Lakeside Lutheran Link #28 (2025 Issue 2)

from Director Matt Oppermann July 2025 brought a new face and with him, a new name for the department responsible for this publication and the several alum opportunities Lakeside Lutheran offers. Matt leads our Mission Advancement office and welcomes your thoughts and questions. moppermann@llhs.org | 920-648-2321 x2217.

P

hilippians 3:12 reminds us, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for

which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” This powerful verse captures the spirit of pursuit—a faithful determination to follow God’s plan, to grow in grace, and to strive for excellence in all that we do. Pursue is more than a theme; it’s a way of life, reminding us that we are called to live with purpose and perseverance, trusting that God’s design for each of us is both intentional and good.

The blessings of a Lakeside Lutheran education extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. At LLHS, students are educated, encouraged, and equipped to serve as disciples of Christ. They are challenged to think critically, act compassionately, and live faithfully. That foundation—rooted in God’s Word—continues to shape lives long after graduation. As Forever Warriors, you are living examples of those blessings in motion. The lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the faith strengthened at Lakeside continue to make an impact in your families, churches, workplaces, and communities.

MISSION Motivated by the love of Jesus, Lakeside Lutheran High School partners with families to educate, encourage, and equip students for life and for eternity.

about our federation The Lakeside Lutheran Federation includes 33 congregations in a diverse geographic region in southcentral Wisconsin that extends north to south from Beaver Dam to Janesville and east to west from Okauchee to Middleton.

The LL Link is a publication of Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, Wis., published twice annually and distributed free of charge to graduates, supporters, students, families and friends.

Readers are encouraged to pass on copies to benefit others. Please direct all correspondence, letters, news corrections, comments and requests to be added to our home mailing list to:

This year, as we reflect on the theme Pursue—By His Design, we celebrate how God’s hand is evident in every journey. We see His design at work in our students as they grow in wisdom and faith, in our teachers as they serve with dedication, and in our alumni as they live out their calling with

Lakeside Lutheran High School 231 Woodland Beach Rd. Lake Mills, WI 53551 info@llhs.org • 920.648.2321

purpose.

We invite you to join us in this pursuit by continuing to lift Lakeside Lutheran in your prayers. Your ongoing encouragement, faithful support, and active engagement help ensure that future

Principal: Pastor Don Schultz Executive Director: Kirk DeNoyer Asst Principal: John Dorn Mission Advancement Director: Matt Oppermann Admissions Director: Steve Lauber Activities Director: Todd Jahns Regents Chair: Ben Mlsna

generations experience the same Christ-centered education that has

Photo credits:

blessed you. Together, we press

p. 2,: Empire Photography p. 13: Sarah Strawn

on—pursuing His plans, striving for excellence, and giving thanks for all He has done—By His Design. page 2 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

Remainder contributed or

by LLHS communications staff

Natalie Popp (Class of ‘26), a voice for veterans (cover) In early October, near the front office, Lakeside installed a Forever Warrior Wall of Honor to display names of alum who have, or who continue to, serve in the military. Popp suggested the idea to LLHS and connected us with a business specializing in veteran displays. Natalie devotes many hours to vet issues, including starting Teens for Heroes, a group that sends 1000s of letters & cards from students to vets.

Read more about our Wall of Honor on p. 6 See Veterans Day event photos at llhs.smugmug.com/Events/Veterans-Day-2025

The Lakeside Lutheran Link 2025 Issue 2

Table of Contents Faculty & School Updates Vets Day & Wall of Honor tribute ‘63 alum Purple Heart recipient Alum Links Campus Update HoCo alum social challenge Alum Zone fun Remembering loved ones Reunion News Grand Event Save the Date!

4-5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 BC

something new! . . . g n i c n Annou

Have a business to share with your Warrior fam?

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new way to connect and support one another within the Lakeside community! This directory will highlight the many gifts and talents of our extended Warrior family, making it easier for alum, parents, and friends to network, collaborate, and support businesses that share a connection to our mission of educating, encouraging, and equipping disciples for Christ.

