
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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Gabrielle Calease Fox Estel ’17, Waverly, was selected as a guide for the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat. She is a travel advisor at Destinations Unlimited.
Harold E. Oelschlager, 95, passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Illinois. He was born on February 22, 1930, to Otto and Della (Heitman) Oelschlager in Princeton, Minnesota. Harold graduated from Princeton High School and attended Wartburg College, in Waverly, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He completed seminary training at Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and was ordained in 1956. He later earned a master’s degree in sacred theology and pursued doctoral work in Old Testament theology. Harold served in the parish ministry at…
Randy was born in Wichita, Kansas on February 16, 1958. His parents, Joe and Inez Murty, moved to Tama, Iowa and he grew up there along with three brothers. He graduated from LDF High School in Le Grand, Iowa, and received a B.A. degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He received his certificate for Candidacy for Ordained Ministry from the United Methodist Church Conference in Ottumwa, Iowa, and pursued theological studies at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri for several years. Hampered by physical limitations he gave up his goal of becoming an ordained minister, but…
Benjamin Bryant ’25, Peosta, is a risk management consultant at Cottingham & Butler, Dubuque.
Will Armstrong ’25, Phoenix, Ariz., is a junior financial consultant at Four Corners Financial Advisors, Tempe.
James “Ed” Veasey Jr., 52, of Rock Island, passed away Monday July 14, 2025 at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis. James was born on October 27, 1972 in Moline, the son of James and Ruby (Barnett) Veasey Sr. He was a graduate of Rock Island High School, and James later graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played basketball. He completed his master’s degree at Western Illinois University. He married Carla (Reitz) Whitbread in 1998 with whom he had two wonderful daughters, Jada and Zoe. They divorced in 2007. James later married Molly Mayfield on September 8,…
Dr. Darrell Dean Wiener, 88, of Le Mars, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord on July 5, 2025, after four plus years of fighting cancer. Darrell was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on January 15, 1937, the son of Albert and Elda (Ludwig) Wiener. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up in the Merrill area where he attended country schools in Stanton Township and graduated from Merrill High School in 1955. In 1954, Darrell joined Company K, 133rd Infantry, of the Iowa National Guard. Darrell proudly served his country for eight years, attaining…
Robert “Bob” Lee Matthias, May 20, 1942 – July 3, 2025. Robert “Bob” Lee Matthias, age 83, passed away at his home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a place he cherished and called home for nearly five decades. Born on May 20, 1942, in Denver, Iowa, Bob grew up with a strong work ethic and deep family values on a farm run by his late parents, Matt and Leona Matthias. Alongside his siblings—Don, Sonja, and Barb—Bob experienced a rural upbringing that shaped his lifelong character and humility. Bob’s life was forever changed when a high school coach recognized his potential and encouraged…
Donald Ray Hein, 85, of Fishers Indiana was called to the Lord Thursday, July 3, 2025. Don Hein was born May 24, 1940 in Oelwein, Iowa to the late Rev. Herman and Marie (Reyelts) Hein. Don was a remarkable athlete at Waverly High School, playing for the conference champion Waverly football team, pitcher for the Waverly baseball team, and playing forward for the Waverly basketball team having been named First-Team All-State in basketball, leading his team to the championship game of the Class A Iowa State tournament. Don graduated Waverly High School class of 1958. In 1960, Don was named…
Brian Lee Mirs, age 60 of Burnsville, MN passed away unexpectedly at his lake home on July 3, 2025. Brian was born on December 18, 1964 in Waverly, IA to Frank and Carol Mirs. Brian graduated in 1983 from Waverly Shell Rock High School, and in 1988 from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Brian earned his private pilot license while still in high school, and eventually joined the US Navy in 1988, where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served three deployments where he flew the P-3 Orion. In 1996, Brian was honorably discharged from the Navy…
Nicole Felton Wellendorf ’12, Granite Falls, Minn., is a behavioral health therapist at CCM Health, Montevideo.
