Alum Update: Healthcare Warriors

As healthcare workers make headline news this spring, we’re sharing how proud we are of the way Forever Warriors use their gifts to help others. Thanks to these four alum who shared what they do and let us see how they reflect Jesus’ light in their respective lines in the healthcare field. Join us on Facebook @LLHSForeverWarriors

Julie (Harms ‘75) Vethe

NICU nurse, St. Mary’s, Madison

A graduate of UW-Oshkosh, Julie has been a neonatal nurse for over 40 years and loves what she does. “Caring for sick and premature babies is what God called her to do and it shows each and every day. Her compassionate and caring qualities help her work with neonatal babies and families going through tough times while showing them love and hope that they will get through all the struggles they face” says her daughter Jen Lucas (‘09). “She puts God’s Word at the center of everything she does and it always guides her to make the best decision possible for each and every baby. It is evident that her schooling through Lakeside guided her career choices and helped her become the wonderful nurse she is today.”

Julie (left) with sister Lori (Harms ‘77) Mueller and their mother Joanne Harms.

Dave Blank (‘83)

AEMT, Ryan Brothers Ambulance Service, Madison

Dave has worked for Ryan Brothers for 10 years. “I started EMS in 1984 and have been in my local departments ever since. Here at home I run as an EMR and firefighter on Clyman FD,” he says. “I believe in helping out when people are in need. I feel that going to Lakeside engraved that in me.”

Dave Blank

Tina (Berg ‘96) Kraft

RN, UW Hospital, Madison Otolaryngology department. (ENT)

Tina supervises 13 registered nurses and oversees the daily operations of 15 surgeons, 2 nurse practitioners, and 5 physician assistants at 2 different locations. She received an associate nursing degree from Madison College and completed her bachelors in nursing through Grand Canyon University in 2017.

“Lakeside prepared me for my job both academically as well as spiritually,” she says. “Knowing that Jesus showed love, compassion for others, and healed the sick, I can show my patients that same love and compassion during their illness and healing. This is my guiding precedence when I am faced with a difficult situation or trying to comfort patients and families.”

Tina Kraft

Brock Vredeveld (‘14) RN, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee

Brock obtained a BSN from Wisconsin Lutheran College while also playing college baseball. “Once a Warrior, always a Warrior stands true for me at WLC and LLHS.” Though nursing school was a challenge, the highlight of the program was “a life-changing 17-day trip to Zambia where we were able to witness our faith while studying global healthcare and providing screenings and education.”

He now works on the cardiac step down unit with patients who have a variety of heart health issues. “I enjoy the people, challenges, and the opportunity to learn more while helping others,” he says. He is engaged to Riley, whom he met at WLC, and they are planning a summer 2020 wedding. “LLHS prepared me in more ways than one, but most importantly it reinforced my Christian upbringing with Christ at the center. I enjoy working at the hospital where it is evident to me that God and science fit closely together,” he says. “Being able to share my faith story is pretty easy, especially now with the worldwide health pandemic. A nursing career is one of service and love. I can make a difference in people’s lives with my education and by sharing Jesus.”

Brock Vredeveld in Zambia