Lakeside Lutheran Link #22 (2022 Issue 2)

From the development office

65 years … WOW! That’s a long time. Here at Lakeside, we are celebrating our 65th year as a school—65 years of spreading God’s Word, of fulfilling his mission through Christian education, of students roaming the halls. So much has changed in the world in the past 65 years. In 1958, Chuck Berry was topping the Billboard charts with “Johnny B Goode.” At the time of this writing, it’s Harry Styles’ “As It Was” taking the #1 Billboard spot. Color TV was in its infancy. Today, everyone has flat-screen TVs everywhere! There was no internet, no streaming services. You had to actually go to the theatre to see the top grossing film, South Pacific, which brought in a whopping $16.3 million. So far, in comparison, 2022’s top grossing film is Top Gun: Maverick at over $700 million. And of course, there’s this year’s hot topic—the cost of fuel. In 1958, a gallon of gas cost $0.25 compared to the $3.95 per gallon I recently paid to fill up my vehicle.

While it’s fun to talk about how things have changed, let’s focus on one thing that never changes: God’s Word and his promise. “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Joshua 23:14)

Every promise to us in the past 65 years has been fulfilled; not one has failed. What joyful news this is, fellow Christians! It’s our privilege to share this unchanging message every day at Lakeside and, we pray, for at least another 65 years.

Bruce Davis is our new Development Director. For the last 24 years he sold laser printer parts for a company in Madison. A native of Keokuk, Iowa, he graduated from Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, with a double major in Administrative Management and Marketing. He also played basketball there. Having grown up Catholic, he joined WELS in 2015. “God used Lakeside to change my life, and my family’s life,” he says. “My mission will be to help ensure Lakeside is here and thriving so other families are able to have a similar experience as my family has had. The school is such a positive environment. I’m excited to be there everyday, feel that positive vibe and hear devotions daily.”

His hobbies include watching his son Matthew (LLHS ‘20) play football at Wisconsin Lutheran College, riding his Harley, golfing, listening to music, and watching movies. “I’m a Wisconsin sports fan—Badgers, Brewers and Bucks—but the Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team and mine too,” he says. He also sits on the Finance Board at St. Paul, Lake Mills.

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:

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

Principal: Pastor Don Schultz

Executive Director: Kirk DeNoyer

Asst Principal: John Dorn Development Director: Bruce Davis Enrollment Director: Steve Lauber Activities Director: Todd Jahns Regents Chairman: Glenn Lassanske

Photo credits: LifeTouch: headshots on pages 2, 4, 5 & 12

Remainder contributed or by LLHS publications staff

Reformation Chapel shows updates (cover)

The debt-free spending west gym renovation project is fully functional and being enjoyed by worshippers, athletes and spectators and music lovers.

Below: the “new-to-us” visitor bleachers. Read more about “Free to Act” campus improvements on page 13.

Table of Contents

Faculty Feature: Freshmen new faces are in good company

With several retirements last spring and 152 teens in the class of 2026, it’s no surprise that your Lakeside Lutheran has quite a few new teacher faces, as well as a new full-time counselor. Add these to our new Development Director (p. 2), new roles for current faculty (p. 3), and new part-time staff in the front office and kitchen, and there have been intros galore! If you missed the annual fun and informative What’s New at Lakeside video, check it out—too many blessings to count!

Steven Springborn

Our new Choral Director handles A Cappella, Cantate, Freshmen Chorus and Swing Choir—and teaches composition. “I’m excited to work with so many young Christians, to train them to be lifelong, active worshippers,” he says. Steven grew up in Northern Minnesota and attended high school at St. Croix in West St. Paul. His focus at MLC was elementary education and secondary choral music education. Hobbies include piano playing (see @TheLutheranPianist on Facebook), musical theatre, and weightlifting.

He and his wife, Amy (from Lebanon, Wis.), taught at a bilingual school in the Dominican Republic for a year and then began teaching careers in Arizona. Most recently, he taught at Nebraska Lutheran High School in Waco. Amy teaches Spanish for Amazing Grace Virtual Academy while she “directs” their four children: Josiah (8), Violet (6), Leo (4) and Stella (1).

