For All the Saints

Below are listed brief obituaries of former DMLC, NWC, and MLC faculty members who have recently fallen asleep in the Lord. Our sincere apologies if we have missed any. Please forward any information on anyone we may have missed to or call the alumni office at 507-233-9135.

2024

Gary Dallmann

Two picture of Gary Dallmann

Gary Dallmann, age 81, entered his eternal rest on Monday, April 8. Gary devoted 44 years of his life to D/MLC, where he served as both a professor and the college’s athletic director, enriching the lives of countless students and athletes and leaving a permanent mark on the community and the students he cherished. Besides teaching physical education for the college, Gary also coached soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s tennis, golf, and baseball. He served as commissioner of the NSCAA for years and was also inducted into the USCAA Hall of Fame on June 11, 2017. The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 13, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. The full obituary can be read here. Blessed be his memory.

Robert Averbeck

On January 10, 2024, Professor Robert Averbeck heard his Master’s call and went home to heaven. An inspired artist, teacher, and musician, Bob’s devotion to using his God-given talents never wavered during the 50 years of his ministry. Bob began as an elementary teacher at First German Lutheran School in Manitowoc, Wisconsin (1958-65). He then served at St. Matthew in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin (1965-75), and North Trinity in Milwaukee (1975-77) before coming to DMLC as a professor in the education department. His passion for art education and children’s literature influenced teachers-in-training until his retirement in 1992. Bob then served the St. John congregation in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in a less-than-half-time retirement call until 2007. He remained active in the congregation, playing the organ over the Christmas holidays just this year. A full obituary can be found here. Blessed be his memory.

2023

Lawrence (Larry) Czer

On June 26, 2023, surrounded by his family, Professor Larry Czer went home to meet his Savior. Larry graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1979 and was assigned as principal and grade 1-8 teacher at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Bend, Oregon (1979-81). He accepted a call to be principal and grade 6-8 teacher at St. John Lutheran School in Fox Lake, Wisconsin (1981-87), and later he served as English and pre-algebra teacher at West Lutheran High School in Hopkins, Minnesota (1987-92). In 1992, he accepted a call to Dr. Martin Luther College, which amalgamated with Northwestern College to become Martin Luther College in 1995. Professor Czer served the WELS College of Ministry for 31 years, until his untimely death in 2023. Larry had a deep love for literature and taught many different English courses through the years. He also coached women’s golf for eight years and women’s basketball for seven years. Under his leadership, the 2011-12 basketball team had its most successful season in program history, finishing 12-2 in the UMAC and earning an NCAA tournament berth. A full obituary can be found here. Blessed be his memory.

Ronald Shilling

On May 24, 2023, Professor Emeritus Ronald Shilling passed into glory. Professor Shilling was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Findlay, Ohio. Having perfect pitch and a gift for music, he began playing organ for worship services in Findlay at age 8—the beginning of a church organist career that lasted 73 years. Before graduating from Dr. Martin Luther College, Ron served as an emergency teacher at Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, South Dakota (1961-62). After his graduation in 1964, he was assigned back to Mobridge as head of the music department. He served only one year (1964-65) before being assigned to Dr. Martin Luther College as a music instructor and subsequently called as a professor of music. Ron taught music theory, organ, piano, and choir at DMLC for 30 years (until the amalgamation in 1995) and continued to serve at Martin Luther College until 2012 as a full-time professor of music. After his retirement, he continued to serve as an adjunct organ instructor (2012-19). All told, he served at the WELS College of Ministry for 54 years. A composer and an extraordinary organist, Ron earned his Master of Music (organ) at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 1971 and a Master of Church Music from Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois (now Concordia University Chicago). A full obituary can be found here. Blessed be his memory.

2022

Beverlee Haar

On November 22, 2022, Professor Emerita Beverlee Haar received her crown of life. Blessed to have been raised in a loving, Christian family and provided a solid, Christian education, Bev knew from early on that she wanted to serve in the teaching ministry. Graduating from DMLHS in 1952, she later earned her degree at DMLC and taught in several WELS elementary schools. She accepted a call to DMLC in 1975 and went on to serve our college of ministry for 30 years until her retirement in 2005. Her duties included a lengthy stint molding and mentoring young ladies as Dean of Women, but many will remember her for the critical role she played in introducing and advancing early childhood education at D/MLC and in our synod. Her passion for teaching the littlest lambs was clear and contagious. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/BHaarObit. Blessed be her memory.