We’re eager for you to be part of this new resource. Whether you own a business, offer professional services, or work in an organization that serves our community, this is a great opportunity to share what you do. Add your business today and help us celebrate the many ways God continues to bless our Lakeside community through the talents and callings of our alum & friends.

llhs.org/bizdir/ Thank you for being part of the Lakeside story—and for all the ways you continue to support our mission and ministry.

Link| 2025 | 2025Issue Issue2 2| llhs.org | llhs.org| page | page3 3 LLLLLink

Faculty Feature: The Warrior Family keeps growing Five teachers have joined the faculty this 2025-2026 school year. Teaching experience ranges from over 20 years in the teaching ministry to new college graduates, and even includes an alum returning to replace an inspiring mentor.

Please welcome and pray for these new Warriors!

Amanda Gronholz has joined the English department to teach freshman English and junior Composition. She coaches JV2 girls basketball and is Yearbook advisor.

plants, and thrifting. She currently lives in Aztalan and is a member of St. Paul, Lake Mills.

Nathan Miller is not

A veteran teacher of more than 20 years, she is excited to see the different talents her students have been given. “I am excited to meet and connect with the students and families here at Lakeside. I am also looking forward to encouraging our students to explore all the different ways they can serve their Savior.”

only a new Warrior, but also new to the teaching ministry! He graduated and was assigned to us in May from MLC. Nate teaches sophomore English and World History. He also coaches JV girls basketball and will assist with JV softball in the spring.

A Martin Luther College grad, Amanda and Phil, her husband of 22 years, now live in Jefferson with 3 children: Georgia, (grade 10); Harper, (7th); and Hudson (5th). Phil runs his own home remodeling business, PMG Cornerstone Renovations.

He and his wife, Grace, were married last summer. She teaches kindergarten at St. Paul, Lake Mills.

He writes, “I’m ecstatic about sharing God’s Word with other Christians and working to give students outlets to help them grow their faith.”

Mandi Hoeppner

Nathan is a big fan of all Wisconsin sports teams. His favorite travel destination is Antigua where he helped deliver school supplies to St. John’s School his senior year.

Our new Art teacher, she also facilitates the new Art Club and will co-head coach Track & Field.

An ‘05 alum, she says she is eager to “move home after all these years and take over for the one who inspired me to be an art teacher.” [Mrs. Lori Tetzlaff retired last spring.]

Helping teens’ faith to grow is what Markus is enjoying this school year. “I am thrilled to teach in a school where I can directly minister the Gospel with my students and help them grow into great Christian adults.”

Matt Schreiber joined the World Languages department to teach Spanish 1 and 2. He also leads the Cultural Awareness Club, helps with Forensics, and heads up the Academic Bowl team.

After working for many years in grade school, he’s keen to teach at the high school level. “I’m excited to teach entry-level and beginning Spanish on a daily basis. After grade school Spanish, this seemed like the next logical step.”

Markus Rupnow is also a brand new teacher, a May 2025 grad of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. He teaches Social Studies and Phy Ed. His extracurricular involvement is coaching cross country in fall and track & field in spring.

Having graduated from UWMadison and throwing for the Badger Track & Field team, Mandi has also traveled the majority of the continental U.S., even spending a year traveling in an RV! Other hobbies include volleyball, reading,

page 4 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

Matt and his wife Emily, have four children: Elias (LL ‘27), Charlotte (‘28), Jack (8th grade) and Henry (6th).

Outside of the classroom, Matt is a regular volunteer at Twice is Nice, pricing their vintage and collectibles.

School Update: News of future Forever Warriors God continues to bless us with growth in students and staff. The 68th school year began on August 18 with an enrollment of 567 students, a 6% increase from the end of school last May. There are 42 faculty members and an additional 29 full- and part-time staff and 5 non-employed staff this school year, including a School Resource Officer, Driver Ed, piano & vocal instructors and athletic trainer.

Children’s Theatre

Warrior Band takes a bite out of the Big Apple This past July, 80 Warriors & chaperones traveled out East and into Canada marching 8 parades in 8 days, performing the song “Estancia.”

