Class Notes
1930’s
Ernest Gerike ’36 was ordained on June 25, 1944. Since his June 25, 1985 retirement, he has had the privilege of preaching in six different states and 69 congregations.
Robert William Miller (Acad. ’37) and his wife, Marlys, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on May 2, 2008. The Millers are residents of Hazel Ridge, where they are members of the Ridgetones, the resident choir, and involved in many other activities. Robert has been resident president for five years.
1940’s
Allen Nauss ’42 has been married to his wife since 1958. They have four children; Ellen, Ruth, John and Vikki.
Norman Clark (Acad. ’47) was married to Marianne on Sept. 3, 1949. They have three sons and one daughter.
Rev. Henry Friedrich ’48 is keeping busy as a visitation pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa. He also is serving as an interim pastor at Zion Lutheran in LaVerne, Iowa and Immanuel Lutheran in Livermore, Iowa.
1950’s
Donley Hesse ’52 married Lois Hesse on June 18, 1960. Donley was ordained July 14, 1957 at Blue Hill, Neb. He earned his B.A. degree from Seminary, St. Louis, in 1954.
Robert Holtz ’52 received a Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Concordia Nebraska on May 10, 2008. He also works part time at Wargo Nature Center in Anoka County.
Frederick Koehler ’52 and his wife, Gloria, will celebrate 50 years of marriage on November 8, 2008.
Edward Meyer ’52 married Melba Dufelmeier ’52 on August 20, 1955 and they have three children; Timothy, Thomas, and Tamara. Edward graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1957 and was ordained July 14, 1957. He then served as a fire department chaplain for 25 years, chairman on the board of directors for Camp Linn Haven, at various churches in Indiana, North Carolina, and Minnesota. He has also been a guest speaker on The Lutheran Hour and was recognized as an International Pastoral Advisor for LLL. Melba received her B.A. degree in elementary education from Concordia University, Chicago.
Darlene (Roemhildt) Owens ’52 will be celebrating 50 years of marriage to Rob Owen. They have four children; Carole (49), Kathy (48), Doug (47), and Karen (46). They have five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Arlene (Birr) Bergemann ’53 and her husband, Hilbert, celebrated 54 years of blessed marriage on June 27. Their four daughters and 11 grandchildren celebrated with them. Arlene and Hilbert reside in Good Thunder, Minn.
Darlene (Penk) Bertke ’53 is celebrating the birth of her first grandchild, Jon Hudson Maxwell, born November 19, 2007 in Jackson, Miss.
Condolences to the family of Gary Galchutt ’53 for the death of his wife Adeline M. (Wagner) Galchutt ’67, who went to her eternal home on March 18, 2008 at the age of 64. Memorials preferred to Prince of Peace Lutheran School in Spring Lake Park or the church workers fund at Concordia University, St. Paul.
Paul Bittner ’54 been a part of Concordia Mission Society for 15 years and traveled to Latvia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.
Eugene Ludwig ’54 helps establish support groups for grandparents and other relatives raising children again in Yamhill County.
Bernhard Lutz ’54 served as Midwest regional representative for People of the Book Lutheran Outreach in 2004. He will be serving as pastor for ELCS Seminary in Sudan, Africa this summer.
Sheldon Matthees ’54 is married to Emily Louise Matthees and is the father of Shana Leah (Matthees) Wenger ’91.
Mertice (Spaude) Brueske ’55 married on August 27, 1961. She is blessed with three children; Patrick, Elizabeth, and Jeffery.
Herman Hannemann ’55 married Carole Frinke on September 3, 1960. They have four children; Andrew, Alan, Amy and Anthony. Alan and Anthony attended Concordia University, St. Paul. Herman serves as the Hutchinson representative on the Pioneerland Library System Board.
Donald Manz (Acad. ’55) has seven grandchildren and is expecting his first great-grandchild this summer.
Iris (St. Martin) Hackbarth ’56 and Lloyd Hackbarth ’56 will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary on August 21, 2008.
They have three children and seven grandchildren. Iris retired from teaching in 2004. Lloyd received the Citizen of the Year Award in Maryville and Wentzville, Mo. Lloyd has been involved in volunteer activities and has delivered meals every Thursday for 35 years. They reside in Wentzville, Mo.
Ruth (Schoessow) Leininger ’56 is one of the 1000-member concert band of The Villages, Fla. which appeared on “Live with Regis and Kelly” on April 29, 2008 as a part of Senior Week. Ruth plays bassoon and remembers her time at Concordia playing under the direction of Harold Otte, Paul Manz, and Bill Niebuhr. Ruth and her Husband John are retired and reside in The Villiages, Fla.
William Lewis ’56 and wife Joyce will celebrate 50 years of marriage August 18, 2008. They have six children and 20 grandchildren.
Arlene (Syrjala) Tarvainen ’56 and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 2007.
Alden Wildfeuer ’56 has six children, 19 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Evonne (Stender) Bode ’57 has four
children; Tim, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Steven. She has seven grandchildren.
Sergei Koberg ’57 retired from the ministry on June 29, 2008 after 45 years as pastor at
St. Philip Lutheran.
Muriel (Goetsh) Niss ’57 is married to Richard, Valparaiso graduate. They have four children and nine grandchildren. She has been teaching 1st grade since 1978. Prior to that, she taught 4th, 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th. She also developed a library/resource center in 1970. She does a seminar “How to get your child ready for school.” In 1999, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Early Childhood Northern Ill., LCMS District. She was recently honored for her 40 years of teaching. Muriel manages a program funded by her church, Compassion in Action, which helps those who experience financial difficulty.