James Unke

On July 30, 2022, while actively serving MLC as athletic director, Professor Jim Unke was called to glory. Blessed to grow up in a Christian home, he was baptized, educated, and confirmed at Immanuel, Manitowoc, WI before continuing his Christian training at Manitowoc LHS and Dr. Martin Luther College. After spending a year as an emergency instructor at East Fork LHS, Whiteriver, AZ, Jim completed his degree and was assigned to the teaching ministry – serving faithfully at St Paul, New Ulm, MN (1983-87), and Lakeside LHS, Lake Mills, WI (1987-97). In 1997, he accepted a call to serve as MLC’s athletic director and men’s basketball coach. For the next 25 years, Jim worked tirelessly to provide MLC students opportunities to develop and use their athletic gifts to God’s glory. He oversaw all aspects of MLC sports, helped maintain and improve facilities, coached, taught, mentored, and modeled ministry to a generation of future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/UnkeObit. Blessed be his memory.

2021

Darvin Raddatz

On September 30, 2021, at the age of 87, Professor Emeritus Darvin Raddatz entered his eternal rest through faith in the Savior that he dedicated his life to proclaiming. Early Christian instruction was provided to him at St Matthew’s, Danube, MN, and Dr. Martin Luther High School (1951). He pursued pastoral training at Northwestern College (1955) and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (1959) before beginning his formal ministry as an instructor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary (1957-58; 1959-62). He served as a parish pastor at Emanuel-Redeemer in Yale, MI (1962-65) and St Stephen in Beaver Dam, WI (1965-70) before accepting the call to teach theology and history at (Dr.) Martin Luther College where he served from 1970-2001. He is remembered fondly for his passion for the scriptures, his heart of service, and his love for the Savior. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/RaddatzObit. Blessed be his memory.

 Gwendolyn Tjernagel

On August 24, 2021, former professor Gwen Tjernagel passed through death to life. A 1960 graduate of Dr. Martin Luther High School, she completed her DMLC degree in 1983 before being called back to serve on the music faculty in 1987. Gwen spent 8 years serving DMLC, and then another 4 on the MLC faculty before completing her service to the college in 1999. Her faithful service, encouragement, and passion is appreciated by her former college, colleagues, students, and synod. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/TjernagelObit. Blessed be her memory.

Edward Lindemann

On April 29, 2021, Reverend Edward Lindemann passed from life to Life and now is at home with Jesus in heaven. Ed graduated from Northwestern College in 1958 and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1962. He then served as a parish pastor at St. John’s, Stanton, NE (‘62-’68) and Salem, Loretto, MN (‘68-’74). In 1974, he accepted a call to serve as dean of men and professor of religion at Northwestern College, a position he held for 21 years. Ed then served as pastor of St. John’s in Pardeeville, WI until he retired from full-time ministry in 2006, having completed 45 years of ministry. In retirement, Ed served as pulpit assistant at St. Paul’s, Ixonia, WI until 2018. A funeral service will be held at 6:30 on Friday, May 7 at Trinity, Watertown. A full obituary can be found at http://bit.ly/LindemannObit. Blessed be his memory.

Bill Birsching

On January 18, 2021, Professor Emeritus William Birsching went home to meet his Savior. A gifted musician and director, Bill accepted two emergency calls (St. Paul’s, Ixonia, WI, and Northwestern Lutheran Academy, Mobridge, SD) before graduating from DMLC in 1964. He pursued additional training at UW-Milwaukee earning a Master’s Degree in Music. His teaching ministry included service in elementary (Bethel, Menasha, WI), secondary (NLA, Mobridge, SD), and post-secondary schools (NWC from 1979-1995 and MLC from 1995-1998). After concluding his full-time ministry, he served another 9 years as a music minister at St Mark, Watertown, WI. All told, he directed choirs for over 54 years and was instrumental in starting and developing handbell choirs. We thank God for this faithful servant. A full obituary can be found at http://bit.ly/BirschingObit. Blessed be his memory.

