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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Alexandria Retz Stafford ’21
Alexandria Retz Stafford ’21, Runnells, is a mental health counselor at Premier Counseling Professionals, West Des Moines.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Marilyn Fick Luttinen ’66
Marilyn Kay Luttinen passed away on October 6, 2025 at the Quartet Senior Living Village in Bettendorf, Iowa. Born on May 12, 1944 in Los Angeles, California to Wilbur and Marcella Fick, Marilyn was a lifelong learner and dedicated to her faith. After receiving her Bachelor’s in teaching from Wartburg College, she was a Physical Education Teacher and later embraced the role of a homemaker with grace and dedication. She went on to work as a pre-school teacher, at a golf course with her husband, and as a pet-sitter. Outside of her professional life, Marilyn was known for her kindness…
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Joan Schwefel Schroeder ’55
Joan A. Schroeder, March 30, 1933 – October 2, 2025. Joan A. (Schwefel) Schroeder, age 92, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 2nd. Joan was born to her parents Evelyn (Zinzow) and William Schwefel in March 1933. The family established their home in Glendale WI – Joan the eldest joined by her brother Jon and sister Eve Lynn. Joan enjoyed the children in the neighborhood, swam in the Milwaukee River and rode the streetcar to visit her grandparents. Luther League provided a social and spiritual outlet for her as a young adult. Miss Schwefel attended Valparaiso University and then transferred to…
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Charlice Haug Offenheiser ’54
Charlice Rosena H. Offenheiser, 93, of rural Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at her home with her family close by her side. Born February 11, 1932, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Louis H. and Lavina (Groezinger) Haug. Charlice grew up on their Derinda farm, attending the one-room school in Derinda Center before going to Elizabeth High School. She spent her last two years at Stockton High School, where bus service was offered to the area, and graduated in 1950. She then received a two-year business degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1952. Charlice…
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Gwendolyn Parlin Paulson ’65
Gwendolyn Anne Paulson, age 82, wife, mother, master teacher, pillar of her community, died Monday, September 22, 2025, in River Falls, Wisconsin. She was born on February 5, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, a daughter of Raymond and Esther (Ziesemer) Parlin. She was united in marriage to Ed Paulson. She was a 1965 graduate of Wartburg College and later earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University in 1999. She was a K-1 teacher for Westside Elementary School; she served as the executive secretary for the National Association of Social Workers and was an administrative secretary for Ezekiel…
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William Wachholz ’63
William “Bill” Wachholz, 85, of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. Bill was born on January 15, 1940, in Wausau to Marvin and Irmagard Wachholz. On June 7, 1969, he married the love of his life, Shirley Mielke. Together, they shared 24 wonderful years of marriage until Shirley’s passing, a time that was far too short. Bill devoted his professional career to Radant Insurance Agency, where his dedication and work ethic left a lasting impact. Beyond his career, he gave 50 years of service to the Wausau Noon Optimist Club and was a lifelong member of First…
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Vernita Frese Baumgartner ’51
Vernita Marie Frese Baumgartner, age 93, of Fremont was born September 2, 1932 in Nora Springs IA, and departed this life to be with our Lord on September 18, 2025. The youngest of three daughters born to George and Julia (Ueker) Frese, Vernita grew up on the family farm outside of Nora Springs, surrounded by a closely-knit extended family. She attended both elementary school and high school in Nora Springs, participating in 4-H, theater, chorus, and Luther League at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. After graduating Valedictorian of her class, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly IA, where she enrolled in…
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Doris Kumpf Keller ’44
Doris W. (Kumpf) Keller passed away peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on September 13, 2025 at age of 101. Doris was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Rev. Fred and Esther (Hoffman) Kumpf on July 7, 1924. She was raised in Humboldt, SD and Johnson, NE. She was preceded in passing by her parents, her husband Rev. John E. Keller and her sister Winnifred (Kumpf) Voight and her brother Richard Kumpf. She is survived by her three sons, Rev. David (Susan) Keller and their three children: Phillip (Linda) Keller and their five children; Joel (Pamela) Keller and…
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Alan Sexter ’87
Alan Sexter, age 60, of Wausau died on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Wausau Manor. Alan was born on September 24, 1964, in Decorah, lA, to the late James and Jeralyn (Krugel) Sexter. He grew up in Owatonna, MN where he developed a life long love of the Minnesota Vikings. After graduating high school, he went on to Wartburg College where he double majored in music and mathematics. Following graduation, Alan and his family moved to Wausau, where he began his career as an actuary with Wausau Insurance. He later worked at Eastbay, and in retirement found joy in greeting…
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Norbert Gauerke ’55
Norbert Lee Gauerke (Norb, Nubby, Nubs), age 92 passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 12, 2025 surrounded by his family that loved him. He was born on May 31, 1933 in Appleton to the late Erwin and Alma (Lemke) Gauerke. He was baptized on July 16, 1933 and confirmed on March 30, 1947 at First English Lutheran Church. He graduated from Marion High School in 1951 and from Wartburg College in 1955 with a degree in Business Education. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in February 1956 and received his basic…
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Marlene Albertsen DeRosa ’74
Marlene DeRosa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and vibrant pillar of her community, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on September 8, 2025. While her family and many friends feel her absence deeply, her kindness and zest for life fill their hearts with enduring warmth and gratitude. Born in Danbury, Iowa in 1952 to Marvin and Marie Albertsen, sister to Marc, Mary Lu, and Marla, Marlene’s “farm girl” roots shone through her life—infusing every day with joy and a generous spirit that never faded —a spirit that would carry her through until her last days. She…