Kathryn (Maag) Brusewitz ’58 married on June 19, 1960. She has three children; Rick, Konnie Kay, and Jason and five grandchildren; Megan, Andrew, Krista, Bradley and newest as of March 10, 2008 Brinley Sharon. She retired in April 2003 after serving 13 years as office administrator at St. Paul Bonduel. She is also a cancer survivor and a Faithful Volunteer Award winner.
Myrna (Brandmire) Hurttgam ’58 has been married to her husband Gordon for 48 years. They have four children; Debra, Michael, Joel and Beth. They have 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Carol (Walz) Hutter ’58 will celebrate her 45th wedding anniversary this August.
David Schlade (Acad. ’58) married Janice Yunker on August 7, 1965. David served six years in the U.S. Navy. After serving, David had a 30 year career with General Motors.
Lawrence Stolz ’58 has been married for 48 years and has two children.
Barbara (Cords) Weber ’58 has two sons; Dean and Dennis.
Stanley Bahn ’59 married Alice Rakow ’60 on August 10, 1963 and they have three children. They have twin sons; Daryn and Daryl, who are both ordained pastors and a daughter, Angela, who is employed at Harley Davidson as a business performance analyst in rider services. Stanley was ordained in June 1965 and has served at various churches including Grace in River Forest, Ill.; Good Shepherd in Glendale Heights, Ill.; Shepherd of the Hills in Greenville, Wis.; Peace Lutheran in Park Falls, Wis.; and is currently serving part-time at Trinity in Glidden, Wis. Stanley and Alice have been blessed to travel to the Holy Land, Ireland, England, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hawaii. They have special interests in playing church music and directing the junior and senior choirs.
Maurice Goldhammer ’59 and Susan will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on November 3, 2008 as well as the blessings of four children and seven grandsons. The couple recently returned from a two week trip to China where they served with fellow missionary colleagues and friends. Maurice has served at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church as an interim assistant to the senior pastor during the last four years of his retirement. Maurice was also inducted into the Concordia University, St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.
Gerhard Michael ’59 and his wife are excited to announce the newest blessing to their family, granddaughter Caroline Ruth, who was born on February 16, 2008. Caroline is the 4th child of Gregory and Kelly Michael and the 15th grandchild. Gerhard continues to serve on the LCMS’ Commission in Theology and Church Relations, Pastor Committee, and the Garana Foundation Board.
1960’s
Alice (Rakow) Bahn ’60 married Stanley Bahn ’59 on August 10, 1963 and has three children. They have twin sons; Daryn and Daryl, who are both ordained pastors and a daughter, Angela, who is employed at Harley Davidson as a business performance analyst in rider services. Alice taught 1st through 3rd grades in Lutheran schools for six years. She also took nurse aide training education and then worked as an activity aide in a nursing home for eight years. Stanley and Alice have been blessed to travel to the Holy Land, Ireland, England, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hawaii. They have special interests in playing church music and directing the junior and senior choirs.
Ronald Braatz ’60 has one daughter and two grandchildren. He will celebrate 45 years of marriage with his wife this year.
Vivian (Tonn) Schuneman ’60 and her husband, Harlan, will celebrate their 45th anniversary in 2008. They have four children; Rebecca, Debra, Rachel and David. Vivian retired in 2000 and enjoys traveling, attending senior college at Alexandria Technical College, and supervising the Carols Seniors monthly activities.
Ruff (Michael) Elaine ’61 retired from teaching preschool in 2004. The last school she taught at was St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Kingsville, Minn.
Daniel Heinert ’61 has been married to his wife for 45 years they have three sons and five grandchildren.
Janice (Maruski) Janssen ’61 and her husband have been married for 43 years. They have three children; Tod (41), Trent (36), and April (31).
Karen (Plautz) Jauch’s (’61) son Paul and spouse Vickie blessed her and her husband with two wonderful granddaughters adopted from Guatemala. Karen also traveled to Guatemala City in September of 2006 with Paul, Vickie and daughter Maria, also adopted from Guatemala in 2003.
Rev. Lynn Podoll ’61 and his wife Karla celebrated 40 years of marriage with a trip to Germany.
Merkel (Herman) Rosemary ’61 and Leroy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 4, 2007. Her granddaughter, Christy Merkel, will be a CSP student in the fall.
Olivia (Callender) Degeest’s (’62) first daughter, Jackie got married in Alaska in July 2006. She is now vice president of IPS Worldwide.
Dennis Schultz ’62 retired from St. Paul Lutheran as pastor June 30, 2008.
Carol (Schultze) Tolzin ’62 has two sons, one daughter-in-law and one grandson.
Arden Walz ’62 married Lorel S. Peyer on October 6, 2007.
Judith (Severance) Grotelveschen ’64 works part time for Indiana District LCMS as congregational/service assistant early childhood consultant. She retired in 1995 after 23 years of teaching.
Robert Hathaway ’64 was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award in 2006 at Century Community College.
Mathilda (Hinkelman) Hemme ’64 and her husband have four grown children and five grandchildren. Mathilda is currently employed as a technical accountant at Seattle Pacific University.
Ronald Lepere ’65 married Charlotte Ludwig June 8, 1969. They have four children; Ruth Mower, Judith, Jonathan and David. They are also blessed to have five grandchildren.
Phyllis (Foreman) Otto ’65 has four children and seven grandchildren.
Robert Tasler ’65 remarried to Carole Meek in 1986. He has two sons; Brian and Chuck.
