mission
From student to teacher
Cathy (Hahn ‘95) Meier joined the faculty this fall to teach Family and Consumer Education classes—Health, Foods, and Child Development—as well as Vocational English and a section of English 9. She shares some thoughts about her years as a student in these halls and how that influences her teaching. Accepting the call to teach at Lakeside was an easy decision for me. As a 1995 graduate, Lakeside has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to be back on campus. Some of my best years were here at Lakeside, and I had a great experience as a student. If I could, I’d do high school all over again (minus the homework). Some of my favorite memories are being on sports teams and the friendships that grew from being on those teams. Being involved in sports helped me develop many skills that have helped me in my adult life. I am very thankful for the Christian education I received at Lakeside that set a foundation for my life. It was a tremendous blessing to have friends who had the same faith. Those friendships are so much more meaningful because we have the same Savior. Many of the friends I made at Lakeside are still my friends today. I am also very thankful for the faculty and staff that loved, guided, taught, mentored, and encouraged me when I was a Warrior teen. The teachers reminded me that I am loved by Jesus and encouraged me to live a life of joy, knowing I am holy in God’s eyes. Now that I am privileged to serve in that role, I strive to help each student find the unique gifts and talents that God has given them and to use their talents to bring glory to Jesus. As a teacher at Lakeside, I pray that I can have a positive influence on students. One of my goals is to prepare students for life after high school—to teach them the skills needed to overcome adversity, manage their time and relationships, manage their thoughts and actions, and how to cope with life once they’ve graduated from Lakeside. Who knows? Maybe one day one of these students will be standing in front of the classroom, passing on to the next generation of Warriors the lessons we’ve all been blessed to learn here. page 2 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org
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 32 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: Lakeside Lutheran High School 231 Woodland Beach Rd. Lake Mills, WI 53551 info@llhs.org • 920.648.2321 Principal: James Grasby Executive Director: Kirk DeNoyer Asst Principal: Pastor Don Schultz Development Director: Scott Gronholz Enrollment Director: Steve Lauber Activities Director: Todd Jahns Regents Chairman: Glenn Lassanske
Photo credits: Linda Buxa: (cover) Todd Hackbarth: (top p. 2, p. 12) LifeTouch: headshots (p. 2, 4) Design2Construct: architectural renderings (p. 13, 16) Remainder contributed or by publications staff
Warriors Helping Warriors (cover)
The Lakeside Lutheran Link, 2021 Issue 2
Joel & Erika w(Buelo ‘9) Har edpitomz servic with a smile as they and ensdoz of others helpd clean up debris omfr a EF1 tornad tha hit Wiscon on July 29, 201. An EF1 tornad has wind sped of 86 to 10 mph.Toug ucmh work asw acomplished imedatly after the storm, ourf months , later ucmh work is stil left to be done. Brian and Rebca wo(Zastr ‘95) Neuman, of the wnto of d,Concr and their amilyf of at least two ys—ometib ourf when er thy’ al home omfr e—wilcog have lived in a hotel or cozy entalr home orf 8–9 months eorbf they ear able to eturn after anceisur is done ebuildng;r they hope to be back in their home next spring.
Table of Contents New faculty faces this fall ‘88 alum local public servant retires Warriors helping Warriors Alum Links Call for videos and videographers All things HoCo 2021 School News Update Remembering Loved Ones Reunion News
Read emor aboutris W helpingaros W on espag 6–7.
4 5 6 8 9 10 12 14 15
Core Values explained Lakeside Lutheran High School is a Christian ministry. Chief among all teachings of Scripture is the grace of God in Christ. Lakeside Lutheran and all its students, teachers, and staff grasp in faith that we are justified before God by grace alone. Growing out of this relationship based on grace is the sanctified life of the children of God. As a ministry of the Church, Lakeside Lutheran seeks to forge a relationship with parents and students that compels growth in godly living. This is expressed in our five Core Values, which were formalized in May 2020 in a joint effort by both the school’s Academic and Business leadership boards. Part of a larger strategic planning initiative, the teams identified these core values—Christ in Everything, Excellence, Servant-Leadership, Family and Accountability—to guide strategy development, planning, and decision-making. Read more about the strategic plan, ministry growth strategy as well as six-year targets, at llhs.org/apps/pages/annualreport and expect to see and hear more about both vision and goals in various publications and activities at your Lakeside Lutheran.
LLHS Viewbook on the way It’s been a while since Lakeside has had a publication where the purpose was simply to give people a look at what, where and who we are as a school and as a teen ministry. An LLHS viewbook that does just that will be out soon, planned for use with new or interested families, shared with supporters and strangers alike—anyone who wants a look at the campus, its people and its programs. View it to see what makes Lakeside unique and catch a glimpse of what our core values look like in action. Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 3
Faculty Feature: Several new faces on faculty this fall With a growing student body comes the need for a few more faculty members to serve them. We have five new faculty this year, but they aren’t all brand new. One is an alum, one is the grandson of a beloved former teacher, and one is the dad of a current teacher. There’s a reason we call Lakeside “family.”
