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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William Dietzler ’60
William “Bill” Dietzler, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee on August 2, 1937, to the late Marlon and Florence Dietzler and grew up in Wausau, WI. He loved music, including playing songs on the organ and piano (even tuba when in school), singing in the church and barbershop choirs, and dancing with his wife. Bill was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, (where he met Ardell) and served in the U.S. Army while in college. He was a lifelong Lutheran and volunteered in a variety of roles within the church…
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Marilyn Azbell Reid ‘65
Marilyn Irene Reid, 81, of Waterloo formerly of Greene, died Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Friendship Village in Waterloo. She was born October 9, 1943 in Kankakee, Ill., the daughter of William and Irene (Meyers) Azbell. She married John “Jack” Reid on December 10, 1983 at the United Methodist Church in Marble Rock. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2011. Marilyn graduated from Waverly High School in 1961 and received her BA in teaching from UNI. She worked as a third-grade teacher for many years at Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School District until retiring in 2005. She enjoyed reading books,…
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Jack Mueller ‘73
Jack R. Mueller,77, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025, in Mason City, Iowa. Jack was born May 6, 1947, in New Hampton, Iowa, the only son of Willis and Doris (Liebenstein) Mueller. He grew up in Fredericksburg, attending Fredericksburg High School and graduating in 1965. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree from Wartburg College and finished his education at Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy. Jack served many communities as a Physical Therapist, eventually retiring from MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City. In 1974, Jack married Marilyn Eisenhauer, and the…
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Judith Rieniets Schwake ‘58
Judith K. Schwake, 86, of Sumner, died Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner. Judith Kay (Rieniets) Schwake was born May 19, 1938, to Frederick and Kathryn (Gerdes) Rieniets in Monticello, Iowa. She was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello, where she received her Christian instruction and was confirmed. Judy graduated from Monticello Public High School in 1956. During school she was an active member of the speech club, winning awards for interpretive reading. She taught Sunday School throughout high school, even attending a class at a place called the Sunday School…
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Douglas Brown ‘83
Douglas Dean Brown, September 3, 1960 – January 5, 2025. Douglas Dean Brown, 64, of North Liberty, passed away at his home surrounded by family. Doug was born on September 3, 1960 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Minerva (Nuss) Brown. He was raised in Dysart, Iowa, graduating in 1979 from Dysart-Geneseo High School. His youth activities included choir, band, and Zion Lutheran Church youth groups. He attended and graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1983. He fell in love with and married Linda Cooper on July 17, 1999 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Iowa City Iowa. A…
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Marilyn Rosdail-Moller ‘75
Marilyn Carol Rosdail-Moller, 72, passed away on December 31, 2024. She was born on April 19, 1952, to Milton and Marvel (Barr) Rosdail in Storm Lake, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Marilyn was the eldest child and helped her mother care for 7 lively brothers & sisters while growing up. She helped cook and clean–and became an excellent seamstress–eventually earning the title, “Miss Betty Crocker” for her homemaking knowledge. Marilyn also spent time with her father in the gas station and, later, his garage, where she may have helped him repair…
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Janice Winter Perine ’57
Janice Alice Perine, age 89, of Glendale, Arizona passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. Janice was born on a farm near Parkston, South Dakota on January 25,1935 as the 4th child to Albert Winter and Hulda Uttecht Winter. She weighed 9 pounds and 11 ounces at birth. On February 23, 1935, she went on to be baptized in a country church close to the farm called Eigenfeld Lutheran church. Since her youth Janice was a big fan of her uncle Dan. He would carry her all over town on Saturday night when the farmers did their marketing. Dan would…
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Paul Anderson ‘66
It is with profound sadness that the family of Paul Gene Anderson announces his passing after a prolonged illness, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 81 years old.Early Life and EducationPaul was born on August 12, 1943, in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of Theodore Grant and Florence Hackett Anderson. He spent much of his childhood in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he developed a deep appreciation for both the rugged beauty of the Upper Midwest and the values of community and learning instilled by his father, who served as the principal of John Marshall High School.…
