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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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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Nancy Larrison Clinton-Ross ’93
Nancy Jeanne (Larrison) Clinton-Ross, 77, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on November 19, 2025, at her home. Nancy was born on October 9, 1948, in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of James and Sylvia (McDaniel) Larrison. She graduated in 1966 from Chrysler High School in New Castle. Nancy married Robert Lawson in 1967; the couple later divorced. She then married Homer “Jack” Clinton in 1971, and they also later divorced. On November 10, 2003, Nancy married Ed Ross, and they shared 33 wonderful years together. Nancy was a homemaker and worked as a typesetter for the Citizen Herald newspaper in…
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Charles Harken ’78
Charles Alan Harken, of Cedar Rapids, died on November 19, 2025 in St. Luke’s Hospital from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Charlie was born on August 31, 1956, the 5th of 8 children, to Irene and Gerald Harken of Shell Rock, Iowa. He grew up in Shell Rock, graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1974 and from Wartburg College in 1978. While at Wartburg he met Susan Bennett and they married in Clarion, Iowa on a snowy October 24, 1981. They lived in Iowa City for a short time and then moved to Cedar Rapids, where their two sons were…
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Janette Hofler Lien ’77
Janette Sue Lien passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025 at the age of 72. She was well known in the community for her career as an educator in the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School District having taught a variety of science classes over her nearly 37-year career. She served on the School Board, was active in the PEO, and participated in Zion Lutheran Church activities. Janette loved all things nature related. She volunteered at the Fossil and Prairie Center and was the first female to serve on the Floyd County Conservation Board. She could often be found bird watching, especially hummingbirds…
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Frances Truckenbrod Kline ’57
Frances “Franny” Kline, 88, of Solon and formerly from Waverly died on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Solon Care Center in Solon. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Marilyn Bentz Schnaidt ’55
Marilyn Y. Schnaidt, 91 of New Rockford, ND formerly of Devils Lake ND passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Marilyn Yvonne, daughter of George and Irene (Tschakofske) Bentz, was born on November 21, 1933, in Hazen, ND, where she was raised and educated. She graduated from Golden Valley High School in North Dakota. She received a Two-Year Teaching Certificate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She taught elementary school while living in Saskatchewan, Canada. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education at Moorhead State University in 1977. Marilyn was…
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Orpha Rachuy Emkes ’46
Orpha H. Emkes passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025. She was born April 15,1924 in Westbrook, Minnesota to the late Ernest and Bertha (Bloch) Rachuy. She was baptized May 4,1924 and confirmed in September 5,1937 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. She attended public schools in Rosehill Township and graduated from Westbrook High School, class of 1942. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa studying secretarial work and was later employed at Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa and Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook as church secretary. She married Bernard Emkes on June 9,1946 and they were married nearly…
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Douglas Kutschat ’62
Douglas A. Kutschat, 86, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2025, with family by his side. Douglas was born April 29, 1939, in Albert Lea, MN, to Walter and Angeline Kutschat. He was raised in Southern Minnesota and Eastern Iowa. He had a younger sibling, Steve. Douglas was a 1957 graduate of Oelwein High School. Then, he attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He was a member of the Wartburg Choir, which he had the opportunity to tour with in Europe. He graduated from Wartburg in 1962. Then he started his music teaching…
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Janice Helmke Basler ’56
Janice Hilda (Helmke) Basler was born on August 11, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to William Henry and Hilda Helena (Boge) Helmke. Jan graduated from Renwick High School and went on to earn a two-year Elementary Education Certificate from Wartburg College. She later attended Drake University, where she received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education. While at Wartburg, she was a proud member of the Wartburg Choir, reflecting her lifelong love of music. Jan dedicated 39 years to teaching, sharing her passion for learning with generations of students.…
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Sharon Rasmussen ’88
Sharon Joy Rasmussen, age 59, of Oregon (formerly of Eau Claire) died on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from complications of Glioblastoma. Nadine, her loving caretaker, took care of her at home during the final months of her life. Sharon was born on March 25, 1966, in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin to Rev. Dale and Jean (Brenden) Rasmussen. She lived in Spring Green, WI until 1972 when the whole family was in a devastating car accident and they moved to Eau Claire. She attended Eau Claire schools, then Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After achieving her Master’s degree, she worked as…
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Dorothy Boeckenheuer Keith ’53
Dorothy Ann [Boeckenheuer] Keith, lifelong educator, passed away on November 1, 2025, at Creekside in Grundy Center. Dorothy was born January 16, 1934 in Hawkeye, Iowa to Carl and Clara [Braun] Boeckenheuer. She graduated from Hawkeye High in 1951, and attended Wartburg College, obtaining her teaching certificate in 1953. She began her teaching career in Reinbeck, Iowa upon graduation and soon after met her husband Donald Lindsay Keith. They were married on July 24, 1955 in Hawkeye, Iowa and settled back in Reinbeck immediately after. To this union two children were born, Debra Ann Keith and David Gregory Keith. Donald…