John Dorn John Dorn is in his 29th year of teaching. Before joining our family, he taught for 13 years at Illinois Lutheran High School, Crete. A 1992 grad of Dr. Martin Luther College, Dorn teaches Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Anatomy and Physiology. “I love teaching science because there are so many ‘Yay, God’ moments that give evidence of a creator and all powerful designer of this world,” he says. He’s also assistant coach with JV2 football and girls JV soccer. John and Mary have also been married 29 years. She teaches kindergarten at St. John, Waterloo. Blessed with five children, their eldest, Nicole, lives in Oak Creek with husband Jason, and daughters Leah and newborn Mara. Eric (also a Lakeside teacher) and his twin sister came next: Alli and her husband, Luke, teach in Beverly Hills, Fla. (Fun fact: Eric’s twin sister Allison married a guy with the same last name, Luke Dorn. Wedding hashtag? #Dornagain) Eric recently became engaged to Sophie Birner. Next daughter Emma is a senior at MLC and Elijah, the youngest, a sophomore at MLC. The Dorns enjoy riding their bicycles, cooking, and watching the Packers. He also admits that he’s “a bit of a tech geek. The more gadgets the better.”
Erin LaPointe Erin LaPointe has joined the Extended Learning Center as a full-time ELC assistant. “I’m excited to be able to work with students who need a little extra push in their studies while getting to know them on a more personal one-on-one basis,” she says. LaPointe grew up in Hustisford and
graduated from MLC in 2001 with a B.S. in education and a concentration in English. She taught in Monroe, Mich., from 2002-2018. She and husband David were married in 2007 and moved to Fort Atkinson about three years ago. They are members at St. Paul in Fort. In her spare time, she enjoys “wandering through cemeteries to admire the art of the monuments and the history behind each person,” she says.
Catherine Meier (Read more about Cathy on p. 2.) A ‘95 LLHS and then Wisconsin Lutheran College grad, Cathy is enjoying her new role at her high school alma mater. “I am most excited to get to know students, learn about their dreams, and help them pursue those dreams. I don’t want them to ever stop dreaming of the possibilities. I desire to see students successful not just in academics but also in life skills! I pray they all stay close to Jesus and turn to him for guidance their whole life,” she says. Meier, who also loves playing and coaching volleyball, has been married 21 years to Bill; they have four girls: Elise (soph at WLC; LLHS ‘20), Audrey (‘22), Maria (‘24) and Ruby (in K at Trinity-St. Luke, Watertown). In addition to visiting many African and European countries, “my family and I lived in Malawi, Africa from 2001-2007. We then lived in Portugal for 18 months. I still miss Malawi even though we have been back in Wisconsin since 2009. Maybe someday I’ll move back—or move somewhere else exciting and different!”
Nicholas Trebesch Nick Trebesch joined the Lakeside family to teach geometry and algebra. He also assists in coaching girls JV basketball and JV boys baseball. A 2011 MLC grad
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in secondary ed in math, Lakeside is the third high school where Trebesch has served. Previously he was at Evergreen Lutheran High School, Tacoma, Wash., for six years, then Luther Prep in Watertown for four. “I am excited to join a growing ministry and be able to get to know the students and their families and work side-by-side with such dedicated servants of Christ. I have heard only positives about Lakeside!” he says. “I am also excited to be able to continue coaching girls’ basketball and am excited for the opportunity to give baseball a try.” He and his wife, Nicole, have been married eight years and have been blessed with a son, Logan (5), and two daughters Emily (2) and Charlie (6 months). The family continues to live in Watertown and remain members at St. Luke. In his free time, Trebesch is an avid Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves fan and enjoys playing outside with his children.
Jacob Ziel Jake Ziel moved from the Miami area to join the Warrior family this summer. He teaches science and algebra 1, as well as serving as assistant JV boys basketball coach and varsity baseball. A Martin Luther College graduate, he served at Nebraska Lutheran High School in Waco for three years after MLC before his years at Divine Savior Academy in Doral, Fla. Jake “loves watching and cheering for all the Wisconsin sports teams and playing golf.” Fun facts: Lakeside’s Guidance Director, Andy Rosenau, was Jake’s 6th grade teacher. And his grandpa, Bill Ziel, taught Government and Driver’s Ed at Lakeside from 1978-1988.
Lakeside Link: ‘88 Oestreich retires after 28 years of service Officer Troy Oestreich (‘88) retired in October after 28 years in law enforcement. He attended police academy in 1993 and went to work for Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office. He joined Lake Mills PD in April 1995. Troy became the department’s defense and arrest tactics instructor (DAAT) in 2000 and vehicle contact instructor in 2001. Finally, he was named community resource officer in 2007 where he taught Charlie Check First, GREAT, and DARE to thousands of children—including many local Lakeside students. He also increased turnout and involvement with Lake Mills Night Out Against Crime community event.
