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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Cheryl Sorensen Matthias ‘65
Cheryl Anne Matthias, age 81, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024. Born on June 23, 1943, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Soren and Vermilia Sorensen, Cheryl lived a life dedicated to education, counseling, and her family. Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Robert Matthias; her children, Tanya (Ed Kennedy) Matthias and Brock (Nicole) Matthias; her grandchildren Owen, Kira, Soren, and Brody and her sister, Beverly Sorensen. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her warm smile, infectious laugh and compassionate nature. A lifelong learner and educator, Cheryl graduated from Wartburg College in Iowa with a…
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Susan SmolikHagen ‘93
Susan Mae Smolik was born in Osage, Iowa in October of 1970. Her dad was working in the field when her mom went into labor, so her mom had to fetch him. He rushed her to the hospital and then went down the street to his brother’s to wash up. He came back 15 minutes later and the nurse handed him his daughter as he walked in. He told her she couldn’t be his, but she assured him that she indeed was. Suz was in a hurry to begin making her mark on the world! She began that mark-making in…
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Rev. Charles Layton ‘81
Charles Vern Layton September 30, 1958 — July 7, 2024 Rev. Charles Vern Layton (65) of Cedar Rapids. Christ called on St. Peter three times to feed his sheep before Peter got the message. With a BA from Wartburg College, Chuck Layton first planned to teach singing with his clear, strong voice. He loved singing but not teaching. Next, he thought to survive by his hobbies of fixing old vacuums and refurbishing old fountain pens – wishful thinking. Finally, he heard his true calling. He received his Master of Divinity at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and in 1987…
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Dr. Merwin Dieckmann ’50
Merwin Richard Dieckmann, MD, 95, of Macon, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024. Merwin was born November 30, 1928 in Clarksville, Iowa to the late Louis F. and Esther Clara Nordmeyer Dieckmann. The family later moved to Waterloo in 1941. Merwin graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1946. At the age of 17, his world changed forever when he met Betty Jane Baker during a youth play at Trinity Lutheran Church titled “Things Do Happen.” And, so it did… Merwin enrolled at Wartburg College after graduation, but transferred after one year to Iowa State…
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Jennifer Greenley Downing ‘74
Jennifer A. Downing (nee Greenley), 72, of Mount Laurel, NJ, passed away on July 2, 2024 surrounded by her family at Virtua Hospital in Marlton, NJ.Jen was born on April 13, 1952 in Des Moines, Iowa to parents Jack & Ethelmae (nee Johnson) Greenley. After Jen graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1970, she continued her education and earned her undergraduate degree in social work at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She eventually went on to earn her Master of Social Work at Ohio State University.While at Wartburg College, she met the love of her life, Brian. They were married…
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Barbara Gollnick Henkel ‘59
Barbara M. Henkel, age 86, of Hawthorn Woods, IL, passed away on June 29, 2024. Barbara was born on Sept 3, 1937 to Howard and Mabel Gollnick in Cedarburg, WI. In 1955 Barbara graduated from Cedarburg High School and went on to study Art and Music Education at Wartburg College. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1959 with a BS in Art Education. She furthered her educational years later with an MA in Education from Illinois University. Her teaching career began in Crystal Lake, IL. She would later teach Art for 23 years at MacArthur Junior High School…
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Ruth Clark Schaff ‘56
Ruth Schaff, September 27, 1934 – June 25, 2024. Ruth Schaff (nee Clark), beloved woman of faith, age 89 of Omaha, Nebraska, went home to be with the Lord, on June 25, 2024. Born in Peoria, IL in 1934, Ruth was a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where she earned a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. She was married to Robert Schaff, a dedicated Lutheran pastor who served congregations in Cook, NE, Gothenburg, NE, and finally at the Lutheran Church of the Master in Omaha, NE. She devoted her life to caring for her family and cherished moments…
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Glenyce Schneider Scherer ‘56
Glenyce M. Scherer (nee Schneider) died June 24, 2024, in Chanhassen, MN. Glenyce was born January 7, 1936, to Paul and Lydia Schneider of Waterloo, IA. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, after which her adventurous spirit drew her to California to teach. On January 1, 1959, she married David Scherer and together they built a life of service for the Lord. Their adventures included teaching in private Christian schools prior to accepting a call to the mission field of Papua New Guinea. After a six-year term they returned to the United States where Glenyce resumed teaching in elementary…