Cheryl “Cheri” Tomke, 76, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. Cheryl “Cheri” Lee Tomke was born at Hampton, Iowa on June 17, 1949 and was the only child of Joseph R. and Irma (Evans) Tomke of Clarion. In her youth, Cheri was active in Camp Fire Girls and 4-H. She graduated from Clarion Public High School in 1967 and earned a B.A. degree at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a major in English and a teaching degree in Secondary Education. Cheri worked at three area churches (Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic)…
Pastor James ‘Jim’ Edward Baseler, 78, of Toms Brook, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev George Edward and Ruth Mardorf Baseler, his sister, Dorthy ‘Dottie’ Carvalho and nephew Eric Carvalho. Jim was born on October 21, 1946, in Bloomington, Illinois. He graduated from Lowell High School, San Francisco, Ca., Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Ca. His internship was in Hickory, North Carolina with Pastor Albert Keck. Pastor Jim was called to serve at Bethel Lutheran Church, Manassas, Toms Brook…
Ardell (Troester) Dietzler, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025. She was born in Guttenberg, IA, on January 30, 1939, to the late Emil and Ruth Troester and grew up in Clayton County, IA. She loved to read, cook, quilt, sew, knit, and crochet. Ardell met her husband, William (Bill) at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. After graduating college, Ardell enjoyed teaching students in K-12 grades (plus Sunday School classrooms) in Iowa, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Tennessee. She was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church. Ardell was an active member…
Jeffrey “Jeff” Roy Schroder was born in West Union, Iowa on March 20, 1955, to Harry and Gertrude (Lauer) Schroder. He died on June 20, 2025, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Gwen, two daughters Alison (Mitchell) Stewart and Emily (Lane) Sturtz, four grandchildren Remy, Isla, Bodey, and Blythe, two sisters Kathy Meyer and Carol (Roger) Robinson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved mom Gertrude Lauer Schroder, dad Harry Schroder, brother-in-law John Meyer, and mother and father-in-law Marvin and…
Aleece Bobette Beadle, 93, of rural Dumont, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025, at UnityPoint-Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Aleece Bobette McNeilus was born January 17, 1932, the youngest of seven children, to William and Ethel (Walsh) McNeilus, ¼ mile west of Bristow. Aleece attended rural one room schools, Jefferson #2 near Coster and Jackson #5 northeast of Allison until she entered Bristow School when in 5th grade. She graduated from Bristow in 1949 and then attended Iowa State Teachers College, (now UNI) for 4 quarters, and later graduated from Wartburg College. She started teaching in a rural one room…
Eric Skuster, 73, formerly of Waverly, passed away in Urbandale, Iowa, on June 14, 2025. Born on April 4, 1952, in Osage, Eric was the eldest of five boys. His childhood was filled with simple joys like visiting the Jack & Jill grocery store to look at baseball cards on the back of cereal boxes. Even then, Eric had a knack for making memories out of life’s little moments. His family eventually moved from their farm to Charles City where Eric graduated high school in 1970. Eric continued his education at Wartburg College. He planned to major in Biology, but…
Lila Anna [Antholz] Nietfeld was born to Arthur & Helene [Ommen] Antholz, on August 23, 1932. Lila and her sister, Lucile, were raised north of McDonald, KS. She would gratefully recall family life on the farm and in the small surrounding communities—including active participation in the church where she was baptized, confirmed and nurtured in her faith. The family moved to Greeley, CO, but not before her introduction to Clayton Nietfeld in 1946, who she would marry 8 years later. Lila graduated from Wartburg College with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. Clayton & Lila were united in marriage…