On Thursday, Sept. 20, the entire LLHS student and staff assembly gave Officer Oestreich (‘88) a standing ovation in appreciation of his 25+ years as a police officer, including DARE and crisis training, among many other services. He and his chief, Mick Selck, then headed over to Lake Mills City Hall for a public recognition of his service to the community.
Chief Mick Selck shared that “Officer Troy” (his community youth nickname) “dedicated himself to school safety through training teachers on how to deal with intruders and active shooter scenarios and assisting administration with safety plans. [He’s been] involved in training the active shooter course at schools all over Jefferson County. His ability to teach a serious and dry subject with a stress-relieving sense of humor made his classes interesting [and] working with him fun. He will be missed!” In a recent Lake Mills Leader article, Troy said, “There have been times when children who were victims of crimes or abuse have said they would only talk to me. This meant the world to me because it meant that they trusted me to help them.” Troy was selected as “Officer of the Year” three times during his career and was instrumental in saving five lives through medical action. He’s received a number of accommodation letters from local schools.
LL: Why police officer?
Above: LLHS teacher and fellow ‘88 grad Andy Asmus (left) spoke at the tribute for Troy. Pastor Mark Toepel (right) is the only teacher still on faculty from the 80s. Below: Troy with some of the LLHS Class of 2023. These St. Paul, Lake Mills, students were part of his DARE program when they were in 5th grade.
It was the best of both worlds for me. I was able to be in a respected profession and most importantly, I wanted to help people. The second reason is that I was always a bit of an adrenaline junkie as a kid. I liked to drive fast and I also raced motorcycles while I was at Lakeside. I liked that Law Enforcement would allow me to help people, but to also be able to do exciting and interesting things everyday.
those friendships today. I really loved the athletic events and the spirit week activities too.
LL: Did any teacher stand out?
LL: Did you encounter any hurdles in your career path?
Mrs. [Emily] Armstrong was a wonderful teacher for me. I was not a great student back then, but she never lost faith. She was kind, encouraging and treated me in a caring way—even when I didn’t necessarily deserve it with my behavior!
LL: Favorite memory from LL days? Really, just the friendships that I made. It was great having friends from all over the area and different cities. I still have
LL: Do you have encouragement or advice for today’s students?
Follow your own path. If you don’t know what that path is yet, it’s OK. I had no clue that I would be successful after Lakeside. School was hard for me. Everyone can find their purpose if they stick with it.
I really didn’t have too many hurdles in my career path. I was hired by the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s department shortly after finishing school and then by the Lake Mills Police Department. I worked and studied hard after Lakeside and I believe that God put me right where I needed to be to make a difference in this world—or at least my little corner of it.
Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 5
“God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be ... If one part suffers, every part suffers with it ... Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
(1 Corinthians 12: 18, 26, 27)
These words have been resonating deeply this year as a number of tragic events hit the Lakeside family in the summer of 2021. And as we “suffered with” each other, Warriors immediately—and most importantly—began praying. Then they joined in the many community responses for these families. From cash donations to cleanup, from Scoopie Nights to Pint Nights, from breakfasts to auction donations, from bake sales to banners— tangible expressions of that Christian love have been poured out. And the prayers continue!
Brian Hafenstein (‘86) family On Wednesday, June 16, Forever Warrior Brian Hafenstein’s (‘86) wife, Tammy, and future Warrior, 12-year-old Sarah, were involved in a car accident. Tammy passed away at the scene, and Sarah was airlifted to American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison with critical injuries.
At left is a partial list of injries Sarah sustained in the head-on collision June 16. At right, Brian and Sarah relax on the new deck of their house after 88 days away.
Zastrow/Neumann families At 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 29, an EF1 tornado in Concord left a wake of destruction—hitting some Lakeside family members especially hard— and Warriors immediately pitched in to help. At the Zastrow farmstead, Lloyd and Karen Zastrow saw house damage, and they lost their equipment as well a barn built during the Civil War.
Miraculously, just 65 days after the accident, Sarah left the hospital. Even with a long road of recovery still ahead, she was able to join her 6th grade classmates on the first day of school in August. Sarah’s siblings are also Lakeside grads: Danny (‘11), Dustin (married to Lisa Scott, both ‘15), and Laura (‘17).
before Sarah came home, Warriors headed to the Hafenstein house, joining to help with some final construction and to make the home more accessible.
The house of Forever Warriors Jim (‘80) and Mary Zastrow and daughter Colleen (‘14) was pulled from its foundation. Their house needs a complete rebuild.
Since then, a scholarship fund has begun in Tammy’s memory. Donate at bit.ly/hafensteinfund Among other damage, an EF1 tornado July 29 at the Lloyd Zastrow family homestead in Concord flattened a Civil War-era barn.