They also took in the sights, visited the Statue of Liberty, wore Brewers gear at a Yankees game, and saw Wicked on Broadway!

With Lakeside Theatre Department’s 1st time performing “in the round”— where the audience is seated on risers and actors performed on the gym floor—student actors performed a comedic compilation of skits from Aesop’s (oh so slightly updated) Fables by Kim Esop-Wiley.

They performed 3 shows for grade schools, and 2 for the general public.

Academic Bowl Champions For the 2nd year in a row, the Warrior Academic Bowl team won the Capitol Conference Academic Competition, held this year in Belleville. Four Warriors were medalists in their categories!

Cross Country Ä Girls won the Conference Championship and the boys were conference runners-up, so both teams advanced to sectionals. Girls finished 2nd which qualified them as a team to go to state. There the girls finished 8th of 16, making it their best finish at state since the championship run in 2007.

Football Ä The boys finished 2-7 overall, their last year in the tough Badger Small Conference. 8 were all-conference and D1headed Jackson Stein was Offensive Lineman of the Year!

Warriors attend Career Day More than 50 presenters (including 25 alum such as Officer Josh Schoenfeld ‘16, above) from dozens of industries and professions came to campus to share career descriptions, stats, and personal experience with LLHS teens.

Competitive Team Updates

Grandparents visit campus We were blessed to host 275 grandparents in October for the first of two days each year affectionately called “GPD” (aka Grandparents Day).

Fall sees the grands of freshmen and juniors spending time with their teens with social time and a breakfast in the East Gym and worship in chapel with everyone. The West Gym was happily packed!

Boys Soccer Ä Boys finished the season 11-8-5, was seeded 7th in playoffs, and made it to WIAA regional final.

Volleyball Ä The girls finished 6-4 in conference, 16-23 overall, and made it to regional semi-finals.

Girls Golf Ä Girls took 3rd in the Rock Valley Conference. Sophomore Bella Roman advanced to state and took 10th place.

Madison League Math Meet Ä The Varsity1 team took 1st.

3 Warrior JV teams took the top 3 spots! JV3 even took 3rd with 4 mathletes instead of the usual 8.

LL Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 5

Lakeside Link: Vets Event is annual tradition for several alum Your Lakeside Lutheran is truly privileged to host an annual Veterans Day Observance Event on campus each November.

This year, more than 80 veterans and guests (10 of those Forever Warriors) were on campus for a continental breakfast, a speech by retired Air Force Colonel Dr. William J. Fry, and a devotion from Pastor Tim Schwartz (Zion, Columbus) in a school-wide chapel service. We thank God for all veterans, for their service to God and country, and that these friends could join us this year. A special feature this year was many alum vets’ first look at the new Forever Warrior Wall of Honor that was installed only a week earlier in a hallway by the front office See more photos of the morning at llhs.smugmug.com/Events/Veterans-Day-2025

Forever Warriors at the Nov. 5, 2025 Vet Appreciation Event gather around the new alum Wall of Honor.

L-R: Gary Lembrich ‘62 Bob Roth ‘62 George Bless ‘63 Bob Kuykendall ‘63 Gene Burrow ‘65 Jim Buelow ‘64 Dan Schuman ‘79 Brian Hafenstein ‘86 Roger Herbert ‘66 Gary Mack ‘66

Forever Warrior Wall of Honor on display in time for vets’ visit The brainchild of Warrior senior Natalie Popp (at right), who continually finds ways that her passion for honoring and remembering U.S. veterans can turn into action, the Forever Warrior Wall of Honor display was installed in the 100 hallway just in time for this fall’s Vet Day event.

Inclusion with a plaque on the wall display is open to LL alum who have or are serving in any of the six branches of the U.S. military. We are eager for more vet alum to see it and help spread the word about the continuing opportunity. If you notice that an alum you know who has or is serving, but who is not on the wall, please share the opportunity and the link so they can add their name and military info (at no cost to them). An online form is available, and Jess in Mission Advancement is happy to take calls at 920-6482321 x 2230. Info we collect includes vet name, contact info, grad year, branch of service, rank and years served.

