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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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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Dolores Ellermeier Tjarks ’51
Sioux Falls, SD – Dolores Tjarks, age 91, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD. Dolores taught her children to love God above all else, see the best in people and dish out praise in heaping spoonfuls. She was endlessly kind. Dolores lived a life of service to her family, church, students, friends and colleagues. She had a passion for teaching and loved to help children discover the joy of reading. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved quilting. Dolores Eileen Ellermeier was born July 15, 1932, in the farm home of her…
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Patricia Donahoo Tuecke ‘59
Patricia M. Tuecke, 84, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center. She was born November 12, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Lloyd and Ester (Schomer) Donahoo. She grew up on her parents farm near Millard, Nebraska, and attended Millard High School. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa and prior to marriage, Patricia was a teacher in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 1960 she was married to John Tuecke of Garnavillo, Iowa, whom she had met at Wartburg. They had two sons, Jeff and Steve. After the family moved to…
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Dr. Darrell Schlange ’61
Darrell Gene Schlange O.D, D.O.S, age 84, of Palos Heights, Illinois, passed away on March 10, 2024. He was born on October 18, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska. Darrell was a dedicated Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and also had a successful private practice in the Palos Heights area. He was known for his multiple research presentations both in the USA and internationally, as well as his publications. He was a proud graduate having excelled at Wartburg College and Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated as valedictorian. Darrell furthered his education at the University of Chicago. …
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Lois Wiese McCulloch ’56
Lois M. McCulloch died March 10, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Center in Freeport. Born Feb 15, 1935, in Spring Valley, IL to Herman J and Mildred (Hamer) Wiese, she married Donald “Mac” McCulloch of Freeport in Sept 1957. She is survived by her daughters, Rose Anne Flores of Phoenix, AZ, and Dawn (David) Bronkema of Cincinnati, OH; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Katrina) Roberts of South Jordan UT, Rachel Roberts of South Jordan UT, Amber Roberts of Scottdale AZ, Gabriel and Daniel Flores of Phoenix, AZ as well as 3 great grandchildren – Connor and Caleb Roberts and Holden Roberts, all of…
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Irene Streng Snyder ‘52
Irene E. Snyder, 93, passed away on Sunday March 10, 2024 in Oshkosh. Irene was born November 11, 1930, in Cook, Nebraska, the daughter of the Reverend John and Nora (Bischoff) Streng. The Streng family moved to Beatrice, NE when her father was called to serve at St. John Lutheran Church in 1937.During World War II, Irene served her country by delivering telegrams after school. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1948 and returned to Beatrice several times for reunions. In the fall of 1948, Irene started attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Irene remembers her first day on…
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Charles Birnstiel
Esteemed Professor, bridge engineer, and author Dr. Charles Birnstiel passed away on March 11th at the age of 94. Charles was born on December 6, 1929, in Manhattan, NY, to German immigrants Karl and Margarete Birnstiel. After attending public grade schools in East Harlem, Charles studied at Brooklyn Technical High School, and then at New York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, A Master of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Doctorate Degree in Structural Engineering. Following his graduation, Charles devoted himself to teaching and structural mechanics research as a professor at both New York University…
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Richard James ‘61
With heavy hearts, we announce Richard H. James, age 87 of Lawrenceville, GA passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, lawyer and a veteran of the U. S. Navy. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jana Sue James. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, survived by his three children: Joy James, Dawn Gartin, and Lance James, along with their spouses and his four grandchildren Nicholas James, Hannah James, Danielle James, and Ava James. Richard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched…
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Rev. Harold McMillin ‘69
Harold Robert McMillin, Jr., 78, of Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Harold Sr. and Marie (Carlson) McMillin was born March 28, 1945, in McGregor. Harold passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2024. He faced many health challenges in his life and fought each one with resilience and courage. Harold grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1963, where he was active in both 4-H and FFA, showing cattle at many local fairs. He enjoyed participating in basketball and wrestling when he could. After high school, Harold graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly and Wartburg Theological…
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Michael Broghammer ‘78
Michael Donald Broghammer, age 67, of Cedar Rapids, IA, formerly of Cresco, IA, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mike was born on June 21, 1956 to Leonard and Margaret (Miskimins) Broghammer in Cresco, IA. He attended school in Cresco and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1974. After high school, Mike attended Wartburg College, where he played football and wrestled. A formidable athlete, he showcased his prowess on the football field and wrestling mat, earning recognition as an all-conference running back in 1977 and achieving the status of an All-American wrestler…
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Wayne Meyer ‘56
Wayne Otto Meyer was born on Feb. 3, 1935, in Smith County, Kansas, to Otto Meyer and Ida Zabel Meyer. He passed away on Feb. 26, 2024, in the loving presence of family members. He was 89. He grew up on a farm southeast of Gaylord with his brothers: Irvin, Waldean, Delmer, and Richard, and one sister, Berniel. For the past few years, he has been the last surviving Meyer sibling of his generation. He graduated from Gaylord High School in 1952, attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and served in the Kansas Army National Guard. On Feb. 1, 1959,…