The Hafenstein family at Laura’s LLHS graduation in 2017. Back, L–R: Danny, Dustin, Brian. Front: Sarah, Laura, Tammy A public Facebook group, Healing Hands for Sarah, has more than 1,600 members. A GoFundMe page raised more than $50,000 for the more than two months the family essentially lived at the hospital. Fundraisers were held throughout the summer. Their home church, St. Paul, Lake Mills, held a t-shirt sale. In the days
Clean-up crews: among dozens who assisted were Forever Warriors Liz Loppnow and Ben Neumann, both ‘21, (top) and rakers Abigail Buxa, Kaitlyn Shadoski, both ‘19, and Beth (Duddeck ‘88) & daughter Brielle Leis (‘24).
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Lakeside Link:
Warriors helping Warriors Jonah Heyerholm’s family hung this banner—signed by many of his LLHS classmates promising to be his prayer warriors—in his room for the almost six weeks he was hospitalized. The roof was ripped off the home of Rebecca (Zastrow ‘95) and Brian Neumann and their 4 boys (Ethan ‘19, Ben ‘21, Evan ‘24, and Luke ‘29) and many possessions destroyed by water. The house needed to be gutted for repair. Jim’s son Kyle (‘08) shared, “We cannot thank everyone enough for everything they did for our family in the cleanup effort following the tornado. We couldn’t be more appreciative of what friends, family, co-workers, the community, and even complete strangers, have done for us! We are making progress and will continue to keep moving forward as we rebuild!” The Krauklis family pitched in. L–R: Luke (‘24), Ben (‘25), dad Brandon, Rebecca (Zastrow ‘95) Neumann, Selah & Jenny (Nommensen ‘98) Krauklis, Rachel (Zastrow ‘98) Clevenstine.
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Jonah Heyerholm (‘23) On Sunday, August 22, LLHS junior Jonah Heyerholm was involved in a sudden and catastrophic boating accident. He was rushed to UW Hospital where trauma staff worked diligently to repair a severed femoral artery in his right leg and multiple other serious injuries. Over the course of almost six weeks in the hospital, he underwent surgery after surgery to debride, repair, and assess the injury. Now recovering at home, Jonah’s ultimate outcome is still unknown and recovery could take years. “God has walked each and every minute of this road with us,”
says Rita, his mom. “He has provided persons to provide strength: from each of our families, to our work ‘families,’ to Jonah and Noah’s school ‘families’, to the enormous army of prayer warriors all around continuing to lift his name up to our Heavenly Father. He has heard our prayers as we continue this journey.” Lakeside students rallied with Jonah, creating rubber bracelets for “Team Jo,” posting a sign in the outdoor bleacher fence, donating to help the family, and more. To follow Rita’s updates on Warrior Jonah’s journey, visit mealtrain.com/trains/r5rog7/updates
Jonah’s mom writes updates that speak of God’s grace and strength. They ask for continued prayers.
Jim Zastrow’s (‘80) home requires total reconstruction.
The Heyerholms are grateful for notes of encouragement. Email them at HeyJonah2021@gmail.com Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 7
Alyson Steffan (‘18) and Eric Fluegge met at MLC and engaged in June.They are planning a June ‘22 wedding. : FW Matt Werre (‘16)
Nick Voigt (‘17) and Lexi Lins were married Apr 24.
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Katrina Stratman and Ethan Miller (both ‘18) were married July 10. What a beautiful day!
Maria Werre (‘18) is engaged to Josiah Klatt and are planning a July 1, 2022 wedding. : FW (and Maria’s brother) Matt (‘16).
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Luke Willems (‘17) was assigned to Divine Savior AcademyDoral, Fla., to teach Intro to Chemistry & Physics, Sports and Exercise Science, & Earth and Space Science.
Congrats to David Wilson (‘16) on graduating debtfree from WLC. He took to heart what he learned in Mr. Doering’s FinLit class, and he was featured on the Ramsey Solutions documentary on student debt crisis. Way to lead by example, David!
Mariah Kuhl (‘14) is engaged to Cole Dodson. They are planning a Nov 13 wedding.
Robbie Schmidt (‘13) married Emily Westra on June 29, 2018. They are elementary school teachers at Divine Savior, Doral, Fla. Robbie is also the assistant athletic director and coaches golf; Emily coaches tennis.
Lacey Waters (‘12) teaches 3rd grade at Carlsbad Christian Academy in Calif.
Ashley (Voight ‘08) and JC Appel were married June 6, 2015, with Pastor Clark Schultz officiating. Aubrielle was born Feb 12, 2017 and son Spencer on July 5, 2021.
Josh Niedfeldt (‘07) passed away unexpectedly on July 29.
Jennifer (Thompson ‘06) and Charlie Bergren were married on June 22, 2013 and welcomed Elizabeth on January 4, 2018.