Tanya Tomfohrde

Called to fill a new math department position, she also assists with cross country. “I’m most excited to get back into full-time teaching with my own classroom since I have been away from it for the past four year to spend more time with my family,” she says. Tomfohrde went to Nebraska Lutheran High School and MLC. She recently completed a master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She and her husband, Matt, have three children Kaylee (11), Aaron (9), and Nathan (6). They love to go to the beach and travel out west. The family lives in Lake Mills.

Katelyn Edwards

Miss Edwards was assigned to Lakeside at MLC’s call day last spring. She teaches English and works with the yearbook and dance team.

The oldest of nine children, she was homeschooled through eighth grade and then attended West Lutheran High School, Plymouth, Minn. Her favorite hobby is dancing. “I’ve performed, choreographed, and taught dance for many years,” she says. “Last summer I was blessed with the opportunity to dance the lead in a mini ballet production of Sleeping Beauty.”

Dustin Yahnke

Pastor Yahnke teaches junior and senior religion, leads the Operation Go mission trip program, and assists with boys varsity soccer. “What excites me most is building relationships with students so I can help them grow in their love and knowledge of their Savior Jesus, with whom they will spend eternity!” says Yahnke, who graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2005. “There are so many challenges we all face in the world, and it seems like young people are facing more than ever before. I am excited to do my best to prepare Lakeside students to meet those challenges, and I hope to become one of the people in their lives that they know they can turn to if they want to hear the truth in love.”

Yahnke and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 21 years and have six children: Ellie (19), Jay (17), Elijah (16), Matthias (13), Lily (11), and Solomon (8). He most recently served as pastor at Trinity, Watertown, for over six years, and the family continues their membership there.

Rebecca Johnson

Martin Luther College also assigned Miss Johnson to us last May. She double majored in Elementary and Special Education. Johnson supports students in the Extended Learning Center and teaches pre-algebra. She also assists with Teens for Christ service group and the yearbook.

Middle sib of three, she was raised in Delaware. “I have been to Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Costa Rica through the blessing of a dad who works for American Airlines,” she admits. In her free time she enjoys knitting and reading. “I am really excited to get to know everyone on the faculty at Lakeside and to be able to build relationships with all the students that I will be working with throughout this school year,” she says.

Hannah Uher

A familiar face on campus—former teacher and still varsity girls soccer coach—Uher returns as a full-time school counselor. “I am so excited to see all of the students again every day! I have missed being with my Lakeside family over the last year, and I am over the moon excited to be back,” she says. She and husband, Eric, live in Sun Prairie and attend Peace, where he teaches sixth grade. They have a dog, Callie. In 2022, she received her MS Ed. in Professional School Counseling from Concordia University-Wisconsin. In her free time she enjoys reading, playing board games, and drinking coffee.

scan with your phone camera!

Two Forever Warriors found themselves back in LLHS classrooms this fall. However, this time they’re the ones encouraging learning and maintaining classroom discipline.

Dennis Leckwee ‘93 teaches six sections of Freshman Religion. He also coaches football and golf. He has served in South Dakota and multiple locations in Wisconsin. In 2001, he was part of starting Grace Lutheran School in Kenai, Alaska and the family lived there for eight years. What kind of student was he in high school? The man voted Class Clown, Most Accident Prone, and Worst Car, says, “I was naughty. Not suspended-naughty, though.”

He is glad to be back on campus. “I have heard great things about how Lakeside is growing and that it has a great culture and reputation. I am excited about being a part of that and having the opportunity to share the message of Jesus’ love with each and everyone of the students there.”

Leckwee enjoys hunting, boating, and fishing. He and his wife, Christin, have six daughters Madison (Nathan) Boulden, Clara, Patricia, Aurora, Faith, and Bethel.

Jason Fry ‘03 is an adjunct who teaches Junior Religion (Doctrine) and Practical Math. He also coaches the 7th grade Junior Warriors football team.

Voted Most Involved, Best Personality and Biggest Mouth in his class, he’s happy to be teaching at his alma mater. “I thoroughly and genuinely enjoyed my time at Lakeside as a student,” he says. He can’t pinpoint a best memory because he has so many, having been active in band and choir, three sports, and three drama productions. “Every one of those experiences left me with great memories.” That’s why he’s been trying to make high school a time with great memories for this generation of students. “So far it has been a great experience. I relate to the students that some may label as ‘troublemakers.’ I see a lot of myself in them,” he says. “Many of them are like me when I was a student ... spirited.”