Delores (Ulrich) Kading ’66 and her husband Marv retired in May 2006. They love retirement. All three of their children graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul; Melanie ’93, Brian ’94 and Angela ’98.
Diane (Person) Kittleson’s (’66) son is the principal of Williston High School.
Howard Krienke ’66 is a retired Col. of U.S. Army Reserves after serving 30 years as a chaplain. Howard is also a chaplain for the Hopkins Police Department.
Marcella (Just) Ludwig ’66 has one grandson, Tyler Ludwig, born on November 14, 2003. She has two children; Kristine and Scott. Marcella taught school for 40 years and retired in spring 2006.
Linda (Baule) Krienke ’67 is celebrating 25 years of teaching in the Lutheran school system.
Verda (Pamperin) Pape ’67 has two daughters; Elizabeth Harwood and Celeste Pape. Verda also has one granddaughter, Kylie Elyse Harwood, born January 29, 2008.
Charles Lopez ’68 finished his certificate at Loyola Marymount University. Charles also completed his 3rd unit of clinical pastoral education at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Mary (Patten) Marth ’68 has been married for 38 years. She has three children and seven grandchildren.
Maryanne (Drewlow) Murdoff ’68 received a M.S. degree in Special Education from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in May 2000. She is the special education coordinator at the Circle of Nations Native American boarding school in Wahpeton, ND.
Marian (Krueger) Neels ’68 and her husband celebrated 40 years of marriage on June 9, 2008.
Carol (Nienow) Radl ’68 has been enjoying her retirement since 2002. After 33 years of teaching, Carol now spends her days traveling and substitute teaching on occasion. She is the mother of two; Josh and Jami, and the grandmother of two; Hannah and Micah.
Sarah (Roth) Behring’s (’69) husband, Rev. Dr. Mark, has been serving as pulpit supply at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Cleveland, Texas for three Sundays each month.
Dick Cottrell ’69 is working on a HRIS textbook. Ten chapters are complete and four more are expected to be complete for submission to the publisher by summer 2008.
Richard Pape ’69 is the new grandparent of Jackson Richard Thomas Tucker.
Judith (Krenz) Soo ’69 and her husband celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Their daughter, Michelle, graduated from Meredith College on December 15, 2007. Michelle is a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. Judith retired from teaching in June 2007.
1970’s
Linda (Neal) Husfeld’s (’70) son Richard graduated from Concordia Austin with a B.S. degree and her daughter Rachel graduated from Valparaiso University with a B.S. and from Texas A&M with a M.S. in Engineering.
Rebecca (Lampela) Landrie’s (’70) son Chad received his Ph.D. from UIC. He is a lecturer at UIC and teaches chemistry. Her other son Jeremy married Anna Schaafsma on October 7, 2006.
Gloria (Kuhlmann) Spiegel ’70 and husband, Duane, took a two week bus tour through Utah, Nevada, and California last summer. They visited six national parks and many other places like Lake Tahoe and Utah’s Kennecott’s Copper Mines. Gloria and Duane Spiegel have four grandchildren; Jada, Collin, Ethan, and Titus.
Loween (Aadland) Sturm ’70 retired from teaching in 2001 and has kept herself busy as a church secretary and organist for Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minn. She is also a full-time organist at her home church, Faith Community Lutheran Church in Zimmerman, Minn. She is active in the LWML (president), as a grandmother, and is a proud Red Hat Lady.
Bonnie (Honebrink) Stoeckman ’71 has provided foster care for 35 years including 125 county placements and 225 crisis nursery placements. Bonnie has been a mentor for 10 years.
Paul Labbus ’72 married Jean on December 30, 1972. They have two children; Joshua and Sarah. Paul celebrated 35 years of teaching in Lutheran schools in September 2007.
LeRoy Wilke ’72 is retired and serves on the board of directors and as secretary/treasurer for KINDLE, on the board of directors for Lutheran Blind Mission, and on the board of regents at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He is the deputy director for Wittenberg English Ministry 2006-2007 and adjunct faculty for Concordia University, St. Paul. He is involved in other activities with his congregation at LCMS International Center. He has traveled to China and Turkey.
Juliann (Gust) Baxter ’74 has two children who have graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul; Jameson Baxter ’08 and Kathryn Baxter ’05.
Sharon (Bock) Corso ’74 married her husband, Keith, on November 27, 1982. They have three children; Tony, Christy, and Nicky.
Phyllis (Bettermann) Brannan ’74 is secretary and treasurer for The Kings Outreach Organization.
Miriam (Schedler) Hilk ’74 has three daughters; CSP senior Melissa Hilk, Emily who graduated from Bethel and is now teaching in Maple Grove, and Jessica who is attending Augsburg.
Denise (Wearda) Hogan ’74 married Tyson Kinnick. They now have three children; Traci, Brian, Brent.
Valerie (Isaak) Sayler ’75 was on the executive board of the Women of ELCA for three years where she attended many conventions across the country. She is also active as a lay minister, teaches confirmation and is currently acting as president of the church council.
Mike Dagel ’76 married Lora Lepisto June 9, 1979. They have three children; Micah, Sarah, Noah. Michael has served on various boards including Foley Are C.A.R.E-chairman of the board, Foley School Crisis Team 1987-present, Foley DACCS Co.
1999-present, Rum River Chapter Thrivent Financial- vice president of the board.
Yvonne (Lemke) Wittrock ’76 and Arlen celebrated 25 years of marriage.