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Kay Johannsen Armstrong ‘61
Kay Ann Armstrong (nee Johannsen), 84, of Meramec Bluffs Assisted Living in Ballwin, Missouri died Saturday, June 22, 2024. She was born in Clinton, Iowa and spent her youth in the farming community of Welton, Iowa where she graduated class valedictorian from Welton High School in 1957. Kay spent two years at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa before transferring to Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where she completed her teaching degree. On May 5, 1962 she married Paul Armstrong, whom she met through a mutual friend. Together they shared 62 incredible years and raised three sons, David, Neal, and…
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Larry Ray ‘67
Larry Dean Ray, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville, Iowa. Larry Dean Ray was born on October 10th, 1944, at John McDonald Hospital, in Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Robert and Nellie (Nagle) Ray. He graduated from Monticello Community Schools in 1963. Larry served proudly in the United States Army for three years, with two tours in Germany. He attended Wartburg College, and then finished his last year at Mt. Mercy College where he achieved his business degree. Larry worked two years at…
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Rev. Myrin Bentz ‘57
Rev. Myrin Bentz passed away on June 19, 2024 in The Dalles, Oregon. Myrin was born November 10, 1935 and was 88 at the time of his passing. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Dale Hinrichs ‘69
Darrel Walter Hinrichs, 77, of Blair WI, and formerly of Waverly, IA died Thursday, June 13 at his home. Darrel was born December 2, 1946 in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Walter and Margaret (Wedemeier) Hinrichs. He grew up on the family farm and attended high school in Tripoli where he was an accomplished athlete. He graduated in 1965 and then attended Wartburg College. Darrel married Sheila Connell in 1966, and together they had 4 children Shannon, Ryan, Suzanne and Amanda. He farmed and worked for publishing companies in Waverly and Fort Dodge, Iowa, Minneapolis, and Winona, Minnesota. Darrel married…
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Brian Stewart ‘54
Brian MacDonald Stewart joined the angels on June 7, 2024. He passed due to natural causes. Brian was born in Charles City, July 26,1932 to Pauline Artz Stewart and Earl Stewart. Brian is survived by his sister, Diane Stewart Ryan of Rochester, Minnesota; his nephew Chris (Gerry) Casper of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his daughter Kari (Cliff) Finley of Santa Paula, California; his son Scott Stewart of San Diego, California; as well as seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Brian. Upon graduation from Charles City High School, Brian attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Soon afterwards,…
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John Seegers ‘71
John E. Seegers, 75, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. John was born December 22, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Mervin John and Eldora Rose (Lobeck) Seegers. He graduated from Linn-Mar High School and obtained a business degree from Wartburg College. After working at Anchor Frame & Axle with his father, he opened Seegers Truck and Trailer Repair, also with his father, in 1982. On May 2, 1987, John married Constance “Connie” Marie Hoyle. John was a great lover of animals, and…
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Kent Cuvelier ‘69
Kent Alton Cuvelier, 80, of New Hartford, Iowa, passed away Friday night, May 31, 2024, at home with his family lovingly at his side. Kent was born July 17, 1943, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Jean Elaine (Elliott) and Iven Earl Cuvelier. Following his graduation from New Hartford High School in 1961, Kent attended Ellsworth Junior College, Wartburg College and the University of Northern Iowa, earning his BA and Teacher’s Degree. On April 7, 1962, Kent was united in marriage to Linda Marie Venenga at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Kent’s career began teaching P.E. and Social…
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Nona Beemer Stella ‘67
NONA M. STELLA (nee Beemer) age 79, beloved wife for 56 years of Phil; loving mother of Peter (wife Rossana) and Andrew (wife Laura); devoted grandmother of Gabriella, Luciano, Zola and Frances; cherished daughter of the late Robert “Duck” and Helen (nee Randa) Beemer; sister-in-law of Michael and Mary Jane Stella. Preceded in death by her canine companions Muggsy, Sox and Sunny. Nona was born March 24, 1945 in Springfield, Illinois. Upon graduating from Springfield High School in 1963, she continued her education by earning her degree from Wartburg College in 1967. Her employment journey started in Danville, Illinois as…
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Janice Goeman Larsen ‘55