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Allen Hansen ’92
Allen Edward Hansen, 55, of Lake City, passed away unexpectedly of complications from Congestive Heart Failure, at Hansen’s Harbor on December 28, 2024. Allen was born May 14, 1969 to Peter and Jane Hansen in Lake City. He grew up, lived, and worked his entire life at Hansen’s Harbor, getting his start by running forklifts by the age of 10. In his later years, he managed the business and did all the maintenance, boat repairs, and care. He was proud of the development of the building of the harbor store as well as many docks over the years and the…
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Jeff Sandlin ‘06
Jeffrey Nels Sandlin passed away on December 26, 2024. His heart could not overcome a recent illness after enduring many years of medical challenges. Jeff was born December 30, 1983, in Belleville, Illinois, the only son of Rev. Kenneth and Marcia (Haupt) Sandlin. He spent his early childhood in Cahokia, where he loved to watch the planes take off from the downtown St. Louis airport and to look out the patio door at the St. Louis Gateway Arch. His elementary, middle, and high school years were spent in Hillsboro, IL, where he graduated from high school in 2002. Following high…
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Lois Rueber Cordes ‘58
Lois Elaine Cordes, 85, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Waterloo. She was born on May 16, 1939, on her grandparents’ farm near Oelwein, the daughter of Arnold and Wilma (Brickman) Rueber. Lois attended Putnam #11 Country School and then attended Arlington Schools and graduated from Arlington High School. Lois then attended and graduated from Wartburg College. She began her teaching career at the Monona Elementary School where she met the love of her life, Norman Cordes, at St. Paul Lutheran Church during choir practice. On June 28, 1959,…
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John Goeman ‘61
John Goeman, age 86, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at Bethel Lutheran Home. John A. Goeman was born September 8, 1938 northeast of Madison to John “Jack” and Adelia (Fischer) Goeman. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school and high school at General Beadle School and attended college for two years at Dakota State University. Goeman also attended Wartburg College in Iowa and graduated with a First-Class Electronic Engineering Degree from Brown Institute of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He joined the staff of KJAM AM Radio as an Engineer/Announcer in 1959. He also…
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Rev. Frederick Henkelmann ‘70
Reverend Frederick W. Henkelmann, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Pigeon, died on December 25, 2024. Fred was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on June 25, 1948, to Reverend Ernst and Evelyn (Westphal) Henkelmann. At age 2, his family moved to Pigeon, Michigan where he attended Cross Lutheran School and Laker High School, graduating in 1966. Fred received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College in 1970, the same year he married Raylene Friederich on June 20th. Fred continued on to earn his Master of Divinity degree in 1974 from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, during which…
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Frieda Schmitz ‘64
Frieda Fay Schmitz, 82, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Christmas Eve Day, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Meth-Wick Woodlands in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on January 17, 1942, in Manchester, the daughter of Dr. Orville and Harriet (Holverson) Schmitz. Frieda lived in Manchester with her parents and two sisters, Sharell Ann and Mary Lee. She attended school in Manchester where she was active in marching band, concert band, cheerleading, newspaper, yearbook, and National Honor Society. While in high school, Frieda volunteered for Head Start and at the Good Neighbor Home. Frieda was the only girl in Science…
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Beverly Shreve Menk ‘56
Beverly “Bev” Ann Menk (née Shreve), age 88, of New Brighton, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on December 20, 2024. Bev was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Shreve; mother, Velma (Smith) Shreve; and grandson, Colton Menk. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Menk; her children, Jill (Barry) Froehlich, Roger Menk (Viviana Schwab), Bryce (Colette) Menk, Sara (Scott) Chartier, and John (Carrie) Menk; and grandchildren, Spencer (Alyssa) Menk, Hallie Froehlich, Britta (Jack) Reiman, Danielle and Jack Menk, Eric and Kira Chartier, Reuben and Theodore Menk, and Tyler, Rae, and Kyle Schwab; as well as six wonderful…
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Cecelia Dykstra ’21
Cecelia Elise Dykstra, 27, slipped into eternity on December 17, 2024 at home in North Aurora, Illinois. She entered this life with the sunrise on May 24, 1997 in Aurora, Illinois. Her arrival was eagerly awaited by her parents, David and Valerie Brown Dykstra, and her big sister, Victoria. Cecelia, who was affectionately known as C.C., was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois where she enjoyed working with the preschool classes at vacation Bible school. She attended Schneider Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from West Aurora High School in 2015. C.C. loved music and performing; she…