Alum, please consider being a part of the Warrior family this way!

Add a Forever Warrior veteran at llhs.org/apps/form/FWwallofhonor

page page 66 || Lakeside Lakeside Lutheran Lutheran Link Link || 2025 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

Lakeside Link: ‘63 grad served God & country with heart George L. Bless LLHS Class of 1963 Forever Warrior Wall of Honor U.S. Marine Corps, 1964–68 Purple Heart recipient Veteran of the Vietnam War, George Bless is also a long-time vet of our annual Veterans Day Observance event on campus.

At left, George at the 2025 Lakeside vet’s event.

As of this year, he is now At right, George’s senior yearbook photo, 1962–63. also one of 24 alum who graduated in the 1960s to married for 58 years. They have two children, Jeffrey (‘86) have a plaque in our hallway marking their service to God and Angela Erickson (‘93). Two grandsons are Warriors and country. (Vets or a family member or friend needed now, Zachary (‘26) and Alex (‘28) Erickson. to make a short call to our Mission Advancement office or Lakeside Years Favorite memories include his complete an online form to be included on the wall—we basketball years (under Coach Wayne Kreklow, at continue to encourage vets to add their names!)

LL 1959–66). “Kids didn’t have cars back then like Military Service George joined the Marine Corps nowadays,” so it was hard to keep in touch when not in in December 1964, attended boot camp at the USMC school, but he enjoyed time with friends at school and Recruit Depot in San Diego, and arrived in Vietnam via during extracurricular activities. ship in April 1965. He served for 4 ½ years.

George’s plaque (pictured at right) also includes a line recognizing his being a Purple Heart recipient; his ”special designation” is one of a relatively short list of military accolades or recognitions that were recommended by the manufacturer for inclusion, such as the Medal of Honor, Bronze Star (with V), Distinguished Service or Flying Cross, POW or KIA, among others. According to military.com, the Purple Heart was established by the War Department in 1932 and is awarded to U.S. Armed Forces members who George was #33 on his senior year 1962-63 basketball team. “are [seriously] wounded, killed, or die from wounds in combat against an enemy, or for injury or death resulting He also has fond memories of the leadership of Principal from acts of terrorism, peacekeeping missions, or friendly Pastor Huebner. He remembers only being on the fire incidents in hostile territory.”

Fort Atkinson campus, the same building as his grade

Corporal Bless became eligible for the medal after he was wounded in March 1966 during the 4-day battle referred to as Operation Utah in the Quảng Ngãi Province of South Vietnam, the first major battle between U.S. Marines and the regular North Vietnamese Army. Both arms were wounded after exchanging gunfire with Vietnam soldiers. His Purple Heart was awarded to him

by Governor Warren Knowles of Wisconsin.

Family Life George had been sent to the Quantico, Virginia, U.S. Naval Hospital for recovery from his wounds.

There he met his wife Linda at a dance at the NCO Club.

She worked for the FBI at the time. George and Linda were later married in Falls Church, Va., and have been

school; the only thing he was able to do in today’s building was graduate. He remembers walking on boards on graduation day to avoid construction mud.

Spiritually speaking, George shares that he loved his religion classes—they “gave him a good foundation for life.” He “did a lot of praying in Vietnam” and says those prayers brought him comfort during many hard times.

“I’m so glad I had the privilege of going to Lakeside,” he says. “My dad, George F. Bless, was instrumental in starting Lakeside, and for that I am grateful.” We are grateful for your presence on the Forever Warrior Wall of Honor, Marine Bless. Thank you for your service!

LL Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 7

‘22 Ethan Schulz is a 4K assistant at Good Shepherd in Beaver Dam.

‘18 Hannah Mayer married Michael ‘20 Madelyn Plitzuweit (‘20) and Colin Krueger were married June 28 in Oconomowoc. They are both called workers in Bloomington, Minn.