Janice Larsen (nee Goeman), passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024 in St. Louis, MO. She was born in Madison, South Dakota to (Adelia and John). Janice was a devoted wife, mother, and Oma. She was preceded in death by Wally, her husband of 66 years. She is survived by her son Scott (Heidi) Larsen and daughter Julie (Charlie) Elking, was a beloved Oma to Sidney (Mamadou), Thomas, Emily (Kevin),+ Sister Madeleine, and Chad. Janice was known for her love of Iowa State basketball and football and was Homecoming Queen in 1953 at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Janice earned…
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Judith Weiss Miller ‘67
Judith Ann Miller, age 79, of Woodville, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, Ohio. She was born on Feb. 17, 1945, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Robert and Hilda (Fischer) Weiss. Judith would later graduate from Isaac C. Elston High School in 1963 and the Wartburg College in 1967. On June 10, 1972, Judith married Herbert Miller at the Solomon Lutheran Church in Woodville, Ohio. They raised one son and celebrated more than 42 years of marriage, before Herbert’s passing in 2015. Judith was a teacher, first starting in Indiana, then moved and taught at Solomon…
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Elaine Hillmann Wilcke ‘51
We mourn the passing of Elaine Marie Wilcke, 94, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake, on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Elaine was born at Grinnell, Iowa on September 28, 1929, daughter of Elmer and Tena Pals Hillmann. On August 15, 1951, she married Ernest W. Wilcke, son of Detlef and Lulu Clausen Wilcke. To this union, one son, Victor Wendell Wilcke, was born.Elaine was a favorite soloist in the churches, organizations and schools of the Grinnell community from age 3 to her graduation from Grinnell High School in 1947. Quote from her high school annual – “Honesty and sincerity are…
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James VanDriel ‘63
James L. VanDriel, age 82, of Eden Prairie, passed from this Earthly life to begin his life in heaven, on May 19, 2024. Family was with him. He passed peacefully while dreaming. Preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Ester VanDriel; brother, Gene VanDriel; and wife, Barbara VanDriel. He will be forever loved and missed by his brother, David (Kate) VanDriel; stepchildren, Debbie Pierce (Bruce Olson), Jeff Pierce (Kathy), Tim Pierce, Mark Pierce (Barb); daughter, Libby Tomes (Dan); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; along with many relatives, dear friends, and special neighbors. Jim lived a full life. Born on Dec 26, 1941,…
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Carol Wessels Bye Koeneman ‘66
Carol Ann Wessels Bye Koeneman, age 80, passed away peacefully August 27, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. She was born January 7, 1944 in Independence, Iowa to Verna (Peck) and William Wessels. She was raised in Independence surrounded by her brothers and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Growing up, Carol enjoyed playing the piano, singing, swimming, lifeguarding, and fishing with her dad. Carol graduated from Wartburg College in 1966 with a degree in education. Music was a large part of her college experience, singing in the choir and playing in the band. She proudly earned the title of Miss Waverly and…
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Rev. Jan Horne ‘63
Pastor Jan Horne, 88, of Robins, IA passed on into the presence of our Savior Monday August 26, 2024. One of three children, Jan was born in Oslo, Norway on February 5th 1936, to parents, Arthur and Solveig Horne. As a child, Jan survived the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War 2. Because of the severity of the conditions at the time, Jan, along with his two older brothers, was sent to live in an orphanage. He was soon adopted by his paternal aunt and uncle, Karl and Herborg Steen, and grew up in their home in Kristiansand. He…
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Alberta Brandt Pieper ‘56
Alberta “Boots” Pieper, age 89, of Clara City, Minnesota passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at Clara City Care Center. Alberta Leona Pieper was born February 1, 1935 to Albert and Minnie (Hesse) Brandt in Denver, Iowa. She grew up in Denver and was baptized on March 3, 1935 and confirmed on April 13, 1949 both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Denver. Alberta attended school in Denver and graduated from high school in 1952. She furthered her education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor’s of Music, receiving her Church Music Degree. Alberta started…
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Leona Mortensen Reyelts ‘54
Leona Lena Reyelts March 1, 1932 – August 26, 2024 On the evening of August 26th, God sent a strong wind to raise up the soul of one of His true and faithful servants. Rainbows and lightening decorated the skies as Leona Reyelts, aged 92, died peacefully of natural causes to join her husband, Rev. Lawrence Reyelts and granddaughter Thalea in Heaven’s embrace. Born in 1932 on a farm near LeMars, IA, Leona married Larry at 19 and together served Lutheran churches, first in California, then throughout western Canada. They returned to the US in 1972 and settled in SE…