Edwin Doepel ’77 married Ruth (Ritcher) Doepel ’77. They just celebrated 30 years of marriage. They have three children; Edwin (29), Adam (26), and Erin (20).
Judy Christian-Granberg ’77 worked in Hong Kong for 17 years and has shifted to mainland China. She is studying Mandarin Chinese.
Eunice (Labbus) Mathews ’77 has three
sons; Aaron, Joel, and Caleb. Aaron is a teacher at Luther South Academy in Houston, Texas. Joel is a teacher at Fort Osage in Kansas City, Mo. Caleb is a student at University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Harold Wegner ’77 and his wife will celebrate their 60th anniversary on November 6, 2008.
Mark Olson ’78 and Connie D. Olson recently celebrated their 25th anniversary with a renewal of vows and party hosted by family on October 9, 2007.
Barbara (Gehrke) Hertling ’79 and her husband celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on June 18, 2008. They live in St. Cloud where Barbara works as a DCE for the Minnesota North District. She also started an online business, Market America. The website is dbh.unfranchise.com.
Robert Kasper ’79 married Debbie (Brandt) Kasper. They have four children; Becky, Jacob, Gabriel, and Anna. Robert has served 25 years is the ministry and has served nine years on the Lutheran High School Association board.
Scott Larson ’79 currently works as a fundraising consultant for Paul J.
Strawhecker, Inc. He was recently inducted as a “Nebraska Admiral.” He and his wife, Carla, enjoy vacationing on Sanibel Island, Fla. and look forward to celebrating their 29th anniversary this year.
1980’s
Nancy (Eberle) McCarty ’80 and her husband, Michael, married on August 7, 1993. Their first son, Alexander, was born in 1997.
Donna (Isaacson) Oesterreich ’80 has a daughter, Leah, who is enrolled at Concordia University, St. Paul.
David Andrus ’81 married Deb (Plath) ’81 on May 31, 1980. They are the proud parents of two daughters; Victoria (Tori), born in 1996 and Margaret (Meg), born in 1998.
Sharon (Reske) Hinck ’81 just released two novels, “The Restorer’s Journey” (book three in the Sword of Lyric series by NavPress) and “Symphony of Secrets” (Bethany House Publishing). Information on these and other books by Sharon can be found at
www.sharonhinck.com.
Julianne (Berg) Marcsisak ’81 is a legal assistant and an organist at Zion, Cologne accompanying the adult choir. She plays for all services and most weddings and funerals.
Gary Rehborg ’81 was awarded the Americanism Award VFW Post 5518 Elk River/Rogers.
Rachel (Krause) Durham ’82 and her husband celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2007. Rachel resides in Santa Rosa, Calif. where she works as the director of music ministries at St. Mark Lutheran Church. They have three daughters; Samantha (22), Ashley (20) and Mary (14).
Vera Guebert-Steward ’82 was ordained as an ELCA pastor in May 1997. She married Mark D. Guebert-Steward in June 1987.
Steven Benson’s (’83) daughter, Emily A. Benson, is a freshman at Concordia University, St. Paul.
Kriss (Halliday) Glaeser ’83 and husband, Todd, celebrated their 25th anniversary in June. They have one daughter, Alison, who is in college. Todd graduated from Concordia Irvine and is teaching at Lutheran High School San Diego.
Becky (Moen) Joecks ’83 was awarded the
2005 Nurse of the Year in the Southern Minnesota Region. This award, sponsored by KEYC-TV in Mankato, Thro Homes, and MSU-Mankato, was the first of its kind recognizing an outstanding nurse in the region and is now an annual award. Becky lives in Mankato where she works as a registered nurse and is the women’s health coordinator for Mankato Clinic.
Joseph Labuda ’84 reached a milestone in his coaching career at Menomonie High School with his 200th win. His overall coaching record is 209-28.
Donald Polege ’84 is presently a circuit counselor working on his Ph.D.
Rochelle (Simmering) Franzen ’85 received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She was voted teacher of the year in Fairmont.
Deborah (Brandt) Kasper ’85 is celebrating 20 years as a teacher and participates in various leadership workshops for the LCMS Missouri and Michigan districts.
Mary Gwen (DeWitte) Marquardt ’85 is a proud parent of new Concordia student, Elizabeth. Elizabeth will be a freshman this fall. (see below)
Bernice Pehl ’85 and husband, Joe, are very excited that their oldest child, Joshua, has chosen to attend Concordia University, St. Paul. Josh is a junior at Concordia, majoring
in Theater Arts and Communications and will graduate next year. He was able to reach the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America while in high school.
David Thomack ’85 is married to Jo-Ann Thomack. They have two children; Jonathan and Rebecca.
Carol (Swanson) Trovall’s (’85) daughter Elizabeth graduated from high school in June 2008 and is going to the University of Missouri to study journalism. Carol just completed a mid-management degree for certification as a principal.
Edith (Weidner) Opdahl ’86 and her husband, Steve, reside in Minneapolis where Edith works as a homemaker for their five children; Karen (15), Jonathan (14), Timothy (13), Daniel (10), and Christa (7). Edith also serves on the Minnesota State Team of Moms In Touch International.
Diann (Munson) Rundquist ’86 completed her M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2007.
Kara (von Barge) Closs ’87 has been a preschool teacher at St. Paul Lutheran, Fairmont since 2003.
Marsha (Heidrich) Hartwig ’87 married Michael in May 1993. They have three sons; Spence (11), Jansen (9), and Mitchell (6).