Alyssa Zank (‘18) and Caleb Schmitt were married July 24. They live in Jacksonville, N.C.
Catherine Hill (‘17) and Reese Stocker were married in July and live in Oconomowoc.
Alyssa Sonntag (‘15) and Evan Rabas were married on Aug 22, 2020. They live in West Bend. : Matt Werre.
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Alyssa (Turney ‘09) and Scott Warnke welcomed Annabelle in March.
Kyle Kufahl (‘05) joined the U.S. Navy in 2008 and is a submarine sonar technician. He’s served aboard two nuclear submarines, as a
sonar school instructor, and is now on the nuclear submarine U.S.S. South Dakota. He’s been to 11 countries, including Brazil, Scotland, Israel, and the UAE. Kyle lives in Connecticut and also serves as a volunteer firefighter. “Both have been such outstanding experiences and thank God I have been able to use the gifts he has given me,” he writes.
In August, Keith Peterson (‘05) celebrated his 13th wedding anniversary and 7th anniversary of being a social worker in Minnesota. He has worked on two Indian reservations (White Earth and Leech Lake) and during the pandemic was the first point of contact for individuals in need. He and his wife enjoy their life in Walker, Minn., where he also golfs and walleye fishes. Keith is Chairman of the Board of Ed, council member and tech personnel at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School. Toni Pauline (‘05) passed away from complications of cystic fibrosis.
Calling all Forever Warrior videographers
Katie Huebner(‘02) married PJ Mleziva on July 9, 2021, and also gained three wonderful stepchildren— Kai, Lilly, and Jackson. They live in Wausau and attend St. Peter Luth. in Schofield, Wis., where she works part-time as both church secretary and as a teacher in gr. 7/8.
Jessica Schaefer (‘00) lost her battle with cancer and gained her heavenly crown on June 21. A celebration of life was held on June 27 in DeForest. Chris Coffman (‘98) entered into eternal life on Aug 26 after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service was held at St. John, Jefferson, Sept 11.
Cindy (Solofra ‘76) Beck passed away on Sept. 6 surrounded by her husband, Jim, her three children and two good friends. Funeral services were held in Florida and Wis.
Cherie Kay (Pechous ’75) George published her first book Vows! Be Careful of the Vows You Make under her pen name Le Rose Grace. It’s available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers.
Dorene Buntrock (‘68) passed away unexpectedly on July 19. Her funeral was held at St. Paul, Fort Atkinson.
Alum . . . did you take videography with Mr. Hackbarth and are now working in that field or using video skills in your work? He wants to reconnect with you! Reach out to him at thackbar@llhs.org And while you’re at it, we invite all alum to check out our weekly video, the “Lakeside Loop,” produced by the current videography students under Mr. Hackbarth’s direction. Each week you’ll see what’s going on both inside and outside of LLHS.
To that, one of the segments under development involves alum! Do you yourself have or do you know of a fellow LL alum who has an unusual or interesting hobby or accomplishment? We are seeking ideas for an alum feature that will showcase regularly on the Loop, so we need alum to share what they know! Reach out to Jess Meyer with ideas at jmeyer@llhs.org
Search @llhstechclub to find Lakeside Loop episodes and other LLHS-produced videos. Jennifer (Cooper ‘02) Hahm writes that she and husband Peter have been blessed with 3 beautiful children: Sawyer, 9, Rowyn, 7, and Brynlee, 4.
Katie (Lauersdorf ‘95) Christopherson received her eternal crown on June 21 after injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident. Funeral services were at St. John, Juneau on June 29.
Thomas Farrell (‘64) passed away on October 17 after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service was held at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster on Friday, October 22. Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 9
Your LLHS celebrated homecoming with student activities throughout the week of Oct. 4-8, both during the school day and after school. The theme was “Superheroes v. Villains.” Members of each class decorated halls, doors and windows and created class banners, floats, “can-structions” and videos according to their assigned hero and villain:
💥 Thor v. Loki (frosh) 💥 Superman v. Lex Luthor (sophs) 💥 Spiderman v. Green Goblin (juniors) 💥 Batman v. Joker (seniors)
Members of the 2021 LLHS homecoming court include a couple from each class in addition to a senior class King and Queen. This year’s court was also a royal flush of 2nd and even 3rd generation Warriors! L–R: Seniors Ben Kasper, Helenville [dad Caleb (‘98) and mom Sara (Deck ‘98)] and Aree Huwe, Deerfield [mom Nancy (Kobs ‘82)]; juniors Jack DePrey, Sun Prairie [mom Beth (Becker ‘88)] and Grace Korth, DeForest [dad Matthew (‘93) and mom Heather (Ziebell ‘92)]; King Jameson Schmidt, Ixonia [dad Gordy Schmidt (‘81)], and Queen Carly Paske, Arlington; sophomores Grant Schneider, Jefferson [dad Scott (‘84)] and Lora Kasper, Jefferson [dad Nathan (‘96), mom Heather (Roberts ‘96), grandma Sandy (Schuenke ‘74) Torgerson and grandpa Tom Roberts (‘74)]; and freshmen reps Will Hemling, Beaver Dam, and Cecelia Krahn, Madison.