2020

Lloyd Huebner

On December 8, 2020, at age 95, President Emeritus Lloyd Huebner received his crown of life. Graduating from NWC in 1947 and WLS in 1951, his service began as a parish pastor in Akaska SD, and later Wood Lake MN. The Lord then called him to start and serve as principal at Lakeside LHS in Lake Mills, WI. In 1967, Huebner came to DMLC as dean of students before becoming the institution’s 9th president in 1980. Under his leadership, the library expanded and the lovely central mall developed. He encouraged curriculum study, faculty development, computer literacy, and regional college certification. Secondary education majors and the staff ministry program also took root before his retirement in 1993. Perhaps overshadowing his administrative gifts were his diligence to duty, his sincere love for all, his eye for nature’s splendor, and his genuine evangelical spirit. Lloyd’s beloved wife Inez was also called home to glory hours later on December 9, 2020. A full obituary can be found at bit.ly/HuebnerObit. Blessed be their memory.

Arthur Schulz

On November 9, 2020, at the age of 91, Professor emeritus Arthur J. Schulz was called to his Savior’s side. A native of Winona, MN, Art attended high school and college on the hill graduating from DMLC in 1950. He served as teacher and principal at Mt. Lebanon in Milwaukee from 1950-57 before accepting a call back to DMLC. Art’s 45 years of service at DMLC (1957-2002) included various roles such as Director of Student Teaching, Academic Dean, and Vice-President of Academics. He had a love for learning, a passion for ministry, and a heart for his dear D/MLC. In retirement, he continued to serve his alma mater sharing his vast knowledge about the college as an Archives volunteer. He was perhaps the last living link to DMLC’s first professor from 1884 (Gottfried Burk) who still played the organ for chapel during Art’s high school years. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/AJSobituary. Blessed be his memory.

Daniel Deutschlander

On October 26, 2020, Professor Emeritus Daniel Deutschlander entered glory. Dan graduated from Northwestern College in 1964 and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1968. He faithfully served as a parish pastor at congregations in Akaska/Tolstoy, SD; St Albert, Alberta, Canada; and Evanston, IL. His formal teaching service began at Kettle Moraine LHS in Jackson, WI where he also served as vice-principal. In 1984, Dan was called to serve at Northwestern College. For the next 20 years (1984-1995 at NWC and 1995-2004 at MLC), he mentored many future pastors teaching courses in German, religion, history, and philosophy. In addition to his teaching and preaching, he also served the church by authoring several popular doctrinal books, speaking at many conferences, and undertaking various administrative roles. A full obituary can be found at http://bit.ly/DDobituary. Blessed be his memory.

Gary Carmichael On April 8, 2020, the Lord called home the soul of his servant and our friend, Professor Emeritus Gary Carmichael. After graduating from DMLC in 1955, Gary served as a teacher at Friedens in Kenosha, WI until accepting a call to DMLC in 1964. For 36 years, he taught science at D/MLC sharing his passion for the marvels of God’s world and “how things ticked”. Gary also modeled the faith at home as a loving husband and father, at his church as an active member of the choir, and in the community as a member of the Energy Commission and Heritagefest Committee.  A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/CarmichaelObit. Blessed be his memory.

Robert Krueger On January 5, 2020, Professor Emeritus Robert “Bob” Krueger was called home to his Savior’s side. A 1956 NWC and 1959 WLS graduate, Bob served his Lord faithfully as an instructor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI; as a parish pastor at Trinity, Elkton, MI; and as a principal at Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI. In 1971, he accepted a call to Dr. Martin Luther College and began 32 years of service as a professor at DMLC/MLC before retiring in 2003. In addition to teaching, Bob also used his gifts to serve the school as the Financial Aid Director and assistant football coach. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/2FrLqwp. Blessed be his memory.

2019

Fred Bartel On July 7, 2019, the Lord called home the soul of his servant, Professor Emeritus Fred Bartel. A gifted musician and exceptional organist, Professor Bartel taught in Lutheran Elementary Schools for 16 years prior to accepting the call to DMLC in 1978. He served in the music division for 12 years until his retirement in 1990. His service included teaching piano and organ lessons, instructing the Teaching Music in the Elementary School course, and directing the College Chorale. His colleagues remember him for his sense of humor as well his appetite for good music and good food. We thank God for this faithful servant. A full obituary can be found athttp://bit.ly/2LfRcGo. Blessed be his memory.

Edward Meyer On May 16, 2019, our gracious God welcomed home his servant, Professor Emeritus Edward Meyer. Originally from New Prague, MN, Edward earned his bachelor’s at DMLC in 1958. He served as a WELS elementary teacher in both Milwaukee and Jefferson, WI before beginning his 32 years of service to D/MLC in 1969. An extremely gifted musician, he shared his passion for quality music and helped faithfully trained a generation of church workers. His continuing education included earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Iowa. A complete obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/2LX0SXl. We thank God for this humble servant. Blessed be his memory.

