 1967,…
-
Betty DePuew Miller ’60
Betty Jean Miller, age 88, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Edward Philip and Lucille Isabell (Hurd) DePuew on October 4, 1937, in Butler County, Iowa. Betty graduated from Clarksville High School in 1956 and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, for three years in elementary education. On June 21, 1958, she married Ronald W. Miller, her sweetheart for six years, at Immanuel United Church of Christ by Reverand R.J. Topp. She was able to follow her dreams of farming and milking Holstein cows for fifty-five years beside Ron. I guess “once a farmer gal, always a farmer”…
-
Darlene Zummak Esmoil ’50
Darlene Eleanore Zummak Esmoil, 96 years old, of Waterloo, Iowa, and formerly of Independence, Iowa, died of natural causes, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Friendship Village Retirement Community in Waterloo. Darlene was born on September 13, 1929, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond Henry Zummak, Sr. and Bertha Hermine (Lenz) Zummak. She grew up on a farm outside of Jesup and graduated high school at the age of 16, with the Jesup High School class of 1945. Darlene continued her education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and became a secretary at the American Can Company in Waterloo.…
-
James Peters ’63
James J. Peters of Freeport, IL died March 3, 2025 at Winn Prairie in Freeport, IL. He was born in Fond du Lac, WI on February 3, 1942. He was the son of Wilbert and Helen (Miller) Peters. Jim’s early life was spent on his father’s livestock farm. He graduated from Goodrich High in 1959. He then attended Wartburg College, later graduating from Platteville University. He met the love of his life, Joyce Franz and they were married in Omro, WI and were married over 60 years. In 1964 he moved to Freeport after accepting a job with Master Mix…
-
Lucille Lunde Hackbart ’52
Lucille Karleen Hackbart (Lunde), age 94, of Golden Valley, passed on March 1, 2025. Born in Decorah, IA, she attended High School in Monona, IA, and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Lucille taught 3rd grade in the Robbinsdale School District and substituted in Mpls. schools. Active in the community, Lucille was a member of the Minnesota Rose Society, Mpls. Women’s Club, Golden Valley Women’s Club, and volunteered at the Godfrey House in Mpls. Lucille is preceeded in death by her parents Otto and Alice (Mythen) Lunde and brothers DuWayne and Keith. Lucille is survived by the love of…
-
Royce Kreul ’65
Royce E. Kreul, age 82, a 53-year resident of Oregon, Wis., died of congestive heart failure on February 26, 2025. Royce was born on November 18, 1942, in Fennimore, Wis., to Leonard and Wilma Kreul. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Fennimore. He attended Fennimore Public schools participating in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a Wisconsin State Journal newspaper carrier for many years. In 1965, Royce graduated with a B.A. degree in Science from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. He received his M.S. degree from Kansas State College, Pittsburg, Kan., in 1972. In August…
-
Gwenda Geyer Groskurth ‘58
Gwenda Ann (Gwen) Groskurth, 88, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away at her home on February 16, 2025. Gwen was born at her parent’s home in rural Fayette County, IA, on November 14, 1936. She was the only child of her parents, Minnie Rose Springer Geyer and Walter Charles Geyer. Gwen attended Bethel #8 country school at Richfield, IA, and graduated high school in Sumner, IA, in 1954. She attended Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, from 1954 to 1955. Gwen met Wilhelm Albert (Bill) Groskurth at a dance at the Coliseum in Oelwein, IA, in December of 1953. On May 26,…
-
Joan Matt Oelke ‘49
Joan Adel Oelke age 96 of New Hampton died Thursday, February 13, 2025 at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. Joan was born Aug. 7,1928 to Will and Emilie (Mueller) Matt on the home farm in National, Farmersburg Township in Clayton County, Iowa. She was the youngest of four sisters. Joan was baptized at home by Rev. Bunge in Sept 1928 and confirmed June 27,1943 by Rev.Harold Adix at St. John’s Lutheran church in Farmersburg. She attended grade school at the Pioneer country school until the age of 10. The family then moved to Farmersburg. She graduated from High School in…
-
Gordon Kopitzke ‘54