Fromm on July 12 at St. Paul’s in Fort Atkinson. They met at MLC and are both now serving at California Lutheran High School. Other Forever Warriors in the wedding party included Alyssa (Condon ‘18) Knueppel, Rachel (Mayer ‘20) Gensmer and Caitlin (Condon ‘19) Roy.

‘18 Alyson (Steffan ‘18) Fluegge and her husband Eric finished their vicar year in Findlay, Ohio and moved back to Wisconsin for Eric’s final year at the seminary. They have 2 beautiful babies, Eleanor and Matthew. Eric will get his full-time assignment into the pastoral ministry in May 2026.

‘18 Jenna Gaal married Jonathan Buettner in August 2024. in Madison, where they met. Jenna is a school mental health therapist.

‘19 Tyler Holzueter (‘19) and wife Grace welcomed a baby girl, Ayda Joy, on May 3. Both Tyler and Grace are teachers at Cross of Glory in Peoria, Ariz.

‘17 Adam Peters works on and rebuilds cars in his line of work.

‘19 Cameron Paske and Alyssa Buechner are engaged and planning a May 2026 wedding.

‘18 Bridgette (Schoebel ‘18) and Dustin

‘19 Miranda Blake and Hunter Kowalske were married on May 31. Miranda is a nurse and they recently bought a house in Watertown.

Schulz (‘19) welcomed a baby girl, Kirstyn K. Schulz on Sept. 1. She weighed 5 lbs, 8 oz, and was 18.5 in. David and Amanda Schulz (‘97) are proud grandparents and Ethan Schulz (‘22) is the proud uncle.

page 8 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

‘17 Quinn Bilitz (‘17 at left) and Malachi Mortensen (‘17) both graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary on May 22 and received calls to serve as pastors— Malachi as a tutor at Martin Luther College, and Quinn to serve at First Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wis.

‘78 Timothy

‘88 David Albrecht is enjoying the retired life!

‘72 Linda

‘17 Josh Higgins and wife Sarah welcomed Elliana Grace, in August 2024.

Josh is the 5-6 grade teacher and Athletic Director at Trinity Lutheran in Belle Plaine, Minn. Sarah teaches kindergarten at Bloomington Lutheran.

‘99 Matthew Bauer earned a master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Admin from Concordia, St. Paul, Minn. He is currently serving as the Athletic Director, coach, and teacher at Great Plains Lutheran High School in Watertown, So.Dak.

Whitefoot was called to eternal rest on April 16. “We take comfort in the quiet assurance that he now rests in the loving arms of Jesus.”

‘86 Stephanie (Leistico) Wolters passed away on August 26.

“She was always so proud to tell people she graduated from Lakeside and kept in touch with many friends she made there to this day.”

(Tessman) Foote passed away September 13.

Services were held at St. Peter’s, Helenville on September 26.

‘72 Theresa “Terry” Zanstorff entered her eternal home on May 10 after a fierce struggle with vascular dementia.

Services were held at Bethany Lutheran in Fort on May 23.

‘69 David Heller ‘86 Brian Hafenstein and family were

‘94 Shelly (Jaeger ‘94) Ratzow and husband Brad loved following the Warrior Band this summer. Their youngest daughter, Christine, is a junior.

‘88 Greg “Caddy” Anderson (‘88) passed awaywent home on August 1 after a brief battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held at St. Mark’s, Watertown on August 16.

awarded posthumously for Brian’s wife, Tammy, with the Army Engineer Association Essayons Award, offered by the Army Corps of Engineers for spousal contributions to the regiment. The family was awarded this honor at the Lake Mills Memorial Day Ceremony in downtown Commons Park on Memorial Day.

‘80 Roger Tews gained his heavenly crown on September 20. A celebration of his life was held on October 10 at The Core in Appleton.

died at home on May 25. He is survived by his loving wife Anna, 2 sons and 9 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on May 31 at Trinity Lutheran in Minocqua.

‘63 Ruth (Strauss) Yerges died peacefully in her sleep June 6. A memorial service was held at St. John, Waterloo on Saturday, June 21.