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Rev. Dean Brockmeier ‘62
Rev. Dean was born on October 11th, 1940 and passed away on December 15th, 2024 at the age of 84. On December 15th, after a life of ministering to others, the Rev. Dean C. Brockmeier passed on to his heavenly reward surrounded by his family. Born October 11th, 1940, in Holdredge NE, Dean grew up on a cattle farm but felt the call to the ministry as a teenager. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary in 1966 and soon after married Carolyn “Kari” (Strey) Brockmeier, an RN and the loving and practical hands that complemented his spiritual heart. Dean will be…
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Jan Schmidt ‘65
Jan A. Schmidt passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Manchester, Iowa. Jan was born on February 25, 1943, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, the son of Alex and Helen (Hock) Schmidt. He was confirmed at St. Sebald Church, graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1961 and went on the receive his BS from Wartburg College in 1967. Following college, Jan served in the Airforce as a Staff Sargent at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas from 1966-1970. After he returned from service, he attended the University of Illinois and earned his Master’s in Social Work. He dedicated his career…
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Paul Sly ‘62
Paul Eldon Sly passed away on December 12, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Paul was born on September 2,1940, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, to Arthur and Lois Sly. He grew up in Nauvoo, Illinois, alongside his brother, Dennis. In 1958, he graduated Valedictorian of his class from Nauvoo High School and continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. After completing two years of study, he transferred to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he was an active member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. After college, he…
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Harold Schlesinger ‘59
Harold “Hal” L. Schlesinger Obituary It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold LeRoy Schlesinger, 87, who left us on December 10, 2024, in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Hal was born July 2, 1937, in Mendota to Homer and Edith (Martin) Schmidt. Edith passed away shortly after his birth, and he was then lovingly raised by Harold and Mary Schlesinger. He graduated Mendota High School in 1955 and attended Wartburg College. Hal honorably served in the United States Army. During his travels he resided in California for a time but settled back in his…
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Keith Meyer ’64
Keith E. Meyer, 84, formerly a longtime resident of Davenport, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with family at his side. Keith Edwin Meyer was born on August 6, 1941, in Woden, Iowa, a son of Edwin Henry and Eva Ruth (Valley) Meyer. He spent his early years in Woden before the family moved to Dows, Iowa. Keith graduated from Dows High School in 1959. He graduated from Wartburg College in 1963. While working as a Social Service officer in Albia, he met and married Mary Josephine Cardenzana in 1965. They moved to Clarion, Iowa where Keith served as the Director…
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Rev. Wesley Sackmann ’53
The Rev. Wesley Lee Sackmann died peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Eliseo Health Center in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 94. Wes was born in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, on July 29, 1931, to Theodore and Marie (Walcker) Sackmann. He spent his early life in Mercer, North Dakota. In 1944, the family moved to Eureka, South Dakota, where they owned and operated a grocery store. After high school, Wes moved to Iowa to attend Wartburg College and Theological Seminary. There, he met Dorothy Stone. The pair married on August 29, 1954, and went on to have three…
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Gary Schwandt ’65
Gary D. Schwandt, 83, passed away peacefully at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by compassionate care at Avina Nursing Home and under the devoted support of hospice. Gary was born on April 14, 1942, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Everett and Virginia (Derge) Schwandt. He grew up on the family farm near Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, alongside his three brothers—Michael, Pastor Richard, and Morry—where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide his life. While in high school, Gary played baseball, football, basketball, and trumpet in band, showing…
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Delores Jaspersen Mindrup ’66
Delores Ann Mindrup, 80, of Mesa, Arizona, and formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. Delores was born on September 8, 1945, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd C. and Alma Jennie (Nelson) Jaspersen. She was raised in the Sheffield area and graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School in 1963. She continued her education at Wartburg College, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. Later in life, she followed her heart back to school, receiving her Occupational Therapy certification from the College of St. Catherine in December of 1995. On August 24, 1967,…