(Top): Leckwee clearly has freshmen attention already since the class of 2026 won a competition in order to be able to dress him like a baby for homecoming; with Christin, their six girls and a sonin-law (middle); LL yearbook candid from ‘92/93 (bottom).

Fry, who once worked on a charter fishing boat in Alaska, is married to Kayla and they have five children: McKenna 10; Hugh 7; Jacqueline 4; Logan 1, and baby #5 due in December. Kayla serves as Early Childhood Center Director at St. Peter, Helenville The family has also a dog, Poppy, and two cats, Pounce and Socks. In his spare time, “as an old man, I still play baseball in the summers with the Helenville Rebels,” he says.

Called for 1 year, he’s making the most of it. “I don’t know how long Lakeside needs me, but while I’m here I am going to provide as much of a positive Christian influence on these students as I can,” he says. “These may be the last years to impress Christ-like values on our young adults before they’re off on their own.”

Lakeside Link: ‘04 grad races for the prize every day

Natasha (Fabian ‘04) Steenbergen cheated the mile in high school every year. “I was certain Mrs. Bauer couldn’t possibly know what lap

up, so did distance . . . to a 10K, halfmarathon, marathon, 50K. She wanted to try a 50-miler, but young children and a 2-hour commute prevented that.

Then came COVID. When employer Harley-Davidson went remote, drive time became training time. She ran her first 50-miler in October 2020. 100-milers were next. The Mines of Spain 100 was in October 2021, and she followed it up with the Kettle Moraine 100 in summer 2022.

around the football field every kid was on. In hindsight, she surely knew,” says Natasha, who added, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Bauer! Thanks for not calling me out!”

When this Forever Warrior had children, avoiding laps ended when stroller walks began. “I had read that’s what you’re supposed to do—for their benefit—not mine. I found I wanted to cover more ground in the limited time I had. I picked up my feet into an awkward trot one day late in 2013.”

Then came a 5K in May 2014. Without a double stroller weighing her down, she took second in her age group. “That really took the fun level up!” she says. Not only did the fun level go

For Steenbergen, this isn’t only about the run. “The race is the celebration of months of physical work and mental strategy,” she says. “Training teaches me time management, the importance of fueling my body consistently, the importance of recovery and sleep, the discipline to do hard things that I don’t

wonderfully for ensuring I get a run in every day,” she says. She also serves as secretary for the Lakeside Lutheran Foundation, where “we actively and prayerfully manage the portfolio of sizable donated gifts.” As the youngest board member, “I bring a unique perspective along with a passion that comes from being an alum.”

always want to do, particularly outside in February. I enjoy experiences that test me and my strength, knowing that I’ve chosen that struggle.”

A flexible schedule allows her to donate time to coach cross country at local schools. “This works out

For Natasha, doing what she loves means she could impact others eternally. “Shifting mindset outwardly to the Great Commission makes everything flow naturally— whether it’s a day job, running, faith life, social life, academics, whatever,” she says. “My cup overflowing with joy could be the what opens the door for someone to be curious about that joy and consider opening their heart to God.”

She’s come a long way—literally— from cheating the mile. Now she loves running for both the earthly and eternal prize.

Top left: At Lakeside, Natasha “dabbled in everything,” serving as editor-in-chief of the newspaper and co-editor of yearbook. In softball and cheerleading as a freshman, then forensics and music. One of her most memorable band moments was “playing Amazing Grace at Gemutlichkeit days after 9/11, with everyone bawling. It was very moving.”

Left: Natasha and Jeff have have two sons, Joey, 6th grade, and Jacob, 5th. “They have enjoyed a variety of Lakeside’s offerings for grade school students including cross country camp, STEM camp, and cadet band.”

Faculty Feature: Coach Matthies goes into Hall of Fame

On Saturday, Sept. 24, Lakeside Lutheran High School teacher Tim Matthies was inducted into the 2022 class of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was one of 10 coaches inducted into the “High School Coach” category.