LL Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 9

At Reg Pfeiffer’s ‘75 request, the 50th anniversary of the 1st Warrior men’s basketball conference championship (1974-75 season) and Coach Dale Walz will be recognized at halftime of the boys basketball game on Dec 19, 2025!

Join us on campus for it!

1975 basketball guards at Class of 1975 reunion

The Lakeside A Cappella Choir sang the National Anthem before a Brewers game on Saturday, July 26 against the Miami Marlins.

Class of 1975 basketball champions reunite

While that itself is cool, what is even cooler is the arrangement they sang was arranged by Andrea (Oppermann ‘02) Grasenick!

Andrea holds a Master of Church music in Choral Conducting from Concordia University Wisconsin, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College.

She currently serves as the choral director at Shoreland Lutheran High School. Prior to that, she spent 6 years teaching and directing at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix.

CONNECT!

1975 football players at Class of 1975 reunion UPDATE US! Alum, we want to hear about your personal/family/work announcements! Your fellow Forever Warriors want to celebrate, to pray, to encourage you as you go through life events. Update us online at llhs.org/apps/form/alumupdate or email updateus@llhs.org or ... send something to us oldschool style! 231 Woodland Beach Rd. Lake Mills 53551 page 10 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

School Update: New art display embodies This. Is. Lakeside.

Maybe you've seen it —This. Is. Lakeside.—associated with certain stories on our social media platforms or our WarriorStories blog.

"This is Lakeside" is meant to give glory to God through demonstrations of his love—the kind of love that is so often seen in the love of a family. It's the spirit of unity, of knowing it's better together. It's reveling in the love that Jesus shows us every day, his love that makes us proud to show the world the blessings that we have, that we eagerly share.

The art that's in the new cafeteria has something new to see no matter how often you stop in, but every time you do, we hope the first thing you see is Jesus!

Our new "Caf South" now features—along with a fantastic amount of sunshine— an original work of art, conceived and installed by Warrior mom and professional artist, Becky Weidner. Most bead strands were made by our federation churches, grade schools and Lakeside student groups, so when folks stop in this new area for tournaments, festivals and other events, they can find a bit of themselves on campus!

Others will notice that the frame is wood from the west gym bleachers before its 2021 remodel (see photo below). Weidner made and fired the ceramic elements in her Columbus art studio and workshop.

To complement the art, Weidner provided an artist's statement that gives terrific context to the goals and motivation behind this project.

She shares, "the rings are like all of us who are connected to Lakeside.

They are made of different clays and glazes just like we are all different.

But we're all connected together in Christ. I wanted to represent all of these different groups and people who support and are touched by Lakeside."

Thank you to all who had a hand in making this come to fruition. Come visit us to see it. To God be the glory!

Industiral Arts teacher, Caleb Kasper ‘98, guided his Woods classes in repurposing the last planks from the original west gym bleachers into the canvas for the new south cafeteria art display.

LL Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 11

📷😢

“Friends Forever” Tuesday (Then/Now pics of besties) was a big hit in this year’s alum social challenge. We loved seeing so much creativity—and we sympathize with the older alum who don’t have such ready access to pics Thanks to each of you who joined in any way, any day! We wish we could share them all here, but be sure to follow @LLHSForeverWarriors and you can see more who shared in the group. Remember to save the date for HoCo 2026: Friday, October 9. Share ideas for a new social challenge!

THEN & NOW: Ashley Fritz & Aly (Steffan) Fluegge–both ‘18

THEN & NOW: Greg Melcher & Brian Hafenstein–both ‘86

THEN & (LATER): Sherry (Yandry) Gerondale & Sue (Brokmeier) Boulden–both ‘84

THEN & NOW: Alyssa (Condon ‘18) Knueppel, Rachel (Mayer ‘20) Gensmer, Hannah (Mayer) Fromm ‘18, Caitlin (Condon ‘19) Roy (wedding order)

THEN & NOW: Heidi Skewes & Keyera (Giese) Christensen–both ‘17

THEN & NOW: Lea (Christian) Murack & Jana (Ellis) Feltz–both ‘86

THEN & NOW: Kimara (Knief) Winters & Jodi Toebe–both ‘86

THEN & NOW: Kathryn (Richter) Hodel & Haley (Kooiman) Soderbeck both’17

page 12 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

Alum Zone 2025 Recap: Just keeps getting better & better!