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Betty DePuew Miller ’60
Betty Jean Miller, age 88, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Edward Philip and Lucille Isabell (Hurd) DePuew on October 4, 1937, in Butler County, Iowa. Betty graduated from Clarksville High School in 1956 and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, for three years in elementary education. On June 21, 1958, she married Ronald W. Miller, her sweetheart for six years, at Immanuel United Church of Christ by Reverand R.J. Topp. She was able to follow her dreams of farming and milking Holstein cows for fifty-five years beside Ron. I guess “once a farmer gal, always a farmer”…
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Darlene Zummak Esmoil ’50
Darlene Eleanore Zummak Esmoil, 96 years old, of Waterloo, Iowa, and formerly of Independence, Iowa, died of natural causes, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Friendship Village Retirement Community in Waterloo. Darlene was born on September 13, 1929, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond Henry Zummak, Sr. and Bertha Hermine (Lenz) Zummak. She grew up on a farm outside of Jesup and graduated high school at the age of 16, with the Jesup High School class of 1945. Darlene continued her education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and became a secretary at the American Can Company in Waterloo.…
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Wilma Gast Johnson ’60
Wilma Lee Johnson, known to all as Willie, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on April 1, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Esther Gast where she was raised on a farm in Earlville, Illinois, as one of nine children. Willie’s journey began in a small one-room schoolhouse and continued with her graduation from Earlville High School. She furthered her education at Wartburg College and Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her degree in Physical Therapy. In 1962, she married David E Johnson and together they started…
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Carol Bergquist Hein ’58
At 12:20 AM Tuesday February 10th, 2026, we lost an angel. Carol Rae Hein of Coralville, aged 89, passed away with her family by her side. She was born in Chicago in 1936. She met her husband Herman while attending Wartburg College, married in 1958 and settled in the Iowa City area for the majority of their adult lives. She was a very devoted Wife and Mother. She was devoted to her church for which she served in many capacities and truly enjoyed volunteering her time. She received the Governor’s award for 30 years of service volunteering for Meals on…
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Rev. Myron Grams ’60
Myron, age 94 of Otsego, MN, passed away February 27, 2026. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Myrna. Myron served in the Korean war from 1952-1954 and then farmed with his dad. After marrying Florence M. Bakker, he decided to pursue ministry and became an ELCA Lutheran pastor. Myron was a pastor for the ELCA Lutheran Church for more than 32 years serving parishes in Nebraska, Colorado, and Minnesota. Myron is survived by his wife Florence; daughters Sharon (Ron) Meyer, Louann, Linda (Jim) Henderson, and Kayla; grandchildren Ian and McKenzie Henderson. All obituary information has been taken from…
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Delbert Adams ’57
Delbert Adams, 96, of Marinette, passed away at home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in the caring presence of his loved ones. He was born June 16, 1929 to Gust and Minnie Adams in Clintonville, WI where he spent his early life, graduating from Clintonville High School in 1947. Del went on to serve four years in the United States Air Force. He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1958 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and had a 33-year career working for Wisconsin Public Service. Del and his wife Betty resided in Marinette for many years and…
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William Striepe ’57
William R. Striepe, 91 of Waverly, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community. Bill was born on January 21, 1935, in Madison, Minnesota, the eldest son of William G. and Lorraine B. (Kienitz) Striepe. Bill was baptized in February of 1935 in Marrieta, Minnesota and confirmed in 1948 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Boyden, Iowa. Bill graduated from Holstein High School in 1953. He furthered his education at Wartburg College, graduating in 1957 and in 1959 he received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa. Bill was united…
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Kathie Schindel Hicok ’90
Hey all, you’re reading this because I, Kathie Schindel Hicok, born January 18, 1970, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, finally beat my battle with pancreatic cancer. It can no longer live in my body. Over the years, I spent my time as a DC-G band mom and school board member, independent travel agent, Mentor Iowa board member, Kids Campus board member, Des Moines Metro Opera volunteer, Farrell’s instructor and coach, and avid Green Bay Packers fan. I have been so very blessed with a social work career spanning 35 years, including Child Protection in Polk County, Iowa, and school social work…