John Schibbelhut On May 1, 2019, the Lord in His infinite wisdom called to Himself the soul of His faithful servant, Professor Emeritus John Schibbelhut. He is remembered by peers and students as a gifted, loving, and humble servant leader with an infectious laugh. A 1957 DMLC graduate, John was assigned to serve as teacher/principal at St. James, Golden, Colorado. His 46 years of full time ministry also included service as teacher/principal at Trinity Crete, IL and Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, WI before concluding as professor and supervisor in the Secondary Teacher Education Program at D/MLC from 1992-2002. Having a passion for lifelong learning, John attended Summer Quarter at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for seven summers and earned a Masters of Arts in Religion. A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/2H8OEqe. Blessed be his memory.

2018

Mervin J Ingebritson On May 21, 2018 (at age 100), Professor Emeritus Mervin Julius Ingebritson was given his crown of life. Having graduated from DMLHS in 1937 and DMLC in 1940,  Mervin later received a master’s degree from Omaha University in Nebraska. His teaching ministry included service at Lutheran grade schools in Wisconsin, Washington, and Nebraska. He also served at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato and Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College before concluding his ministry as a DMLC professor from 1971-1984.  In addition to his faithful service at the college, Mervin was an active member of St. Paul’s where he was a charter member of the Prison Ministry program, and the OWLS organization.  A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/2kAz1f6. Blessed be his memory.

Alan Spurgin On April 24, 2018, God called Professor Emeritus Alan Spurgin home. Al touched many lives teaching children of all ages. He taught grade school at St. John’s, Watertown, WI (1971-1974),Good Shepherd, West Allis, WI (1974-1987), and St. Peter, Balaton, MN (1987-1992). He earned his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Milwaukee and a doctorate in Special Education from the University of South Dakota.  His 25 years of faithful service to D/MLC (1992-2017) included mentoring student teachers at St Paul’s, New Ulm and instructing as a professor in the Special Education department. He loved “going up to school” to teach and was known among students and faculty members for his Christian concern and willingness to help.  A full obituary can be found at https://bit.ly/2xs1ehH. Blessed be his memory.

2017

Arnold Koelpin On November 13, 2017, our heavenly Father called Professor Emeritus Arnold Koelpin home. Having briefly served as a parish pastor in Cambridge, WI, he spent the bulk of his public ministry (1962-2001) serving our Savior and His church as a professor of history and theology at D/MLC. In addition to bringing scripture and history alive in his teaching and preaching, he also led several study tours, served New Ulm as mayor, chaired countless committees, and modeled a true servant heart for many current called workers. In high demand as a presenter on Luther and the Reformation, Professor Koelpin wrote and lectured extensively (including a January presentation here at the college and several recent articles for MLC InFocus magazine). A grateful college and community thanks the Lord for this humble, faithful servant. A full obituary can be found at https://goo.gl/xLbGMD. Blessed be his memory.

Theodore Hartwig On September 8, 2017, God graciously delivered 96-year old Professor Emeritus Ted Hartwig to his side. A 1943 NWC and 1947 WLS grad, he served as an emergency teacher at Milwaukee Lutheran High School and as a parish pastor in Mound City, SD and Appleton, WI. The bulk of his 55-year ministry (1955-2002) was spent faithfully training generations of future gospel servants as a history and theology professor at D/MLC. In addition to his teaching, Professor Hartwig introduced preaching (vs devotion reading) to our morning chapel worship; spent a year on a special assignment developing the college’s administrative structure (such as the establishment of faculty divisions); worked tirelessly to beautify the campus; and led several study tours to Europe. We thank God for this faithful servant and for using him to bless this place and its people. A full obituary can be found at https://goo.gl/c572h7  Blessed be his memory.

Howard Wessel On February 15, 2017, Howard fell asleep in Jesus on earth and awakened to a new, eternal dawn in heaven. Howard began his teaching ministry in Fairmont, MN, where he taught middle grades, served as organist, and as choir director. After four years he became principal and upper grade teacher at St. John in Red Wing, MN, where he also played organ and directed choir. In 1964 Howard accepted a call to DMLC to develop the new student teaching program, a position he directed for the next 31 years. For almost four decades Howard taught future teachers elementary reading courses on campus and guided them through student teaching experiences throughout the Midwest. A full obituary can be found at https://goo.gl/BOnQTr. God be praised and honored for providing this faithful servant to His church and to our college of ministry.