See 12 photo galleries of HoCo fun at llhs.smugmug.com/School/Hoco-2021
The decorations were part of a class competition that also included dress up themes such as Pajama Day and Twin Day; class participation rates determined points earned. Each day also included competitive activities such as musical chairs, dodgeball, powderpuff football and boys volleyball. The winning (senior) class celebrated with the traditional spirit stick at the pep rally on Friday. After a parade Friday afternoon, the football team enjoyed a resounding 41–6 victory over Horicon/Hustisford, or “Husticon” united team. The Warrior Marching Band performed a halftime routine, and the celebration week finished with a semi-formal dance Saturday evening on campus. Many alum will recognize hallway banners (juniors, top right) and window displays (freshmen, bottom right). With a larger student body, two new activities were added to keep all the teens busy on Wednesday’s “work day” when they assembled their decorations. At top left, the seniors worked hard on locker panels to tell a story about their assigned Batman theme. Teens also brought in non-perishables to construct themed displays, or “canstructions” (soph example, bottom left pic). After HoCo, Teens for Christ packed up the food and delivered it to an appreciative Lake Mills Food Pantry. page 10 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org
Last fall may have been paradedark, but it didn’t take Warriors long this HoCo to remember how much fun parades can be. Of course, it always helps to be blessed with perfect weather
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Event Update: Homecoming Alum Zone 2021 Forever Warriors rise to to the first annual HoCo alum challenge! Alum Zone Recap We saw a record number of registrants for this year’s Alum Zone on October 8. 269 registered. 250 attended. To God be the glory. Class of 2021 earned the attendance award and $100 towards their first reunion. 15 of our most recent grads attended. >>>>> Linda (Jaeger ‘69) Redfield was the big 50/50 raffle winner during the supper and social hour, taking home a cool $304. We honored coach and teacher Ron Stelter for his 30+ years of service 1960–1994. Ron’s family was announced at halftime. Tom Walton (‘67) spoke of Ron and the fund that has been started in his memory. >>>>>
New this year! Alum Social Media Challenge:
“Be a Forever Warrior Superhero” Echoing Lakeside’s 2021 HoCo “superheroes” theme, our Alumni Executive Committee [Stef (Gronholz ‘09) Wrasse, Tammy (Zastrow ‘86) Iglesias, Rebecca (Zastrow ‘95) Neumann, Tracy (Roberts ‘86) Schwantes, Kendra (Schleicher ‘09) Ziarnik, Jocelyn (Sell ‘00) Mentuis & Alum Coordinator Jess Meyer] used music, clothes, memories, wallets and more to encourage Forever Warriors to engage and reminisce during HoCo week October 4–8. Monday’s music became the Alum Zone playlist. Photos were the challenge for both Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday, Forever Warriors responded to a giving challenge that raised $385 for the LLHS general operating budget. Daily drawings and weekly drawings were held for participation. We had great inaugural success with over 55 alumni regularly participating on FB and 26 on Instagram. Winners of the daily drawings were Cindy (Koch ‘82) Wegner, Robert Welch (‘73), Lindsay (Schultz ‘00) Long and Jacob Schneider (‘12). They each won a $20 gift card of their choice for participation. From among those who joined in every day, Lea (Christian ‘86) Murack and Kimara (Knief ‘86) Winters each won a $25 gift card of their choice. Participation was also tallied by class year. The class of 1986 won by accruing 323 points and received $100 towards their next reunion. Class of 1982 were runners-up with 152 points.
Thank you for a fun first year, Forever Warriors!
We look forward to even more of you joining in next year to make this new tradition bigger and better (and that includes prizes ).
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Save the week! September 19–23, 2022 See more photos of Alum Zone 2021 at llhs.smugmug.com/LLFamily/Alum-Zone-Homecoming-2021 Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 11
School Update: News of your future fellow Forever Warriors Enrollment continues to climb
Classes began for all students August 19 with 137 freshmen and 459 total students. We have 35 faculty members to serve the needs of these teens, including five new faces (see p. 4). Enrollment increased by 8.3% from the close of last school year and is an overall increase of 31.1% in six years. Referring to the high number of freshmen and transfers in, Principal Grasby says, “An interesting fact: one of every three current Lakeside students did not attend here last school year.”
Mr. Grasby also reports on health and attendance this school year after the decision was made to return to “normalcy” with no mask requirements for students or staff (though masks are welcome). “Thus far, the Lord has been very good to us in health matters,” he reports. “Student attendance has been good, with absentee rates due to COVID most days less than .5%. In fact, some days there are no COVID-related absences.”
