Rose (Cachero) Johnson married Tyler Johnson ’18 in Spokane, Washington June 19, 2021, with maid of honor Jesalyn Cachero ’20, bridesmaids Jayme Brock ’17 and Emily Scanlan ’18, groomsmen Chance Brock ’16, Jesse Scanlan ’18, Dylan Foreman ’18, and Shawn Brookins ’18. The couple lives with their two cats (Pepper and Nacho) in Spokane, where Rose is finishing her last year of pharmacy school at Washington State University.

Haley (Harshaw) Knowles married Kyle Knowles in Onalaska, Washington Aug. 7, 2021. The wedding was officiated by Montessa Califano ’13 and Ami Gran ’12 was the maid of honor. Fellow Lutes in attendance were Stacey Hagensen ’12, Samantha (Pryor) Welcher ’14, Kaaren Hatlen ’13, and Mark ’82 and Mary ’84 Hatlen. The couple lives in Gig Harbor with their rescue pup Katy.

Legacy Lutes Kirk Swanson and Marta Geldaker ’14 were married at Fir-Conway Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, Washington Aug. 22, 2020. Lutes in the wedding party included groomsmen Nathan Swanson ’00, Laef Swanson ’05, Carl Swanson ’09, Colin Swanson ’09; and bridesmaids Katie Geldaker ’09 and Nicole Noble ’12. Other Lutes in attendance were the parents of the groom Mark Swanson ’68 and Wendy (Lider) Swanson ’72, mother of bride Sharon (Hansen) Geldaker ’84, and attendees Gretchen (Geldaker) Dumestre ’84, Heidi (Geldaker) Wilkerson ’87, Erin (Alexander) Swanson ’99, and Marit Swanson ’15. Kristoffer Dahle ’14, best man, and Anneli Lund ’14, bridesmaid, could not attend due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions.

Courtney Johnson married Cody Chappell after six years of dating and one postponed wedding due to Covid 19 on April 10, 2021. The newlyweds live in Auburn, Washington.

Nikki (Noble) Binder ’12 married Jan Binder Sept. 4, 2021, in Auburn, Washington. Lutes in attendance (from left to right) were Brittney Weissenbuehler ’11, Brad Johnson ’11, Tabatha (Franciscus) Johnson ’11 (bridesmaid), Kirk Swanson ’12, Marta (Geldaker) Swanson ’14 (bridesmaid), Nick Malos ’12 (man of honor), Hannah Febach ’12 (bridesmaid), Sam (Mulroy) Myers ’13 (bridesmaid), Blaine Myers ’13.

Jesse Horwath and Kristen Ziegler-Horwath ’11 welcomed twins and future Lutes, Zelda Sue Horwath and Felix Michael Horwath, on Jan. 11, 2020.

Kelsey Horne earned a master of arts in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Washington, Tacoma in August 2021. Her thesis served as the beginning steps of a community needs assessment and is titled: Immigrant and Refugee Youth Development in Washington’s South Sound: Approaching Local Needs through Holistic Strategies.

Lars Tanaka ’09 married Michele Ganiko Sept. 18, 2021, at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, Hawaii. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Troy Andrade ’07. Lars and Michele live in Honolulu, Hawaii with their dog Kenji.

Molly (Keller) Fields and her husband Jeffery Fields welcomed their daughter, Ingrid Ruth Anna, on Jan. 20, 2021. Ingrid joins her big brother, Brian, and heavenly big brother, Magnus.

Nick Page welcomed his second daughter, Mckinlee Patricia Page, on May, 18, 2021 at 5 p.m. in Everett, Washington.

Jennie L. Barge and her husband Barrett Barge welcomed Shepherd Dean in November 2021 to the Barge family.

Wendy Nelson married Steven Eschner Nov. 27, 2021. The couple resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with their doodle, Indiana Jones. Wendy currently works as a field consultant with 7-Eleven Inc. while Steven works at Highland Falls Golf Club in guest services.

Evan Edminster was selected as the 2021 awardee of the Kaiser Permanente National Nursing “Excellence in Professional Development” Award. This award recognizes a Registered Nurse who has made significant contributions to the professional development of others through activities such as development and evaluation of formal educational programs, facilitation of role development and practice transitions, and mentoring. All received nominations were anonymized and underwent a rigorous review. A nationwide panel of expert reviewers selected him as the 2021 honoree. Evan also completed his master’s of science-clinical nurse leader degree in August 2021 to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Matthew (Matt) John Mihelich of Big Lake, Washington, passed away Nov. 29, 2021, at age 49. He attended PLU receiving a bachelor’s degree in education and then attended Western Washington University, receiving a master’s degree in education and K-12 principal’s certificate. Matt started as a teacher, then became a principal, and most recently was the executive director of human resources and health services for the Sedro-Woolley School District. Matt played football for PLU where he met many lifelong friends. He continued his passion for sports by coaching in his community. Matt is survived by his wife Tristin and his three children.