Phillip Rogers ’87 is working as the principal for St. John Lutheran School in Winston-Salem, NC. He and his wife, Emily (Behling ’88) reside in North Carolina with their three children; Thane (13), Ian (9) and Grace (4).
Carolyn Hackman ’88 married Ted Hackman on April 26, 2003.
Joan McNamee ’88 married John McNamee in 1995 and had twin girls, Michelle and Kelly, in 1998.
Stephen Wilson’s (’88) daughter, Holly ’08, graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul in May. His son, Nick, plays football at Bemidji State University. His daughter Katie attends Mayer Lutheran High School.
Kathryn Klemz ’89 is the proud aunt of three boys and one girl. She helps with Meals-on-Wheels in May and December with members of her church.
Allan Lull ’89 married in 1995 and has two children; Hannah (9) David (7). He is enrolled in Concordia University, St. Paul’s MACO program. Allan was also a trip leader for Indian Bethania Orphanage, India for missions.
Roger Schwagmeyer ’89 is married to Verna Clark. They will celebrate 45 years of marriage Aug. 3, 2008.
Sherry (Smith) Shelton ’89 has one son, David, born September 6, 1990.
1990’s
Theresa (Billmeyer) Hoppmann ’90 and husband Jon celebrate the birth of Emma Adeline Hoppmann, born December 19, 2007.
Paula Meyer ’90 rejoices at the birth of daughter, Shealeigh Marie, on May 1, 2007. She joins brother Joshua (4). The Meyer family is moving to Longmong, Colo. this summer.
Patra (Pfotenhauer) Mueller ’90 moved to Irvine, Calif. in 2000 to teach at Concordia University, Irvine. She married Peter. C. Mueller in June 2003 and he was ordained in October 2004. They celebrated the birth of their son, John Christian, on December 29, 2004 and the birth of their daughter, Hannah Joy, on April 12, 2007. Patra served as the director of the DCE program from 2000 to 2005 and now stays at home with their children while teaching part time and serving at their church.
DeLlayne Wippich ’90 and his wife Kristine gave birth to twin daughters, Claire and Maggie, on February 18, 2008. They were welcomed by their brother Aidan (3).
Jeri Bates ’91 recently completed her second year in her job as a human resources representative at Park Nicollet Health Services—Methodist Hospital, where she is responsible for recruitment and retention of the in-patient nursing staff and overseeing the Student Nurse Intern Program and the New Graduate Registered Nurse Residency program. As part of her continuing education, she received her Professional Human Resources Certification in January 2007, after a semester of classes and a really hard exam!
David Katzke ’91 married Susan Bell on June 6, 1992. They have two children; Nicole and Kylie.
Bill Zuelsdorff ’91 is teaching 6-8th grade at St. Paul Lutheran School in Steven’s Point, Wis. He is also a coach at the school and resides with his wife Carmen (Diercks) ’92 in Plover, Wis.
John Bergeland ’92 married Rachel (Boogerd) on August 2, 2007. She is from Rock Valley, Iowa. This makes a Dutch girl married to a Norwegian! John is now retired and has been teaching Bible studies with his alpha program. Rachel works in the physical therapy department at Luther Manor Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, SD.
Virginia (Madison) Cheeney ’92 adopted Karen Anne from China. Virginia is also a real estate agent and coordinator for Children’s Hope Ministries.
Scott Hoelscher ’92 married Anna Forsline October 8, 2005. Scott served as a full-time AmeriCorps volunteer from 2001-2003 in Portland.
Stephanie (Wilson) Lillis ’92 and her husband, Gregory, welcomed their third child, Brandon Robert Lillis, on December 22, 2007. He joins his brother, Connor (6), and sister, Brooke (5), and promises to keep mom and dad on their toes more than ever.
Lois Sikorski ’92 is certified with American Red Cross as a member of the Spiritual Response Team, which is called to disasters such as Katrina, Lexington air crash, and Arizona bus crash. She is also a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains and is one of three certified LCMS female chaplains. During retirement, she continues on the hospitals’ Speakers’ Bureau, is an active Lutheran chaplain, and is a frequent Valparaiso University alumni soloist.
Henry Brown ’93 enrolled in Concordia’s D.Min. program May 2008. November 2008 he will celebrate 30 years of Pastoral Supervision for 12 Capital City COGIC churched in St. Paul.
Dan Bates ’94 and Cheri (Barclay) Bates ’94 were married in 1996. They have two sons; Barclay (11) and Johnathan (7). They reside in Sauk Rapids, Minn. Both boys attend Prince of Peace Lutheran School, a school that grew out of the 115 year history of Cheri’s alma mater—Trinity Lutheran. After an extensive career in customer service management, Cheri recently became a full-time stay-at-home mom. Dan is a regional director for Manpower Inc. where he oversees 14 markets in five states in the upper Midwest. He has been at Manpower for over 12 years.
Eisele (Martinco) Metz ’94 remarried on December 30, 2006 to Rev. R.D. “Dick” Metz.
Gail (Juncewski) Ruhland ’94 completed her MBA in 2003 and received a promotion to director of training at St. Cloud State University.
Matthew Drees ’95 married Jennifer Riggert in 1995. They have two children; Carah and Caleb.
Tom Edelen ’96 serves as a Thrivent Builds Homes coordinator with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity. Through this position, Tom helps manage the national Thrivent Builds Homes program and supports over 300 Habitat for Humanity grants throughout the country. Tom resides in Commerce City (Denver), Colo.
Dawn (Wegschneider) Keenan ’95 resides in Maplewood, Minn. where she works as a mortgage consultant for Minnesota One Mortgage.