Giving back to those always giving At halftime of the Sept. 17 football game between Lakeside and Lake Mills, the Lake Mills EMS, first responders, police, and fire departments were honored for saving the life of Lakeside junior Jonah Heyerholm (see story, p. 7) who was seriously injured in a boating accident on Rock Lake. Two weeks later, we presented
a check for over $6,000 to Lake Mills first responders: $1,032.92 was collected in cash and a community family wrote a check for $5,000.
Warrior Club Golf Outing Held again at Kestrel Ridge in Columbus on July 9, the Warrior Club Golf Outing had a gorgeous day to host 124 golfers and 175 for dinner! Thanks to our 60 volunteers, plus all who donated the more than 100 raffle items, and those who bid on them. You all made the day such fun, raising over $17,000 to support all athletics at your Lakeside Lutheran!
Thankful for our vets! On Wednesday, Nov. 10, LLHS welcomed more than 80 veterans and guests back to campus for a continental breakfast, a U.S. veteran update with retired Marine CWO4 Dr. Judith Wade, and a devotion from Pastor Josh Martin in a school-wide chapel service. We thank all veterans for their service to God and country.
Competitive Team updates » Softball: The Warrior softball team ended the season with an overall record of 9-11. Five Warriors were voted allconference, including Nora Statz and Olyvia Uecker to 1st team. » Soccer: Our Lady Warrior kickers finished 6-5-2, winning their first post-season victory since page 12 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org
2014 and making it to the regional final match. Four were awarded allconference. » Baseball: The team tied for 2nd in conference and an overall record of 14-7 as they ended their season as regional runner up. Nine boys received all-conference honors, including Riley Schmidt as a 1st-team outfielder. » Golf: The guys had a strong spring and reached sectionals as a team! » Track and field: Boys were 2021 Capitol Conference champions and the girls were Regional champs. Ten Warriors earned berths at WIAA D2 State Track Meet, including our boys 4X800 relay, individuals in 200M, long jump and senior Christian Schmidt was state runner-up in the 110M high hurdles. On the girls side, we had 1600M and 400M state qualifiers. » Fall Conference Math Meet: To understand the dominance of the Warrior Math Team, know that we had 6 varsity teams in the 20-team (8 schools) fall conference meet; 4 of our varsity teams placed in the top 6 overall, including 1st and 3rd place. » Golf: Girls won the Rock Valley Conference championship—first time in team history! They also are regional champs—by 26 shots. Junior Ava Heckmann advanced to the D2 State Girls Golf Tournament and placed 15th. » Cross Country: Boys are Conference Champs and the girls were runnersup at the Conference Meet, so both teams advanced to sectionals.The boys won CC sectional championship and as a team advanced to the WIAA D2 State Championships. Congrats to sophomore Cameron Weiland, who placed 13th in Wisconsin Rapids, making him the highest-placing Warrior in program history at the state meet. » Football: The boys finished 4-6, making it to level 1 of playoffs. » Soccer: Boys finished 10-7-4 and as the 3rd seed, made it to the WIAA regional final. » Volleyball: The girls finished 6-4 in conference; 27-12 overall, and made it to the regional semi-final.
Building improvement plans: library☑ locker room West Gym
As introduced in the last issue, we continue with debt-free plans to update our current facilities for efficiency and/or to enhance the functionality based on faculty and staff recommendations. While the locker room reno we introduced in spring is still in progress due to some supply chain issues, we have successfully completed the library/ study hall remodel. This success allows us to plan for the next goal—a West Gym reno to improve the chapel experience for wholeschool assemblies and provide more of an auditorium-feel for fine arts performances through a new retractable seating system, acoustical and aesthetic enhancements. We are hoping to garner donations through the early part of 2022 that will allow us to stay with an early summer start date in order to utilize the new features by start of school in August. See the back cover for another view and an opportunity for you to show your support for this exciting change.