Gordon H. Kopitzke, age 92 of the Town of Grant, Shawano County passed away at the same home he was born in on Sunday morning February 9, 2025. Gordon was born on August 1, 1932 as the son of the late Leonard and Minnie (Pockat) Kopitzke. He graduated from Marion High School in 1950 and earned his teaching degree at Wartburg College in Iowa; graduating in 1954. Gordon was a gifted baseball and football player and was faced with a challenging decision while playing ball at Wartburg as his father unexpectedly passed away. He decided to return home after graduating to…
-
Elaine Knoploh Wedemeier ‘55
Elaine R. Wedemeier, 90, of Maynard and formerly of Westgate, Iowa, died peacefully Thursday morning, February 6, 2025, at Hillcrest Assisted Living in Sumner, Iowa. Elaine Rose Wedemeier, daughter of John and Lydia (Sell) Knoploh, was born February 17, 1934. She was baptized on March 4, 1934, and confirmed on March 30, 1947, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buck Creek, Sumner. She attended St. John’s Parochial School rural Sumner and graduated from Sumner High School in 1951. She then attended Wartburg College and graduated with a teaching degree. Elaine was united in marriage to Duane W. Wedemeier on October 4,…
-
Deanna Lange ‘69
Deanna Kay Lange, 77, of Bettendorf, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 at her residence. Deanna was born October 1st, 1947, to Walter and Helen (Martens) Lange in Davenport, IA. She attended Davenport schools and graduated in 1965 from Davenport Central High School. She then went on to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, IA that fall and received her Bachelor of Art degree in 1969. After graduation from college she moved to Chicago, IL and became a school teacher for the Chicago Public Schools in the fall of 1969 and remained a beloved teacher by many until…
-
Verdell Hubbell Kelly ‘52
Verdell M. Kelly, 92, of Dows, with loved ones by her side, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with her love, Dennis, on Monday, February 3, 2025. There will be no funeral service, as this was her desire. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Iowa Falls is caring for Verdell and her family. Condolences can be sent to John and Cindy Mandal – 1009 Rowan Rd – Dows, IA 50071. Verdell was born to Joseph and Leone (Pepper) Hubbell on October 17, 1932, at home in Dows. She attended school at Dows and after graduation,…
-
Lavoy Haage ‘68
Lavoy Gene Haage passed away from complications of Leukemia on February 2, 2025, at the age of 84. Lavoy was born March 17, 1940, to Gert and Helen Haage, in LeMars, Iowa. Lavoy was the oldest of 3 siblings and raised on a farm in LeMars, Iowa. They farmed the land and raised livestock. Lavoy attended Akron country school and graduated high school from LeMars, Iowa. After high school, he worked for several years for a drywall company before starting his college education in Waverly at Wartburg College. Lavoy returned to LeMars in 1965 amid his college years and met…
-
Lois Reyelts Trachte ‘66
Lois Dorothy (Reyelts) Trachte, 80, of Waverly, Iowa, died on January 30, 2025, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community. Lois was born on February 4, 1944, to Claus and Mildred (Griesse) Reyelts in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids. She became a poster child for her family’s Reyelts Dairy, even though she didn’t like milk. Lois graduated as valedictorian from Central Lyon High School in 1962 and from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. During her college years, she spent two summers…
-
Mary Krohlow ‘66
Mary Kathryn Krohlow, 80, of Burlington, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at her home. Born May 1, 1944, in Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Edgar A. and Ruth E. Zuelke Krohlow. She attended Seymour High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1962. She continued her education and graduated from Wartburg College. Mary started her career in 1966 teaching English and serving as the staff advisor to the students who produced the newspaper, “The Purple and Gray” and the “Pathfinder” yearbook at Burlington Community High School. Mary served on both the Burlington Public Library Board of…
-
John Hearn ‘68
John E. Hearn, 78, passed away at his residence on Sunday, January 26, 2025. He was born in Racine on September 9, 1946, the son of the late Earl and Ella (nee Andersen) Hearn. He graduated from Washington Park High School and Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where he excelled in baseball and was inducted into Wartburg’s Hall of Fame for basketball. John taught at various schools, most notably, Washington Junior High until making a career transition into sales. He had a passion for playing softball in Racine for many years. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling, as well as…