2016

Lyle Lange On December 1, 2016, the Lord in his infinite wisdom and mercy called to his side Lyle Lange, longtime D/MLC professor and defender of the faith. For nearly 40 years, Professor Lange trained our synod’s future teachers to know and treasure the truths of God’s Word. He also wrote extensively, preached regularly (amazingly without manuscript or notes), and served as a model of Christian living to his students and fellow faculty members. A full obituary may be found at https://goo.gl/G1hI23. We thank the Lord for the blessings given to this college, its students, and our church body through the life and work of this humble, faithful servant. Blessed be his memory.

2015

Theodore Olsen, Jr. On April 23, 2015, the Lord Jesus called Rev. Theodore B. Olsen, Jr. to his eternal home in heaven. A 1962 Northwestern College and 1966 Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary graduate, he began serving in the parish ministry at St Mark in Brown Deer, WI. In 1971, the Lord called Ted to serve as professor of religion and social studies at DMLC where he served until 1978. The next four years were spent as parish pastor at Zion in Gainesville, FL. In 1982, Ted began his service as president of Martin Luther Prep School in Prairie du Chien, WI. In 1994, God led him to accept the call to be the first president of the newly formed Martin Luther College. He served in this capacity at MLC until his retirement in 2007. Ted was passionate about ministerial education, having spent 33 of his 41 years in the synodical school system. His full obituary may be found at http://goo.gl/LAfKXV . The MLC family is very grateful to the Lord for providing President Olsen to help guide us through our amalgamation and formative years. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Susan Post On April 20, 2015 the Lord called our sister in the faith, Susan Post, home to heaven. A 1968 DMLC graduate, Sue was a pioneer in women’s sports here on the hill. In 1969, she began her 8 years of service to MLA and DMLC as a Physical Education instructor and coach. Under her guidance, DMLC’s softball, basketball, and power volleyball programs formed and thrived. She went on to serve many years as Dean of Women at Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Her full obituary may be found at http://goo.gl/6Vz5Rv . We thank the Lord for this faithful servant. Blessed be her memory.

Karen Shilling On January 27, 2015, Karen Shilling fell asleep in the Lord. Karen faithfully taught physical education at Martin Luther Academy and DMLC during the 1971-72 school year. She held numerous other positions at D/MLC (coaching women’s tennis, assisting in the Print Shop, and staffing the Help Desk in Network Services) from 1980 until her retirement in 2010. Her full obituary may be found at http://goo.gl/q93V6t . Blessed be her memory.

2014

Ames Anderson On December 23, 2014, the Lord called to himself the soul of Dr. Ames Anderson, Prof. emeritus of music/organ at (D)MLC. Dr. Anderson was blessed with a depth of intellect and scholarship, along with an ability to perform the most challenging music in the organ repertoire. He was a model of lifelong learning, continuing to practice and study until encephalitis no longer allowed him to. His full obituary may be found at http://goo.gl/3x3Vzz. Blessed be his memory.

Waldemar Nolte On December 2, 2014, the Lord called to eternal glory the soul of Professor emeritus Waldemar Nolte after 98 years of pilgrimage. Waldemar graduated from DMLC in 1936 and served Christian day schools and an area Lutheran High School in the following places: Fond du Lac, Cudahy, and Burlington, WI; Mankato and Winona, MN; and Mobridge, SD. He was called back to serve as a professor of music at DMLC in 1962 and served faithfully in that capacity until his retirement in 1986. A full obituary is available at http://goo.gl/z6rr2a. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

2013

Delmar Brick Professor Emeritus Delmar Brick fell asleep in Jesus and entered his heavenly home on December 1, 2013. We thank God for him and his faithful service to the church, including over 30 years here on the hill from 1954-1987. While on the hill, Delmar served as a recruiter and managed the annual College Choir tours among many other duties. His obituary may be found at http://goo.gl/fgvx7s. Blessed be his memory!

2010

Glenn Barnes The Lord of the church carried home the soul of His servant, Professor Emeritus Glenn Barnes, on January 11, 2010. Dr. Barnes faithfully served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1945-48. In 1951, he graduated from DMLC, then faithfully served his church as an elementary school teacher at St. John, Newburg, WI, and St. John, Milwaukee, WI, followed by 27 years as an education professor and registrar back at DMLC. He had a passion for sharing insights and encouragement with future Christian educators. A full obituary may be found at bit.ly/BarnesObit. Blessed be his memory!