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Bernard Masker ’65
Bernard “Bernie” Masker, 84 of Conrad, IA passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Premier Estates of Toledo, IA. Bernie was born August 25, 1941, to Wilson and Albina (Balvin) Masker. He was raised in Tama, IA and attended Tama High School where he was very active in football and wrestling. He continued his football and wrestling career at Wartburg College, graduating in 1965. Along that journey he was united in marriage to Colene Casey in 1962. They went on to have three children and raised them in Grinnell, IA. Bernie took his love for athletics to be a devoted…
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Jeffery Glaw ’84
Jeffery Linn Glaw, age 63, of Keosauqua, Iowa, and formerly of Parkersburg, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home. Jeff was born on July 2, 1962, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Norman Glaw and Karon (Johnson) Dobbs (formerly Glaw). He was raised in Waterloo and Parkersburg, graduating from the Aplington-Parkersburg High School in 1980. He then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, where he played football and field events (discus), graduating in 1984. In 1988, Jeff was united in marriage to Angela Helle, and from the union came two daughters. His entire life he worked as a wildlife…
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Darryl Meyer ’63
R. Darryl Meyer passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, following a short illness. He was 85. Born in Nebraska to Rev. Raymond and Lenora Meyer, Darryl moved to Minnesota and Wisconsin, and then back to Nebraska, following his father’s pastoral calling. He graduated from Benson High School in Omaha and went on to attend Wartburg College, where he was a proud Wartburg Knight. His upbringing helped shape the values of service, leadership, and faith that guided him throughout his life. Darryl retired as Director of Human Services for Freeborn County, where he…
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John Culbertson ’50
John Dale Culbertson Obituary John D. Culbertson, age 96, of Waverly died on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly of natural causes. John was born September 15, 1928, in Waverly, the son of Floyd and Merle (Getts) Culbertson. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1946; UNI in 1950; and Drake Law School in 1954. On June 11, 1951, John and Donna M. Harden were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Donna passed away in 1987, and on October 22, 1988, John and Myrna Joy Kluiter were married at St. John Lutheran Church in…
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Mark Buls ’68
Mark John Buls, aged 79, of Flippin, Arkansas, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Born on November 17, 1945, in Tripoli, Iowa, he was the son of Arlen and Malita Korte Buls. Mark’s early education took place at Tripoli High School, followed by his graduation from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, in 1968. Demonstrating his commitment to service, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army, where he honorably served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. In 1971, he embarked on a new chapter as he emigrated to Australia, where he devoted his career to teaching. He…
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Gaye Ostlund Scott ’71
Gaye L. Scott, 76, of Mason City went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025 at Heritage Care Center. Gaye Lorraine Ostlund was born January 31, 1949 at Lake City, Iowa to Donald and Frances (Lorraine) Ostlund of Lohrville, Iowa. She was the oldest of 3 children. Her first years were lived in Lohrville, Clarion, and Mason City until the family moved to Manly, Iowa in 1952. Gaye was baptized in December 1960 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly. Her deep faith in God was a gift that sustained her throughout her life, especially during her…
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Robert Gronstal ’52
Robert Joseph Gronstal, 94, of Gastonia and formerly of Treynor, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Robin Johnson House on August 28, 2025. Born in Council Bluffs, IA on September 10, 1930 to Joseph and Elvira Gronstal. Bob grew up and spent most of his life in Treynor, IA. He was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, class of 1952. He served two years in the Army during the Korean War before a banking career that would span over two decades. He was a local businessman and an employee of Treynor Community School District where he worked for 42…
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Dr. George Roleder ’50
We are saddened to share the passing of longtime chapter member George Roleder on August 26, 2025. George was known as a humorist and author of, “By George! The Birds are Copying Us” and “Flights of Bird Fancy” – collections of witty short stories that both challenge serious birders to double-check their handbooks and offer a lighthearted chuckle at the avian world. George and his wife, Betty, lived at San Antonio Gardens, where he was an active birder, often participating in their monthly walks and contributing to the annual Christmas Bird Count. He will be remembered as a generous, thoughtful…
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Carolyn Joseph Stufflebeam ’58
Carolyn Teresa Stufflebeam, 89, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. Carolyn was born June 2, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois to Frank and Mary (Verdek) Joseph. She attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. On December 27, 1958, she married Daniel Leroy Stufflebeam in Chicago. She was a teacher for three years and then became a homemaker, raising three children. Carolyn spent much of her life volunteering and serving her community. She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she ran the food pantry as…
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Larry Kueker ’66
Larry L. Kueker, 81, of Waverly, Iowa died on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Larry Lee Kueker was born on May 7, 1944, the son of Leslie and Mildred (Heineman) Kueker in Waverly. He was baptized on May 28, 1944, and confirmed on April 27, 1958, both at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waverly. He graduated from Waverly High School and attended Wartburg College for a year. Following his education, he started working at Carnation for several years and then at General Machine & Tool now TDS before retiring in 2011. On March…