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Elizabeth Larson Skov ‘67
Elizabeth Katherine Skov, a beloved wife, dedicated teacher, and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024, at the age of 83. She was born on July 18, 1940, to Clifford and Katherine (Norby) Larson in Osage, Iowa, and later settled in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Elizabeth’s life was marked by love and devotion. In November of 1967, she met her soulmate on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, leading to an engagement in March of 1968 and a joyous wedding on August 3rd of the same year. Their marriage, filled with patience, communication, and endless expressions of love,…
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James Sinnott ‘75
James Michael Sinnott, 70 of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, under Care Initiatives Hospice at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo. James was born on May 1, 1953, in Waverly, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo Sinnott and Evelyn (Eichmann) Sinnott, by his brother Joseph Sinnott and by his sister Jean Sinnott. James is survived by his four siblings—Jane (Valerie) Sinnott, Judy Sinnott, John (Gail) Sinnott, and Julie Sinnott. James is also survived by his nephew Travis Sinnott, his niece Rachael (Mark) Cioccari, his cousins Gena (John) Mackamul, Corby Eichmann, Alan Eichmann,…
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Charles Fischer ‘73
Charlie left us suddenly on Monday, February 19, 2024. We will miss his sense of humor and his positive unique spin on life. Charles John Fischer was born February 13, 1948, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and was raised in Latimer, Iowa. He graduated from CAL Community in 1966, and then went on to graduate from Wartburg College. Charlie met Karma, the love of his life. They married on May 16, 1976, and enjoyed 47 wonderful years together. They resided in Waterloo where they raised their son Nicholas (Nick). He worked for Iowa mutual for 30+ years as an insurance adjuster.…
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Jane Marten Claussen ’60
Jane Rosemary Claussen, 85, of Defiance, Ohio passed away on February 18, 2024. She was born in Muscatine, Iowa on December 23, 1938, to the late Henry and Anna (Rueckert) Marten. On June 25, 1961, she married the Rev. Ronald Claussen at Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine, Iowa and they shared almost 50 years together. Jane was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Defiance. She taught for many years at Tinora High School. Jane was a master gardener who liked quilting and traveling. She was an avid walker, often over two miles a day. In her spare time, she loved…
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Robert Thran ‘59
Robert Richard Thran, age 94 of Nashua, IA, died Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Waverly Health Center in Waverly. Bob was born in Readlyn, Iowa, September 20, 1929, the son of Oscar and Loueen Diekmann Thran. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Readlyn High School in 1947. He attended Iowa State Teachers College 1947–1948, and The University Of Iowa 1948–1951.Bob was drafted into the United States Army September 10, 1951, and served with the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War. He was discharged in May of 1953. Bob married Gerda Franken of Allison on…
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Karen Jones ‘69
Karen Marie Jones, 76, of Waterloo, Iowa passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at North Crest Specialty Care, following a brief stay. She was cared for by friends in her home prior to that stay. She was born November 22, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Nell (Wright) Jones. At the age of 3, her family moved to Moline, Illinois, and she returned to Waterloo, Iowa to begin her career as a social worker in 1969. Karen graduated from Moline High School in 1965. She attended Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois for two years. Then she…
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Kelley Burg Mikesh ‘98
Kelley Kathleen (Burg) Mikesh, age 47, passed away peacefully at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, Wisconsin on Monday, February 12, 2024. Kelley Kathleen Burg, age 47, was born to Barbara and Philip Burg on February 22, 1976 in Waukon, IA. Kelley was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, Iowa. Kelley attended St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA through 8th grade, completed secondary school within the Decorah Community School District, graduating in 1994. During high school, Kelley was involved in a variety of activities including track, cheerleading and band. Kelley was selected as the homecoming queen for her…
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Dr. Paul Samo ‘89
Paul John Samo, age 57, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, in Legacy Cottage at Creekside in Grundy Center, Iowa. Paul was born on August 8, 1966, to Jack and Jackie (Walbaum) Samo in Grundy Center. He attended Grundy Center High School, graduating in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Wartburg College in 1989 graduating with honors. Paul continued on his journey of becoming a physician and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in May of 1993 and completed the psychiatry residency program in 1997. On August 6, 1988,…
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John Pearson ‘71
John W. Pearson, 75, of Rockford, Iowa, died Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Floyd County Memorial Center.John William Pearson was born on December 19, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, to William Boyd and Maxine Jane (Trunkey) Pearson. He was the older of two sons. He was a resident of LaPorte City, Iowa, until adulthood. His grandfather started the Agriculture program in the schools and later Black Hawk Seeds became the family business. John was baptized at St. Paul United Methodist Church. He graduated from LaPorte City High School with the class of 1967. He enjoyed participating in football, wrestling, track,…
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Marilyn Stortz Reicks-Botterbrodt ’69
Marilyn Louise Reicks-Botterbrodt, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at her home in Hartman, Arkansas in front of her large picture window overlooking the lake, her “happy place”. She was lovingly surrounded by her husband and family.Marilyn Louise Stortz was born on June 11, 1932 in Decorah, IA to parents, Alfred and Nellie (Walsh) Stortz. She was the middle child, with an older brother, Charles (Chuck) and a younger brother, Jerry. She grew up in Canoe Township in Northeast Iowa and lived on the family farm.Marilyn graduated from Decorah High School on June 1, 1950. She received…