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Todd Amani ’78
Todd Amani, cherished father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, colleague, and beloved soulmate of Mary Jo, passed from this life to the next on January 26th, his 71st birthday. His kindness, good humor, generosity, love of play, camaraderie, perseverance in all adversity, creativity, gentle nature, steadfastness, calm wisdom, and courage, especially in this final passage, touched so many. He faced Alzheimer’s with quiet grace. He was a natural teacher, listening closely with curiosity. Friends and family enjoyed his guitar playing, sing-alongs, chocolate chip cookies, sourdough bread, and kombucha. Todd graduated from Wartburg College (1978) and Johns Hopkins School of International Studies…
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Marilyn Hersbergen Krauss ’64
Marilyn Kay Krauss, 83, of Webster City died January 24, 2026. She was born to George and Edith (Hersbergen) Krauss on January 25, 1942. She graduated form Corwith-Wesley High School. After graduating from Wartburg College, she taught fourth grade for forty years in Webster City. She is survived by her sister Ilene (Jim), her brother Mervin (Debra), and her nephew Christopher. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Mary Gesell Schrandt ’77
Mary Schrandt, 71, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away January 23, 2026. Mary Jean Schrandt was born on April 12, 1954, to Raymond and Cleo (Rieken) Gesell. She grew up on a farm outside of Alta Vista, Iowa with her two sisters, Judy, and Sandy. Mary graduated from New Hampton High School in 1972. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science in 1977. In that timeframe, she was able to go to Germany with her mother and sister Judy to visit family for three weeks. While there, she was able to experience…
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Frederick Grawe Jr. ’71
Frederick Grawe Jr., age 77, of Waverly, Iowa, died Thursday, January 22, 2026, at New Aldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Fred was born on November 4, 1948, in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Frederick Sr. and Ruth (Burhow) Grawe. He was raised in Waverly and graduated from Waverly Shell Rock High School in 1967. He attended University of New Mexico for a year then transferred to Wartburg where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1971. In 1968, Fred was united in marriage to Cathy Berry at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly, the couple would later divorce. Fred…
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Dr. Daniel Nelson ’68
June 12, 1946 – January 22, 2026 Dr. Daniel B. Nelson was born in Urbana ,IL on June 12, 1946 as the youngest of five children to Rev. Elmer A. Nelson and Mabel Mae (Jones) Nelson in Rantoul, IL. When in high school, he and his family moved from Rantoul to Park Ridge, IL where he graduated from Maine East High School. He later attended Wartburg College, a small Lutheran school in Waverly, IA where his parents and all of his older siblings had also attended. Although his two brothers and one brother-in-law followed Elmer’s footsteps into the ministry, Dan was instead…
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Cleo Eliason ’65
Cleo Ann Eliason, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026 in Green Bay Wisconsin. She was born December 1, 1935, in Green Bay, to Edwin and Helen (Klug) Eliason. Cleo was proud to be a lifelong Lutheran. She graduated with High Honors from Green Bay East High School in 1954. She worked as a secretary at Morning Glory Dairy for 8 years, then as a Parish Secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church. She later worked at Curative Workshop. Cleo attended Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa, where she earned her Dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religion and Psychology in…
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Burdette Walters ’73
Burdette passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital. Burdette Elgin Walters was born on Saturday December 2, 1950, at 10:40 P.M. at Allen Memorial Hospital, Black Hawk Co. Waterloo, Iowa, the only son of Mary (Maria Kaiser) and Eilert Walters Jr. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith December 28, 1950, at the home of his parents, 2 ½ miles South of Buck Grove, as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, with his parents as sponsors, and he was held during the ceremony by his maternal grandmother, Bertha Christine (Olthoff) Kaiser. Burdette was…
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Betty Waltmann Bergman ’61
Betty Lou Bergman, 86, of rural Hudson, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. She was born October 4, 1939, in Hudson, daughter of Leo and Alma (Engel) Waltmann. Betty graduated from Hudson High School in 1957, then earned her B.A. in Home Economics from Wartburg College followed by a Master’s Degree in Library Science from UNI. She married Ernest W. Simon on June 4, 1960, at Zion Lutheran in Hudson. He passed away in November 1966. Betty married Harley Bergman on December 21, 1968, at Zion Lutheran Church in Waterloo. He preceded her in death in November…