Janice Lucille Cave Kay of Wheaton, Illinois died June 10, 2025. Born March 13, 1936 in Waverly, Iowa, Janice was the daughter of Ethel Genevieve (Hunter) Cave and Earl Edmund Cave. Janice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music, graduating in 1959 from Wartburg College, Waverly, IA where she studied both voice and piano. At Wartburg, Janice’s musical gifts, beauty, and vivacious personality drew the attention of a new history instructor. Soon, Thomas O. Kay was a frequent dinner guest at the Cave household, winning not only Janice’s love, but also the respect of her parents and the devotion of…
Timothy Robert “Tim” Pace, 1954 – 2025. Timothy “Tim” Robert Pace, 70, passed away June 9 in Independence, Missouri. A gathering to celebrate his life was held on June 24 at Crown Point Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Tim was born in Waverly on December 21, 1954, to Maurice “Pat” and Bernita (Volk) Pace. He graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1973 and from Wartburg College in 1977. After graduation, Tim moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he managed a Happy Joe’s Pizza restaurant, the beginning of a long career in the pizza business. After a few years, he moved…
Helen Marie Meade, 92, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Jefferson City Manor. She was born Tuesday, March 17, 1931, in Russellville, Missouri, a daughter of the late Otto and Minnie (Rosbach) Hiittenmeyer. She was united in marriage to Thomas Parker Meade, who preceded her in death. Helen worked as secretary in pathology for over 45 years with Charles E. Still and Capital Region Medical Center. She is survived by one son: Craig Alan Meade of Jefferson City. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one daughter: Lesley Meade in 2019. All obituary…
Wenhsiu “Yeehan” Wu, 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…
In Loving Memory of Marcella I. Erickson, December 21, 1931- September 25, 2023. It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marcella Erickson. She was 91 years old. Marcella, better known as ‘Marcie’, ‘Momsy’, ‘Grandma Marcie’, or ‘Aunt Marce’, by those who loved her, was born and raised in Rockwell, IA, the fifth of six children. Although, if you said she was from Rockwell, she would respond with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and say she actually was from Cartersville. Marcie was well known for her athletic ability, her musical…
Thelma Nash, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday September 22, 2023. Thelma was born in Barre Mills, WI to Ewald and Hulda Meisner. Thelma married her high school sweetheart Myron Nash on August 14, 1960 in Wykoff, MN. Thelma and Myron moved to Fridley, MN in 1960 to begin her career at St. Philips Lutheran Church, where she started as church secretary and part time organist, and held multiple positions including Director of Childhood Education, and eventually retired as Church Administrator in 2005. During that time Thelma and Myron had a daughter Sara, son Peter, adopted a son Philip,…
Gina 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.
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…
Laverne Charles Beener, February 11, 1927 – May 31, 2023. Laverne Charles Beener, age 96, of Hinsdale, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
Leila Margaret Simpson (nee Sailer), passed away on April 21, 2023. She was one of twelve children born in Krem, Mercer County, North Dakota to the late George and Martha (nee Pempeit) Sailer. She is the sister of Walter Sailer, Lawrence Sailer, Gerhardt Sailer, Velma Wylie, Veona Jorgensen, Vernon Sailer, Roland Sailer, Arnold Sailer, Martin Sailer, Gerald Sailer, and Delbert Sailer. She grew up in Hazen, North Dakota on a farm until she attended college. In addition to her parents, Leila is preceded in death by her husband William Simpson Jr. who passed away November 18, 1995. She is survived…
Kaitlyn 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…
Brandt, Richard D. died March 9, 2023 in Lincoln, NE. Dick was born in State Center, Iowa December 3, 1936. He attended State Center high school where he played basketball and graduated in 1954. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and was a member of the Wartburg Choir graduating in 1959. He began his 38 year life insurance career in Waverly at Lutheran Mutual (now Cuna). He moved to Lincoln, NE where he worked for Lincoln Liberty Life Insurance Company as a life underwriter. From there he worked for companies in Texas and Wisconsin and then changed to selling life insurance. Dick was a member of…