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Arlene Schnaidt Orth ’61
Arlene Orth, 89, of Clarksville died on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Memorial in Waterloo. Arlene Karoline Orth was born on December 14, 1935, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna (Heth) Schnaidt in Beulah, ND. She graduated from Beulah High School in 1953. She later attended Wartburg College for two years in Waverly. It was then she met Merlin on a blind date. On June 19, 1960, she was united in marriage to Merlin J. Orth at Zion Lutheran Church in Beulah, ND. Following Merlin’s discharge in February in 1961, the couple returned to Waverly where…
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Roderick Evans ’92
Roderick (Rod) Lynn Evans 55 of Des Moines, Iowa passed away October 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Des Moines Hospital. He was born on February 12th, 1970, to Donald Evans and Susan (Moore) Lewiston at Mercy Hospital Des Moines, IA. Rod graduated from Norwalk High School, Class of 1988. Following graduation, he continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. After college, he chose to go into the trades and was a proud member of the Local 45 Sheetmetal Union. Rod was very well known for his ornery smile and laugh, He had his favorite hangouts, LD’s Corner Tap and…
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Duane Schlitter ’65
Passed away on October 27, 2025, after a 19-year battle with metastatic thyroid cancer. Born on April 2, 1942, Duane was the youngest child of Carlton Friederick Schlitter and Mardella Henrietta Louise (Kruse) Schlitter. Duane grew up on the family farm in Linton Township, IA. Duane graduated from Monona/Farmersburg High School in May 1960. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College, then obtained his master’s degree from the University of Kansas. He then accepted a position with the African Mammal Project at the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C. Under a new program, he was…
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Kyle Elliott Fidler ’83
Kyle Elliott Fidler April 27, 1960 — October 25, 2025. With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kyle Rae Elliott Fidler, who departed this life peacefully at home on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Kyle was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and radiant spirit touched everyone she met. Her boundless kindness and unforgettable laughter brought joy to countless lives. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Kyle was born in La Porte City, Iowa, to…
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Dorothy Obermeyer Dykman ’49
After a blessedly long and beautiful life, Dorothy Berniece Obermeyer Dykman met the God she had long worshiped, and was welcomed into eternal life on October 25, 2025. Dorothy was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on the 25th of May, 1929, to Emma and Reverend George Obermeyer. She was raised in a close-knit German Lutheran family, and as a PK (Pastor’s Kid) she was immersed in faith and the life of the church. After the tragic death of her mother, Dorothy and her younger sisters, Betty and Trudy, were mothered by their beloved Aunt Lilly until their father married Alice Widmer…
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Olinda Deines Patzer ’58
Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Olinda Louise Patzer (Deines), passed away peacefully at home in Cedaredge, Colorado on October 24, 2025. She was 89 years old. Olinda was the heart of our home and family. She was married for 57 years to her soulmate, Erich Patzer. They together raised two children, Stacey (55), and Lisa Marie (52), and were instrumental in the upbringing of three grandchildren, Maggie (27), Erich (22), and Dusk (21). Olinda will be dearly missed. She was known for her generous spirit, her creativity, and her passion for education. She was a trailblazer for her time,…
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Norma Boyd Alfrejd ’62
Norma Jean Alfrejd (nee Boyd), 84, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025 with family at her side. Norma was born in Nevada, Missouri to Maybelle Boyd Rabon (nee Warner) and William Emmett Boyd. Her father passed when she was very young. Her mother would re-marry, Estel Rabon. She was the eldest of three children, brothers, Ronald Boyd and Ford Rabon. Her life and ambition took her many places – from her birthplace in Nevada, Missouri to LeLoup, Kansas, then to Blue Island, Illinois. Favorite childhood memory of hers included attending a one room schoolhouse with her aunts and…
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Dr. Robert Farner ’52
Robert L. “Doc” Farner, MD passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Luther Oaks in Bloomington, IL. He was 95. Robert Lewis Farner was born to Fred (Fritz) and Marie Vallazza Farner on February 4, 1930. He grew up on a farm near Toluca, IL. He started his educational journey by attending Center School, a one-room schoolhouse in Marshall County, and then graduated from Toluca High School. He took his pre-med courses at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. He then received his medical degree from The University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1955. After an externship at Illinois…
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Herbert Hildebrandt ’52
Obituary for Herbert William Hildebrandt As usual…I arrived as a baby, a boy in January 1931, and ultimately the door closed in October 2025. I deeply tasted the world, anchored my life on a sea of love with Dee (nee Delores Bartels of Waseca, Minnesota), my wife of 65+ years who died in August 2018. Those years along with daughter Susan (Jack) and son Mark (Lorna), respectively with grandchildren Conor, then Cole and Sophia. Dee and I were only children; she from Waseca, Minnesota, I from Appleton, Wisconsin. She grew up on a farm and knew the difference between a…
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Dr. James Heddens ’60
James D. Heddens, D.P.M., Podiatrist Emeritus, passed away at the age of 88 on October 14 surrounded by his children. Jim was an active member of the Marshalltown community where he lived for over 60 years. He was born in Charles City in 1937, attended Wartburg College and graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1962. In addition to practicing Podiatry, he was a member of the Rotary, Farm Bureau and an active landlord for many affordable housing units. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joan Heddens. He is survived by his three…