Doug Latuseck ’95 received a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and is a licensed psychologist.
Mike ’95 and Mary (Overman) Law ’95 celebrated the birth of their second child, Molly Lorraine Law, on March 16, 2007. She weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz. and joins her sister, Maggie Rose (6).
Norman Meyer ’95 married Elsie Lou Bartling July 7, 1945. They have three daughters; Mary, Beth, Vicki and Cynthia.
Melissa (Bruening) Brandenburger ’96 married Corey Brandenburger ’97 on December 19, 1999. They have three children; Abigail Joy, Ryan James, and Madeleine Joy.
Earline Holmes ’96 is now a retired biological technician and spends much of her time volunteering. She volunteered as a tutor in the Minneapolis Public Schools from May 2003 until July 2007. Now she is a chair on the Tenant Entertainment Committee where she lives and plans events and trips to help bring the tenants together in community.
Angela (Kjos) Nyamburi ’96 is an account executive for Wells Fargo Insurance Services of Minnesota. She has worked in the insurance industry since 1996. She has a CISR designation and is working towards her CIC designation. She is licensed in the state of Minnesota with lines of authority in life and health, and property and casualty insurance, and supports one of the vice presidents in her office. Angie assists clients with their entire commercial insurance program including property, liability, auto, workers’ compensation and umbrella and other lines including international and other needs that may arise. She and her husband, Isaiah, have been married since 1995. They have two boys; Joshua (11) and Elijah (9). They live in Edina, Minn. in the house Angie grew up in.
Molly (Marquardt) Kieser ’97 has her own counseling and coaching business. Soulformation, LLC. The business provides faith-based therapeutic care and education
to individuals, young people, couples and families. God has called her to be in charge of our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Soulformation, LLC is committed to a unique blend of personal growth and transformation by integrating the disciplines of behavioral sciences, human design spirituality, and biblical truth to increase self-awareness and facilitate change.
Martha (Krueger) Putnam ’97 gave birth to David Vincent on February 13, 2008. He weighed 8.6 lbs. and joins siblings Lillian (9), Grace (8) and William (2). Martha is now a deaconess and works for Hanley Center coordinating drug/alcohol prevention programs in the Palm Beach County schools and husband, Vince, is associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Delray Beach, Fla.
Brenda (Becker) Smith ’97 is working on her M.A. degree at St. Thomas and is focusing on autism.
Desiree Church ’98 is a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem in Scott County.
Mark Drews ’98 married Melanie Ann Reinke (Seward) ’92 on November 25, 2000. His mother, Patricia Drews ’86 passed away four years later on September 2, 2004. Mark and Melanie were blessed within the next year with the birth of their daughter, Grace Patricia Drews, on May 19, 2005. Mark was ordained on May 25, 2003 at St. Paul in Hamel, Ill. and was installed at Trinity in Hilbert, Wis. on July 6, 2003. He was installed at Zion in Mt. Pulaski, on February 6, 2006.
Laura (Neal) Frerich ’98 is celebrating the birth of her son Caleb Andrew French born February 11, 2008. He was 5lbs., 10oz., 19 inches. He joins his big brother Harrison (3).
Patrick Hjelm ’98 is married to Chella and they have two daughters; Olivia and Avery.
Stephen Lammers ’98 is married to Gina and they have two sons; Luke and David.
Anna (Klemp) Martin ’98 sings on praise team at Easter Lutheran. Her husband, Jeff, plays guitar for the praise team as well. They are part of the praise team for the contemporary services at the Easter by the Lake church campus location.
Mary Solien ’98 started a newspaper, “Citizens Criterion,” to compete with an existing newspaper. Within six months, it overtook the existing newspaper and became the sole newspaper in Henning, Minn. Mary is also president of Henning Chamber of Commerce.
2000’s
Dawson Blanck ’00 married Lori Haggerty on July 30, 2005. They gave birth to Landon Patrick Black on December 23, 2007. Dawson is the Minnesota United States Specialty Sports Association State Director for baseball. Dawson has coached high school football since 1999 at Park Center High School, St. Agnes School and now St. Bernard’s school. He officiates high school varsity basketball.
Sara (Wahl) Boss ’00 married John and they have two children; Anika Marie and Parker William.
Cynthia Halbach ’00 married in 2002 and is now blessed with one-year-old twins.
Maximilian ’00 and Amanda Knoell ’00 celebrated the birth of their daughter, Olivia Josephine Knoell, on January 8, 2008. She joins big brother Nathan (5) as a testament of God’s gracious love. The family resides in Racine, Wis.
Burke Perry ’00 and his wife welcomed their second daughter, Kristiana Epiphany Perry, to the world on January 6, 2008 in Phoenix, Ariz. Kristina was made a child of God at Atonement Lutheran Church, Glendale, Ariz. on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. Burke was promoted to chef saucier and is a supervisor in the main kitchen at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz. last spring and works directly under the banquet chef and executive chef.
Marjorie Myer ’00 celebrates the birth of her daughter, Nataliene Prudence Myer, on November 30, 2007.
In November 2007, Joseph ’00 and Katie (Anderson) Zimmermann ’01, founded New Roots Coffee Company LLC, a specialty coffee roaster near Wausau, Wis. New Roots roasts the best coffees available including fair trade and organic coffees. Their web site is www.newrootscoffee.com.
Josh ’01 and Leah (Matson) Beck ’01 are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Hope Kristine, on July 25, 2007. She was welcomed home by a sister, Grace Elizabeth, born August 9, 2004.
