2 minute read
Retiring after 19 "special" years
by James Grasby
My first contact with Lakeside came during high school. I attended Luther in Onalaska. Our school orchestra came to Lake Mills twice for Heritagefest. In 1971, I stayed with the Kniefs in Watertown. Kimara (Knief) Winters is now Lakeside’s Publications Coordinator. The following year, the Quandts in Jefferson were my hosts. Ironically, I currently live almost directly across the street from that home.
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Already as a teenager, I sensed that Lakeside is a special school.
Throughout my earlier ministry, I met different Lakeside teachers, mostly through music activities. To this day, I value friendships with John Nolte, Jim Wade, Jim Buege, and Dave Fenske. I thought about how I might seriously consider a call to Lakeside if I ever received one. Little did I know how this would turn out.
Soon after receiving the principal call, I ran into Pastor Lloyd Huebner, Lakeside’s first principal. I did not tell him about the call; rather, a mutual friend at the same event did. Pastor Huebner instantly lit up. I have never received such encouragement to accept a call. But, coming from the man who started Lakeside and whose personality remains in the fabric of this school to this day, such encouragement was only natural.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed many changes at Lakeside. However, it goes back to what I stated earlier: Lakeside is a special school. The students, alumni, parents, teachers, staff, board members, and the people of the Federation love this school. They go above-andbeyond to support it. I leave after 19 years knowing that Lakeside is in good hands with the current board, school leadership, faculty, and staff. There is a clear future plan for ministry. The changes and blessings of the past two decades reinforce how Lakeside is a special school. Our gracious God has shaped it into what it is today.
Indeed, Lakeside is a special school!
Jim and Nancy are members at St. John, Jefferson.
LLHS principals gathered to honor Sharon Yanggen’s retirement in 2012. Back row: Tim Matthies, Phil Strohm, Bob Krueger, Dave Kuske. Front row: Jeff Davis, James Grasby, Pastor Lloyd Huebner, (Missing: Jason Nelson).
Jim with his family at the October 2021 reaffirmation of grandson Noah Dawson’s baptism.