288 Forever Warriors and their families enjoyed summer-like weather, tailgating food, Tracy (Roberts ‘86) Schwantes’ famous cupcakes, Crumbl Cookies, Joe’s Balloon Twisting and time to reminisce with classmates and old friends. Elizabeth (Zimmerman ‘05) Steiber took home the Forever Warrior tailgating package and Jason Koester (‘86) won the 50/50 raffle, taking home $276.

The class of 2000 (25th) and 2005 (20th) began their reunions with us in the Zone. Thanks for coming home, Forever Warriors!

Mark your calendars for October 9, 2026.

Hope to see you ALL at the next Alum Zone!

Congrats to the class of 2025 for winning this year’s attendance award with the 23 classmates who registered and attended. We were thankful to get a pic of those who were still around at the end of the event!

LL Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 13

We are grateful for the heartfelt gifts offered to the ministry of Lakeside Lutheran High School by one or more donors from April through October 2025 in loving memory or honor of loved ones.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

1 Peter 1:23-25

in Memory of Ellen Anderson Gregory Anderson Wayne Boos Shirley A. Buss Gene Butler Karen Cornell Dick Eckes Jerry Else Jim & Marilyn Erickson Tresa Ewerdt Betty Fehrmann Dick Field Agnes Froemming Elaine Frommgen Karen Gauger-Huber Carol Genz Cheryl Grulke Robert Hackbarth Ronald Hartwig David Heller

Gus Holzbauer Richard Kolbow Hank & Frieda Luetzow Willard Maas William Medenwaldt Dane Melcher Keith Meske JoAnn Muehrcke Judy Mundt Laureen Niedfeldt Fred Nunez Lois O’Connor Ruth Orvick Elaine Otterstatter Ruth Paskey Ann Peck Kay Raether Gary Reinke Joseph Richart

Jean Rupnow Roger Rupnow Ronald Saur Don Schmutzler Richard Schneider Kay Schuetze Marnee Schultz Fred Sievert Joan Steindorf Ron Stelter Joyce Thiesfeldt Rodney Uttech Luella Voight Diane Wagner Paul & Genevieve Westphal Louise Willing Donna Zahn Teresa Zarnstorff Philip Zastrow Everett Zwieg

in Tribute to Gary and Nancy Fischer in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary Lloyd Thoma in honor of his 90th birthday Class of 1975 in honor of their 50th reunion

page 14 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org

2025 REUNIONS Got news?

Share changes & updates at

llhs.org/apps/pages/alum

See some other fun Class of 1975 50th reunion pics on p. 10

At this spot on the LLHS website you can also see the current list of class reunion contacts on file.

1975: Had a blast celebrating 50. 33 classmates and spouses gathered for a school tour followed by dinner at Milford Hills on Saturday, August 2.

God is good! Thank you to Connie (Poweleit) Eschenbach for her hard work & planning.

50th!

45th!

Front L-R: Sarah (Albrecht) Anderson, Pam (Abel) Plagenz, Carol (Huebner) Steinbrecher, Peggy (Wheeler) Stone, Marion (Moll) Nofsinger, Denise (Novak) Wagner, Marion (Carnes) Winkleman, Deb (Andrews) Hans, Connie (Poweleit) Eschenbach, Susan (Schroeder) Balog, Lois (Kohloff) Durkin, Bernice (Fenner) Sweo, Rachel (Hookstead) Zock, Susan (Thusius) Theirfelder, Linda Wentzel Frankowski, Dawn Brooks.