Ronda Charping ’01 serves as adjunct professor in child development at Jefferson State Community College. She is also a two-time nominee for the Excellence in School Age Care Award.
Dan Creed ’01 is married with two children and one grandchild. Dan is also the international study abroad coordinator at Normandale Community College.
Dana Dafoe ’01 was recently married and works part-time as a Christian education and youth director.
Shannon Hecksel ’01 and Kelly gave birth to their baby boy, Brayden Lewis Hecksel, on February 21, 2008. Brayden joins a sister, Cadison Taylor (2), at home.
Ken Norton ’01 and wife, Dolores, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on June 25, 2008. They have been blessed by the marriage of their son, Chris, to Shannon on April 11, 2007 on the Island of Maui. Ken was honored to be asked by the happy couple to be the officiant. They were later blessed with the birth of their first grandchild, Caleb Allen Norton.
Rosie (Daak) Olson ’01 and husband, Andy, were married on November 3, 2007 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Richfield, Minn. Rosie works for Coldwell Banker Burnet in Edina, Minn. as a listing coordinator, is a contemporary worship leader at Mt. Calvary and teaches private piano and flute lessons. Andy is a preschool teacher at Mt. Olivet Day Services in Minneapolis and teaches private drum lessons. The couple resides in Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Judy Salz ’01 worked as adjunct faculty in Concordia University, St. Paul’s College of Business and Organizational Leadership for the IT Management degree.
Sigrid Skaaland ’01 participated in her first Art in the Yard Show and Sale in October 2006 and 2007. She celebrates and is thankful for her growth as an artist, which began to develop in the Concordia art classes while working as a staff member.
Shane Wasserman ’01 married Bryn Wasserman. They are celebrating the birth of their daughter, Addison Jade Wasserman, on October 24, 2006.
Kenneth Beer ’02 married Frances Beer on September 13, 1959. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
Donyea Collins ’02 and his wife gave birth to twins, Domariyea and Diliahna, in April 2006.
Sarah (Pieper) Erkkinen ’02 loves her job as director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund at Concordia University, St. Paul.
Jennifer Fisher ’02 is working as a self-employed broker for ERA Gillespie Real Estate. In 2007, Jennifer became a board member for the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors and received recognition for sales production by the Broker & President’s Circle.
Brian ’02 and Ellen (Menzel) Haefner ’02 celebrated the birth of their son, Matthew Laurence, on February 25, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs., 6oz. and was 19 inches long. He was welcomed home by sister Emily (2). Ellen is a stay-at-home mom and Brian is an underwriting manager with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
Katrina (Guidera) Hannemann ’02, husband John, and son Cooper, announce the birth of Ainsley Jade Eden Hannemann on November 12, 2007. She was born at Fairview Southdale in Edina, Minn. and weighed 6 lbs., 15 oz.
Lisa Jensen ’02 completed the MBTI Qualification Program May 2006 and traveled with alumni group on a Mediterranean cruise fall 2007.
Kathy Maanum ’02 is working on her M.A. degree in education through Concordia’s
off-site program.
Michael Sprengeler ’02 started directing the hand chime ensemble at church.
Thomas Ryan ’02 married wife Rosie on May 6, 1995. Their son, Kyle, was born in 1997. The family resides in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Larita Velure ’02 and her husband, Chuck, enjoy traveling to Cancun each spring. Last year, they spent three weeks in France and Spain. Closer to home trips include canoeing to the BWCA and whitewater trips at the Brule River in Wisconsin.
Michelle Wolfram ’02 married Michael Schlueter on November 19, 2005. They are celebrating the birth of their daughter, Hannah, born December 26, 2006.
Lisa Calvin ’03 got married March 12, 2005. Lisa and her husband are celebrating the birth of their daughter Molly.
Heather (Dyslin) Chouravong (’03 ’08) and Andre Chouravong, JD, were married on February 15, 2008 at Warrendale Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minn. Heather graduated from the M.A. in Organizational Management program with a Human Resources emphasis at Concordia University, St. Paul in May. She works in Bloomington at a recruiting firm. Andre is an attorney editor in Eagan, Minn. where the couple resides.
Sandra Edwards ’03 works at Meld- Parents as a Teacher Curriculum Licensed Evangelist Missionary for the Churches of God in Christ.
Marian Hamre ’03 is the proud grandmother of six.
Gretchen Miller ’03 got married on June 28, 2008. She works for Ecreativeworks as a sales and client services manager and lives in Champlin, Minn.
Eliza Nesmith ’03 is working on her Ed.D at Nova Southeastern University. All of her course work is complete and she hopes to finish her dissertation in 2008 or 2009.
Luz Guerrero-Pacheco ’03 served as an LCMS Volunteer Missionary in Venezuela from 2002 to 2005.
Elizabeth Reineck ’03 graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in May 2007 where she received her M.D. Dr. Reineck is working as a resident physician at the University of Michigan Hospital system in Ann Arbor.
Jay Schutte ’03 married Kim Schutte on December 23, 2005.
Gerald Senechal ’03 is working as an avionic engineer for Canard Aerospace in Shakopee, Minn. He married his wife, Amy, on October 6, 1997 and they reside in Chaska, Minn.
Janet (Brownawell) Smith ’03 and her husband are celebrating the birth of their new child, Sonja Lee Smith, born on March 27, 2008.
Allison (Huber) Smits ’03 married Benjamin Smits on August 4, 2006. She is the step-mom of Matthew (6).