-
Rev. Loren Van Oort ‘59
The Rev. Loren J. Van Oort, 87, of South Bend, Indiana, a devoted husband, father,grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of God, passed away peacefully on January23, 2025, with his loving wife Lorraine and family by his side.Loren was born on September 28, 1937, to the late John and Lillian Van Oort inSheldon, Iowa. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Lorraine(Lorrie), and three daughters, Leann (Mike) Dincolo, Lisa (Bill) Arnold, and Lila (Jeff)Leonard. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Katie Dincolo, Joseph (Lauren) Golc,James Dincolo, Allie (Mitchell) Alpaugh, Jennifer Golc, and Jeffrey Golc. Pastor Loren isalso survived…
-
Rev. Donald Schmidt ‘49
Rev. Donald Armin Schmidt was an ELCA Lutheran pastor. He peacefully passed away at age 97 in his home, surrounded by his family, on January 23, 2025. Don was born in Ixonia, Wisconsin on May 29, 1927 to Bernard & Anna Wilhemina [née Frederick] Schmidt. He married Donna Jeanne Brallier on June 1, 1951 and was blessed to have a loving union that lasted 72 years. Don received his undergraduate degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He then graduated in 1952 from the Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He dedicated his life to his Heavenly Father and his…
-
Rev. Alton Schwandt ‘50
Alton Schwandt October 30, 1927 – January 17, 2025 Alton William Schwandt was born on October 30, 1927 on a dairy farm near Ripon, Wisconsin. He was the son of William and Dora Ruth Schwandt. He graduated from Ripon High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He graduated with a BA in music and answered the call of Christian ministry to Wartburg Seminary. He graduated in 1953 and was ordained in his home church in Ripon with uncle and brother (Roland) officiating. He married Mary Ruth Alke on June 8, 1951. Together, they managed the Mount Pleasant Children’s…
-
Elaine Reinking Ehlers ‘52
Elaine May Ehlers April 12, 1931 – January 16, 2025 Elaine May Ehlers was born April 12, 1931, in Kingsley, Iowa. She was the daughter of Emil J. Reinking and Elsie (Puttmann) Reinking. She attended Salem Lutheran Church in Correctionville, Iowa, where she was baptized on May 24, 1931, and confirmed April 14, 1946. She attended rural country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Kingsley High School in 1948. Elaine pursued a degree in education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, graduating in 1952. After graduation, she taught first grade at Irving School in Waverly from 1952-1954. On June 1,…
-
Eleanor Jungck Flathman ‘52
Eleanor Anne Jungck Hansen Flathman, aged 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at her home in Pine City, Minnesota. She was born July 8th, 1929, to Virla (Bare) and Louis C. Jungck in rural Rushville, Nebraska, where she spent her childhood on the family farm. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Eleanor was the firstborn of seven children. Her siblings are: Maurice (Jean) Jungck (both deceased), Gwen (Dave, deceased) Dierex, Kathryn (James, deceased) Stava, Martha Hunzeker (deceased), Marty (Dottie) Jungck, and Mari (Lynn, deceased) McKee. Eleanor is lovingly remembered by her family, including the four children…
-
Lynn Olson
Lynn Jay Olson was born on July 15, 1946 and smiles and kindness were added to the equation. Smiles started at an early age as he grew up with his parents, Leslie and Shirley, sister, Marcia, and cousin, Ellerd. One story passed down from his mother Shirley has Lynn, at age 6, dangling from his pant leg from the rafters in the barn. We can imagine him beaming with energy, much like his grandson Roy. At age 18, Lynn graduated from high school and left Hoffman, MN, saying goodbye to his home on the farm, and greeting the world with…
-
William Dietzler ’60
William “Bill” Dietzler, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee on August 2, 1937, to the late Marlon and Florence Dietzler and grew up in Wausau, WI. He loved music, including playing songs on the organ and piano (even tuba when in school), singing in the church and barbershop choirs, and dancing with his wife. Bill was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, (where he met Ardell) and served in the U.S. Army while in college. He was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church…