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Richard Larson ‘57
Richard Jeffrey Larson, age 89, died on August 25, 2024, from a fall at his home in Prestbury. He was born February 27, 1935, to Jeffrey and Malene Larson in Earlville, Illinois. He was raised in the Earlville area, attended a one room grade school for seven years, and graduated from the Earlville grade and high schools. He attended Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1957. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1960. During his last year in law school, Dick joined the Illinois Air…
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Kristine Karls Lambert ‘71
Kristine Wendy Lambert December 5, 1948 – August 24, 2024 Kristine Wendy (Karls) Lambert, age 75, of Schaumburg. Beloved wife of the late Julian Raymond Lambert. Beloved daughter of the late Alice Lillian (Erickson) Karls and Robert Matthew Karls. Loving mother of John P. Lambert and Julie A. (Kirk) Dahlen. Dearest grandmother of Emma Dahlen. Dear sister of Karen (Edward) Bonkowski. Beloved aunt of a niece and several nephews. All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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Richard Tillou ‘51
Richard D. Tillou, 95, formerly of Mason City passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Cascade Creek Memory Care, Rochester, MN. Richard Tillou was born on August 30, 1928, in Richland Center, WI to parents John and Audrey (Thompson) Tillou. Richard graduated from Richland Center High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Wartburg College while being a four-year letterman on the baseball team. He then obtained his master’s degree from Colorado State University. On August 8, 1951, Richard was united in marriage to Carol Lehmann in Rock Rapids, IA. In July of 1952, Richard…
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Paul Beckman ‘54
Paul Lester Beckman, 92, of West Burlington, died Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at his home. Born June 14, 1932, in Prairie Grove, he was the son of Lester and Esther (Flachman) Beckman. He attended Flint River School and was a 1950 graduate of Danville High School and a graduate of Wartburg College. He served as a Corporal in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Lois Taeger on June 10, 1956, at Prairie Grove Church, she passed away March 13, 2022. Paul worked as an electrician for BNSF Railroad and was a life long farmer. He served for on…
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Kathryn Fritschel Gerard ‘58
Kathryn Annette Fritschel Gerard, August 3, 1936 – August 15, 2024. Kathryn (Kay) Annette Gerard, née Fritschel, 88 of Sugar Land, Texas, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 15th surrounded by her family. Kay was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, the second child of Reverend Walter and Nina Fritschel, and grew up in Charles City, Iowa. After graduating from high school as co-salutatorian, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa earning a bachelor’s degree in history in 1958. In 1964, she earned a master’s degree in European history from the University of Colorado Boulder. Kay was part of the…
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Loretta Schmitt Blain ’56
Loretta “Lorrie” Irene Blain, age 88, passed away in her home in Costa Mesa, CA on August 14, 2024. Born on June 29, 1936, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Bertha and Jacob Schmitt, Lorrie lived a life full of love, devotion, and service. Growing up on a farm in Wishek, ND, Lorrie moved to Waverly, Iowa to attend Wartburg College. After receiving her AA in Parish Work in 1956, she lived for a time in Omaha, NE, but later moved to Northern California where she met her future husband, James “Jim” Blain. California joyfully became her permanent home. In 1959, Lorrie and…
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Roger Swanson ’52
Roger D. Swanson was born February 6, 1931, in Manchester, Iowa, to Anton V. and Elsie (Reck) Swanson. He died on August 13, 2024, at the Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa. Roger attended grade school at Rural Hazel Green Township in Delaware County, Iowa and graduated from Buck Creek Consolidated High School in Hopkinton, Iowa. He graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with degrees in math and English, received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and his Elementary Counseling Endorsement from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He served in the U.S Army Signal Corp…
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Dr. Emilie Noel Zehr ‘73
Emilie S. Zehr, 73 a resident of Bondurant, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday August 1, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing, following a courageous battle with cancer. Emilie Susanna Noel was born January 22, 1951 in Clinton, IA; the eldest of LaVern Martin and Elsbeth Emma (Schmahl) Noel. She graduated from North Scott High School in Eldridge, Iowa and Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She went on to earn a Masters of Arts degree in Microbiology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois and the Ph.D.…
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Harold Heeren ‘64