2nd Row L-R: Paul Buchta, Steve Adickes, Reg Pfeifer, Bruce Dobratz, Scott Henning, Steve Fleck, Mary Hartwig Watts, Marty Kehl. 3rd Row L-R: Keith Grandt,Terry Schwartz, Doug Stallman, Jeff Wittchow,Tim Wiedmann, Steve Neimuth, Doug Krause. Top: Andy Kuhl & Tim Probst

1980: 22 gathered for the 8/29 football game, and continued the next day with a school tour, then dinner & socializing at the 1855 Saloon & Grill in Cottage Grove. What a great weekend of reminiscing. Thanks, Kris Taves & Lori Draeger, for planning.

Front: Keith Schreiner, Mike Madson,Tim Welke, Denise Mundt, Colleen O’Conner, Marie (Kobs) Kurth, Lori (Koeppel) Draeger, Roxanne (Rux) Kading, Dione (Novak) Steinbrenner, Sally (Zastrow) Price | Back: Adam Westphal, Kris Taves, Dan Zastrow, Steve Streblow, Rod Heine, Dan Kleinhans, Duwayne Mundt | Also attending: Henry Gaugert,Tim Luetzow, Gail (Timmel) Bellman, Martha (Timmel) Bechard, Sherry (Bakker) McKee

th!

1995: 20 classmates & spouses took a tour led by Mission Adv Director Oppermann >> who gave this group a lot to reminisce as they walked the new (& old) halls.

Fellowship time was in the new south caf.

Thanks to Ted Zantos & Kim (Timmel) Peck for organizing.

Front (L-R): Al Krueger, Jenny (Hamilton) Sunday, Neil Mumm, Kim (Timmel) Peck, Cathy (Hahn) Meier. | 2nd: Michelle (Zastrow) Wagner, Amanda (Jaeger) Buerger, Matt Redfield, Keith Roehl. | 3rd: Steve & Becky (Dollard) Collyard, Dan Becraft, Beth (Pelischek) Ruby, Chris Baker. | 4th: Rachel Schloesser, Lisa (Fredrick) Scharbach, Kris (Swartz) Borkowski, Brian Peck,Ted Zanto, John Stroh

25th!

2000: Got together at the HoCo Alum Zone, and more fun was had at Scott Kornstedt’s house after the game. A larger reunion with the class of 2001 will be held in the summer of 2026. Look for details soon! Thank you to Kayla (Jaeckel) Brown for planning.

Top: Dustin Blumer, Scott Kornstedt,Tim Anderson, Glen Pufahl | Bottom Row: Lindsay (Schultz) Long, Melanie (Bublitz) Kutz, Kayla (Jaeckel) Brown | Not Pictured: Brian Braatz, Craig Wortman, Phil Ewerdt (plus others at the game, not able to make it later)

2005: Gathered at the Alum zone and football game to reminisce and catch up. A larger group gathered at the Fharmacy afterwards.

Thanks to Mandi Hoeppner for short notice planning!

Fharmacy) Back: Jessica Brunk, ??,Willie Wentzel, Eric Burrow, Becky (Hahn) Brown, 20th! (AtShellyLeft,(Bohn) Grosenick, Keith Peterson,Tim Nordstrom, ??. Front Row: ??,Tyler Dobbratz, ??,

Bobbi Jo Bishofberger, ??, Cody Gentz | Alum Zone pic, below: Back row: Mandi Hoeppner, Angela (Goldberg) Peirick, Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Steiber, Jessica Brunk, April (Piepenbrink) Iverson, Shelly (Bohn) Grosenick,Willie Wentzel, Jeremy Wrasse, Keith Peterson | Front:Tim Nordstrom, Bobbi Jo Bishofberger

20th!

2015: Many classmates gathered for this 10-year milestone reunion at the home of Sam and Maddie (Dumke) Schulz in Whitewater. Thanks for hosting! (no pic) LL Link | 2025 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 15

Electronic Service Requested

SAVE

THE DATE lakeside Lutheran

15thannual Grand Event

FIESTA OF FAITH So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.

Galatians 3:26:

saturday april 18, 2026 llhs.org/grandevent