Jon Funfar was awarded the Buske Leadership Award in June from the Alliance for Community Media (ACM). The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated commitment to the mission and goals of the ACM, leadership within the organization within the last three years, a high degree of involvement in the organization nationally, regionally and at the chapter level, and continuing service to the ACM.

Dave Olson, then and now! Offensive team football players from the mid ’70s still having fun together. John Horner ’77, Dave Olson ’77, Jim Molzhon ’77 and Matt Klein ’77.

Wendy Enger retired in 2021 after 23 years as First Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager in Wealth Management for Merrill Lynch, Bank of America. She has returned to her first love, art, and resides in Sarasota, Florida. Attached is her sketch of PLU classmate Helen Pohlig.

David Johnson was married to Cheri Whitlock-Johnson on May 15, 2021. It was the first wedding inside First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Washington in over two years, with the guest list reduced to 50 thanks to COVID protocols. They live in Mount Vernon where you just might see them driving around; just look for the license plate on the Audi: LUTES74.

Karen Joy (Weber) Kamerrer, passed away Oct. 3, 2021. She earned an education degree from PLU and served as a teacher in the Olympia School District for 33 years, retiring in 2006. She is survived by her husband, two daughters and two grandchildren.

Diane (Schoch) Russell passed away Sept. 26, 2021, three months to the day after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is survived by Richard, her husband of 49 years; her daughter Margaret; and her sister, Pamela Asberry.

Roy Helm’s business officially closed at the end of 2019 after 34 years of providing a marketplace for craftspeople. Retirement marked a career of leading many arts organizations that included the Alaska Festival of Music, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and the last 34 years with the Contemporary Crafts Market. Thirty-five years ago, Carl Crosier at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu called him because David Dahl of the PLU music faculty told Carl that a former member of the Choir of the West was available if he needed a tenor. Roy has sung in the choirs ever since.

Harry Beggs passed away Dec. 7, 2020 in Tacoma, Washington after a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s disease. After PLU, Harry taught in the Tacoma school district while also coaching, coordinating intramural sports, and teaching outdoor education. In 1975, Harry began working at Green River Community College after completing an M.Ed. from Ohio University in athletic administration. He served in multiple director roles and as varsity softball coach where he won coach of the year. In retirement, Harry traveled and attended many sporting events. He is survived by his wife Kim, son Billy, and daughters Amy (Ben) Trachte and Josie (Andy) Jacques-Maynes.

Bill Scharnweber passed away at age 77 on Feb.7, 2021, weeks after being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1965 and went on to earn a master’s degree in European history from WSU. After pursuing a Ph.D. in medieval and renaissance history at the University of Michigan, he spent the next 30 years working for Follett College Stores and ended his career in Chicago as director of intellectual properties and sales. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Marcia (Larsen) ’67, his sons Kurt, Rudi and Karl (Amber), and daughter Greta Arang.

Dave Evans passed away Nov. 19, 2020. After graduating from PLU, he earned his MBA from the University of Washington. He and Karen (Espeland) ’63 were married for 56 years and lived in Kenmore, Washington before moving to Edmonds, Washington. They have two sons, Erik and Ryan ’91, and 6 grandchildren. Dave enjoyed golf, travel and spending time with his family.

Roger A. Bakken of Vancouver, Washington, passed away on October 23, 2021. Roger earned a degree in Psychology from PLU. At PLU, he met Marge (Margaret) Wilson ’63, and they were married in 1962. As a teenager, Roger was recruited to pitch men’s fastpitch softball. He had many pitching accomplishments throughout his career in Seattle and Portland. He also authored “The Coaches Pocket Planner” after coaching his son’s little league team. Before her passing in 2005, Roger and Marge enjoyed traveling with family. Roger will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his generosity to many in need.

Jim Bricker died Oct. 3, 2021 after a battle with lymphoma. While at PLC, he played football and joined the Platoon Leaders Class program. He also completed a master’s of public administration at the University of Washington. After graduating, Jim reported for active duty in the US Marine Corps and served in Japan. He transitioned to the reserves and retired at the rank of Colonel. He later worked for PEMCO Insurance as Director of Government Affairs and was an adjunct faculty member at PLU. He is survived by his sister Janelle, sons Larry and Steve, their wives, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Phyllis Nowadnick died Nov. 4, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Nowadnick ’52 on April 19, 2019. Phyllis and George met at PLU, graduating with teaching degrees. Phyllis was a long-time elementary school teacher until her retirement in 1992. George was a long-time school administrator until his own retirement. Both delighted in time with family, especially their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were also very active in their church and community.