Harold Henry Heeren, 82, of Caledonia, died peacefully Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. He was born June 27, 1942, in Milford, IL. He was the son of Elmer and Marie (Kietzman) Heeren. Harold attended Wartburg College and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964. He married Judith Allen on December 20, 1963. Harold worked as an engineer for Barber-Colman for over 30 years before starting a new company, Instrucon, with his partner, George Prentice. Harold was a charter…
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Harold Rindels ‘71
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Rindels on July 31st, 2024 in Solon, Ohio. Harold (Hal/Butch) was born February 20th, 1949 in Grundy Center, Iowa. Hal taught Math upon graduation from Wartburg College prior to a long and successful career in the insurance industry. He enjoyed the music of the Grateful Dead, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and loved golfing and playing billiards with Patty and friends. Most of all, Hal will be remembered as a dedicated husband, proud and loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his sister Caroline; his daughter Allison L. (Jay…
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Racheal Gangestad Davis ‘59
L. Racheal Gangestad Amelung Davis, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa. Racheal was born August 24, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Leon and Ruth (Dawes) Gangestad. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode, Iowa, and graduated from Bode Consolidated Schools with honors. Racheal then graduated with an English degree from Wartburg College in 1959 and spent 14 years teaching Junior High Language Arts in Mason City and Iowa City, Iowa. She then earned her…
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Gary “Gari” Green ‘71
Gary “Gari” Green of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the age of 74. Gari was born on October 1, 1949, in Pontiac, IL, the eldest child of Harry and Louise (Reese) Green. After graduating from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School in 1967, Gari attended Wartburg College and went on to work at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL, before being called to the priesthood. Gari attended Nashotah House Seminary from 1983 -1986. After graduation, Gari served four congregations in Rice Lake, Ladysmith, Greendale, and Kenosha, WI. In 1968, Gari met Kate (Thompson) at Wartburg College in Waverly,…
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Robert Cummings ‘75
On July 16, 2024, Robert “Bob” Glen Cummings, 71, passed away suddenly at his home in North Pole. Born on July 31, 1952, in East Chicago, Indiana, Bob lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by family, friends and meaningful work. With family roots in Kentucky, Robert’s parents Joe and Emma chose to raise him in Whiting, Indiana, where he graduated from Clark High School in 1970. In 1973 Bob was a student at Wartburg College in Iowa and he decided to pursue an internship in Fairbanks, Alaska. Although the internship did not work out, Fairbanks sure did. He found work…
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Ruth Wetherell Swanson ‘52
Ruth Ellen Swanson was born February 26, 1930, in Shumway, Illinois and died on July 12, 2024, in Monona, Iowa. She was born to Seth and Alma (Laue) Wetherell and baptized at Trinity Lutheran. Ruth attended school in Shumway, Illinois and graduated from Beecher City High School in Beecher City, Illinois. She graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a degree in home economics and physical education. She taught in Waukon, Iowa and also was a substitute teacher in Monona, Iowa for several years. Ruth was married to Roger Swanson on August 22, 1954 in Shumway, Illinois. The family…
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Dorlin Moeller ‘58
Dorlin James “DJ” Moeller age 87 of Fairbank passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Dorlin was born January 14, 1937 in rural Bremer county the son of Herman and Lydia (Matthias) Moeller. He grew up on the family farm in rural Fairbank, he attended and graduated from the Oran School. After high school he received his Bachelors Degree in Education at Wartburg College in Waverly. Dorlin began his teaching career in the Allison-Bristow School district and then the Wapsie Valley Community School district, retiring in 1997, altogether he taught mathematics for a…
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Cheryl Sorensen Matthias ‘65
Cheryl Anne Matthias, age 81, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024. Born on June 23, 1943, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Soren and Vermilia Sorensen, Cheryl lived a life dedicated to education, counseling, and her family. Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Robert Matthias; her children, Tanya (Ed Kennedy) Matthias and Brock (Nicole) Matthias; her grandchildren Owen, Kira, Soren, and Brody and her sister, Beverly Sorensen. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her warm smile, infectious laugh and compassionate nature. A lifelong learner and educator, Cheryl graduated from Wartburg College in Iowa with a…