Nadine Collins passed away on Saturday February 25, 2023 at the young age of 96. She was born on September 21, 1926 to Willard and Violet (Rohlf) Osincup in Waverly, IA. Loving wife of 63 years to the late Frederick D. Collins. Loving and devoted mother to David (Laura) Collins, Lauren (Dave) Bohanan, and Carolyn (Tom) Larsen. Devoted Grandmother to Jeff (Holly) Collins, Brian (Shelly) Collins, Steve (Alyse) Collins, Joel (Stacey) Taylor, Ahren Bohanan, Kristin Larsen and Alex (Marilyn) Larsen. Loving Great Grandmother to Jon and Sam Collins and Colton and Addyson Taylor. She was preceded in death by her…
Kay 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…
Charles Norman Farnham was born on January 11, 1935, to Malinda Eichmeyer and Henry A. Farnham, in Hampton, Iowa and passed away on October 28, 2022, in Vancouver WA.Charles lived most of his life in Salem Oregon. He moved to Vancouver in 2018.After graduating from seminary, Chuck started his career as a Lutheran minister in a small town in Iowa. He felt a calling to Oregon in 1961 where he accepted a chaplain position with Fairview Training Center. He went on to dedicate the rest of his working life to the residents and fellow employees of Fairview while advancing through…
Marcea C. Clary, 90 of Sioux City, formerly of Sloan, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, September 22nd at Skien Lutheran Church in rural Sloan; with a Prayer Service at 7 pm. Funeral and Burial will held at a later date. Arrangements are with Waterbury Funeral Service in Sergeant Bluff. Marcea Catherine Clary was born June 16, 1932, on a farm in Sioux County Iowa, the daughter of Hans and Catherine (Tank) Moeller. She graduated from Rock Valley High School then received her teaching degree from Wartburg College. She taught for…
Alta Mae Morris, 88, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away March 19, 2022. Alta was born May 21, 1933 in Bellevue, Iowa to Lawrence and Alma Sanders. She played basketball, was Homecoming Queen and Valedictorian of her 1950 Graduating class at Maquoketa High School. Alta also attended Wartburg College. For the year after college, she worked for the FBI before leaving to care for her ill father. She married Charles Morris on November 29, 1958 and they raised four children. They moved to Liberty in 1974. Alta was an active member of St. Steven’s Lutheran Church since 1976, often helping with…
Norman Holzrichter February 26, 1946 — March 7, 2022. Norman Holzrichter, 76, of Grayslake, IL, died peacefully at his home surrounded with love by his family. He was born on February 26, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to Hugo and Elsie (Bonk) Holzrichter. He met Susan Brown at Wartburg College and on December 30, 1967, Norman married the love of his life, and they spent the next 54 years together. Norman is survived by his wife, Susan Holzrichter; children, Jill (John) Goldstein, Robb (Ken) Holzrichter, Laura (Nick) Novak; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Daniel, Allison, Dale, Lillian, Cecelia, and Morgan; and his siblings, Fred…
James 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…
Howard Buenting will be remembered most for his wry sense of humor that not only delighted people but often left people wondering. He was born in Green Bay, WI and was known for his pranks and playfulness. He had a kind and tender soul, and was loved wherever he went because of his ability to truly be present with people and accept them with grace and kindness. He worked as a Lutheran Pastor and as an Addiction Counselor throughout most of his life and gave hope and inspiration to others. He married Roberta Pageler in 1958 in Manson, IA and…
Betty 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…
Merlin (Mel) NomannJune 9, 1928 – October 21, 2021Modesto, California – Merlin (Mel) John Nomann died at home on October 21, 2021, at the age of 93.Mel was born on June 9, 1928, in Palmer Iowa. Mel grew up in Pocahontas Iowa after completing high school in 1947.After high school he obtain a variety of certifications in radiology. While working in Tillamook Oregon, he met his wife.In 1950, at the start of the Korean war, Mel chose to enlist in the Navy. He was briefly stationed at the Mare Island Naval base. Shortly after his eldest son was born, he…