before: may 2021
after: july 2021
As we introduced in the last issue, above is the “before” of the library’s north wall. The renovated space has become the study hall (previously in the lower level) and has also been used for several meetings and other functions, including the call meetings (at right). At left is a photo progression of the study hall reno from the “300 hallway” door. Goodbye, Superman v. Batman—you’ll live on in our fond memories. Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 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 May through October 2021 in loving memory or honor of loved ones.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
In Memory of
Darrell Alberts Robert Biermann Roger Borchardt Joey Briella Lou Bowling Ruth Braman Dorene Buntrock Harvey Buske Carl Christianson Katie Christopherson Chris Coffman Bob Coffman Harriet Cook Darlene Doering Robert Doering Leon Dorn John “Jack” Else Shirley Engelstad Shola Fohr Wendy Folven Rick Fosso Catherine Fosso Eldona Gennerman Virginia Glan Dorothy Grulke Tammy Hafenstein
Revelation 22:20-21
Willis Hanke Viola Herther Glenn Hildebrandt Lloyd and Inez Huebner Virjean Jaeckel Alida Jaeger LaVern Jaeger Patricia Kohls Martin Lemke Edward Lindemann Mildred Lindloff Marie Livangood Elroy, Sr. and Dorothy Maas Lilues Maas Joyce Mallow Linda Muffler Marion Nell Joshua Niedfeldt Carol Pankow Roger Parish Fred Poweleit Betty Probst Marjorie Redford Joyce Reichert Mike Revolinski
In Honor of
Bev Buelow’s birthday Jim & Bev Buelow (55th wedding anniversary) Jim Grasby’s service & retirement Diane Habeck’s birthday Terri Happel’s service & retirement at St. Paul, Lake Mills Mia Krahn’s birthday page 14 | Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org
Jane Rickel Lorna Roberts Betty Rupprecht Ryan Schmidt Douglas Schuenemann, Sr. Marilyn Schultz Frederick Schultz Steve Smithback Ted Sponem Frederick Stange Walter and Margaret Stark Philip Strohm Sylvia Tester Shirley Wehausen Kris Weltzien Elaine Wenzel Kimberly Wilkinson Trudy Wille Ruth Wille Irene Willing Lois Winters Ellen Wolfgram Beverly Wuestenberg Herman Zastrow Willard Ziel
Paige Krahn’s birthday Paul & Wanda Kruse (26th wedding anniversary) Elana Litherland’s LL education Nina Litherland’s LL education Willy & Jan Radue (60th wedding anniversary) Tom Walton’s birthday Debbie Whiting for being fantastic
Got news? Don’t forget to share changes & updates at
llhs.org/alum
At this alum spot on the LLHS website you can also see the current list of class reunion contacts we have on file.
2021 REUNIONS
Check out the latest information under “Upcoming Reunions” at
llhs.org/alum
Want to get on email lists for reunions that are in planning stages? Provide your info to updateus@llhs.org and Jess will make sure your reunion organizer gets your address.
35th!
The class of 1986 gathered on Saturday, August 28 at Hafenstein’s Sunset Hill Farm outside Lake Mills (catered by Turner Hall, Watertown). 17 classmates and their spouses/guests laughed, reminisced and enjoyed the opportunity to get together. Thank you to Tammy (Zastrow) Iglesias for all of her efforts with planning.
Lindsay (Schultz ’00) Long put together sweet “in memory of ” photos for five classmates already called home to heaven. From class of 2000: Jessica Schaefer & Steven Fischer. From 2001: David Bristley, Carl Breitenbach and Ryan Coffman.
Class of 1986, back row, L–R: Todd Vieth, Gary Melcher,Theresa (Brashear) Frey. 3rd row; Jim Winters, Kimara (Knief) Winters, Steve Kobs, Jena (Ellis) Feltz, Brian Hafenstein, Greg Melcher. 2nd row:Tammy (Zastrow) Iglesias,Tracy (Roberts) Schwantes, Lea (Christian) Murack, Sarah (Koenig) Junio, Marcie (Punzel) Wright. Front row; Matt Asmus, Rebecca Zastrow, Jeanie (Smith) Blank, Eric Turnquist
20th + 21st! A joint 20th reunion for the Class
of 2000 and 2001 was held on Saturday, October 9 at the Dog & Shrub Distillery in Lake Mills. Over 50 people attended, including spouses. Thank you to Lauren (Herro ‘01) Elm and Lindsay (Schultz ‘00) Long for all of their organizing efforts.
5th! Eight Forever Warriors from the class of ‘16 Class of 2000, L–R: Tyson Villarreal, Glen Pufahl, Scott Kornstedt, Lindsay (Schultz) Long, Melanie (Bublitz) Kutz, Julie Nommensen, Katie (Miller) Porter, Kayla (Jaeckel) Brown, Jason Rauber, Jessica Hermanny, Jon Bauer, Sarah Quest. Off photo: Mike Arndt, Dustin Blumer, Miranda Hasel, Betsy Palm Class of 2001, L–R: Megan Uttech, Heidi (Stauffer) Gerth, Lindsay (Mitchell) Parks,TJ Gile, Erica (Zank) Marty, Brady Jaeger, Ginny (Haight) Pennell, Lauren (Herro) Elm, Erin (Krempel) Evenson, Maggie (Blahnik) Devaney. Off photo: Ryan Christian, Matt Neumann, Crystal (Pufahl) Rennicke
and their guests got together at a Madison Mallards game in July. A great time was had by all in the Duckblind. Thank you to Alex Pillard for organizing.
Class of 2016, back row, L–R: Samuel Hilpertshauser,Tim Hodel, Josh Schoenfeld and Alex Pillard. Front: Alyssa Wegner, Brittni Jegerlehner, Hannah Hoffman and Audra Sonntag Lakeside Lutheran Link | 2021 Issue 2 | llhs.org | page 15
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