Edna Terry ’03 married Rick Terry on November 30, 2003.
Jason Cooper ’04 is attending John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Ill. and will graduate in a year and a half.
Heidi Gist ’04 owns and operates Silver Brook Corn Maze Inc. This seasonal business includes a corn maze, pony rides, pumpkin patch, and hay rides.
Robin (Chilstrom) Green ’04 married Darrel Green on June 5, 2004. They are celebrating the birth of Leo Wyatt Green born in 2005.
Leah (Ferber) ’07 and Charles Martin ’04 married on February 9, 2008.
Jeanne Michels ’04 received Certificate in Distance Learning from UW Madison.
Amy (Karg) Radtke ’04 is a volunteer mentor at the Minneapolis Council of Churches Community Justice Program.
Steven Volesky ’04 earned his MBA from Augsburg College in 2006. Steven also earned his Lean Master Certification.
Kari Williams ’04 married Christopher Kidman on June 23, 2007.
Adam Bulava ’05 was awarded new teacher of the month at Canyon Springs High School in North Las Vegas, Nev. for the month of January.
Eric Cannedy ’05 has been accepted into the Master of Fine Arts program for graphic design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta.
Larissa Gieseke ’05 and husband Roy married on November 5, 2005 after six years of dating. The newlyweds bought a house in July 2007. Larissa began her M.A. degree in April 2007 at Adler Graduate School and hopes to graduate in early 2009 with a degree in marriage and family therapy. She is currently interning at Sioux Trails Mental Health Center in St. Peter, Minn. where she co-facilitates and practices family and individual therapy.
Rochelle Gieseke ’05 married Tim Emmers on June 10, 2006. Their first daughter, Malayna Meredith, was born June 27, 2007.
Karen Gula ’05 got married in October 1997. She has completed four marathons and has been the vice president of Marshal Golf Club for six years. She has sit on the advisory board for Marshall Community Foundation for two years. She is also a certified toastmaster.
Christine Hongerholt ’05 is celebrating the Sept 21, 2006 birth of daughter Sophie Pearl Hongerholt. She was 7lbs., 3oz. and 19 inches long.
Amberleigh Jones ’05 and Bradley Rich married on July 7, 2007 at Emanuel Lutheran church in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. They went to Sandals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica for their honeymoon. Amberleigh works at the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Brad is finishing school and working full-time in loss prevention for Best Buy. They reside in Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Laura (Golnitz) Kruse ’05 has one child, Chanel Marie, born January 12, 2007. She also has her National Board Teacher Certification.
Amy Peterson ’05 married Bill Peck on October 21, 2006. They are celebrating the birth of her son, Hansen Alexander Peck, born on August 20, 2007.
Nicholas Rice ’05 married Brytten Hoefs on June 29, 2007. Nicholas has worked at JobDig for 3 years.
Sarah Stumme ’05 earned her Human Resources Certification December 2006.
Philip Zimmermann ’05 married Jenny on August 6, 2004. Jenny is in graduate school in law at the University of Wisconsin.
Candice Bicondoa ’06 is obtaining her M.A. degree in Differentiated Instruction at Concordia University, St. Paul.
Michael Grannis ’06 has been accepted to the Mission Formation Program (MFP) at Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis. The national focus of the MFP involves anything from being a “worker priest” with the goal of gathering and starting a new congregation, to heading up a ministry team from an existing congregation as they start a satellite campus. Michael and Kristy ’06 reside in St. Louis along with their son, Michaiah (1).
Jillian Hegstrom ’06 got married on May 20, 2006.
On November 1, 2007, Reena Linke ’06 began her position as director of music at Grace Episcopal Church in Norwood, Mass. She serves as organist and choir director, while studying at Boston University in the Master of Sacred Music program.
Hector Matascastillo ’06 married Trista on March 29. They are expecting their first child this fall. Hector was accepted into Augsburg’s MSW program beginning August 2008.
Jeana (Jopp) Perron ’06 is celebrating the birth of her daughter, Piper Marie Perron, born on June 4, 2006.
Tawanna Saxton ’06 is pursuing a Ph.D. at Haiden University. She resides in Jamaica, New York.
Erin Adamson ’07 and husband, Greg, celebrate the birth of their daughter, Ela Lindsy, born on June 6, 2007. The Adamsons reside in Fairbank, Iowa where Erin works as and education coordinator for Principal Financial Group in Cedar Falls.
Elizabeth Jacobson ’07 showed her original art work, “Figura~Flora~Animalia” at the Southern Graphics Conference held at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Va. March 26-30, 2008. In March of 2007, Beth previewed her work in Kansas City and was given a grant to present at the VCU conference in 2008. In 2007, Jacobson received the Pro Artibus Award at Concordia in recognition of significant contributions and achievements in visual arts.
Amber (Tavis) Kline ’07 is a coordinator for an after school program called “Draw with Me.” She also does freelance graphic and web design.
Tara (Martin) McMullen ’07 and her husband celebrated their 17th anniversary in May. She has three beautiful children; Siarah (13), Thor (11) and Titan (3).
Kimberly (Beissler) Puleo ’07 earned her Green Belt Certified Lean Sigma.
James Sarbacker ’07 and Carolyn (Tschida) Sarbacker were married June 24, 2007 at Christ’s Household of Faith Church in St. Paul. They live and work in the Twin Cities.
Alan Tousley ’07 was promoted from supervisor to quality manager in November 2007.
Jessica (Hauschildt) Worms ’07 is celebrating the birth of baby girl, Megan Ann, on December 12, 2006.
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