Matthies, who joined the Lakeside family in 1993, says, “I was privileged to coach with talented and dedicated assistants: Paul Bauer, Gayle Bauer, Rachel Richart, Todd Hackbarth, and Andy Asmus. I also have fond memories of receiving late shift basketball advice from Hall of Fame coach, Jim Bauer.”

He didn’t only coach other people’s children. “I also truly enjoyed the opportunities to coach my sons in summer league and my daughters’ youth basketball teams, as well as their years on varsity,” said Matthies, who, in addition to teaching a range of computer and math classes, also served as interim principal in 2002-03.

Through all his sports success, he had larger goals in mind. “When I coached, how my teams played was always more important than the final score. With daily emphasis on attitude and faithful effort, the teams were blessed with many successes,” he says. “It was a special privilege to provide Bible-based motivation and to share Christ with the players I coached.”

That larger goal was obvious to players. Jennifer (Wiechmann ‘02) Stelter says, “Mr. Matthies always pushed us to be the best we could be—on and off the court. He was a motivator, inspirer, and the true epitome of a coach.”

UW-Green Bay, agrees. “Although his success as a basketball coach speaks for itself, Mr. Matthies’ impact on me extends beyond the court and even this world,” she says. “I admire his conviction and the way he stands firmly on the Word of God. The Lord used him to challenge me and spur me on in my walk of faith and I’m confident that’s the greatest influence a coach could have.”

Top left photo: Hall of Fame ring presented to Coach Matthies. Tim and Lygia, married in 1983, have four children. At the induction were, l–r: Carlton and Meghan (‘06), Jared (‘08) and Dani, Elise (‘14). Tim (‘04) and wife Rachel live outside the U.S. Below: Coach with former players, l–r: Mary Schaefer ‘04, Meghan (Matthies) Austin ‘06, Jennifer (Wiechmann) Stelter ‘02, Brittany (Veale) Kuehl ‘02, Elise Matthies ‘14

Capitol North conference win streak: from last three games in 12/13, 10 games in 13/14, 14/15 & 15/16 through first 3 games 16/17

Meghan Pingel ‘16, who went on to play D1 basketball at

Hailey Brandt (‘21) and Cade Burow got engaged in April. They are planning a wedding for July 2023.

Katelyn McGurk (‘20) loves participating in the Minnesota State Mankato Maverick Machine Athletic Band after all her experience with the Warrior Marching Band! “Thank you to my fabulous directors who helped me start off on the right foot in my college marching band.”

Alyssa Condon (‘18) and Lucas Knueppel were married August 19. Their reception was at the Sunset Hill Farm, owned by the Brian Hafenstein (‘86) family. Forever Warrior wedding party: Caitlin Condon (‘19), Andrew Condon (‘07), Richard Condon (‘15), Rachel (Condon ‘08) Stommel, Hannah Mayer (‘18) & Jeremy Nehls (‘18).

Kaylie and Dayne Kopfer (‘17) married in June and started their life together in southern Florida. They both teach at Divine Savior Academy, Delray Beach.

Robbie Schmidt (‘13) (at right) and Kyle Fax (‘08), teachers and coworkers in Doral, Fla. both welcomed new babies this spring.

Lydia Ulrich (‘16) graduated from Southwest Minnesota State with a Masters in Coaching. She was hired at Berry College in Rome, Georgia as Assistant Track and Field Coach for sprints and jumps. Go Vikings!

Maria Werre (‘18) married Josiah Klatt on July 1. They reside in New Ulm, Minn. ��: brother Matt Werre (‘16)

Emily Raymond (‘18) graduated MLC with an Elementary Education major and Spanish minor and now teaches grades 2-3 at St. David School, Santiago, Dominican Republic. She is involved with the WELS mission there as well.

Brett (‘15) and Emiley (Stade ‘15) Weiland were married on April 2.

Eric Haley (‘11) and wife, Karla (Kehl ‘11), welcomed second son, Jason on Oct. 17, 2021. Eric works for Topel’s Service Center, Lake Mills. He also coaches Warrior wrestling, drives bus for LLHS, and serves as church president at St. John, Waterloo. Karla is admin assistant at St. John and a stay-at-home mom. Their older son, Hunter, is 4.

Rachel Rahn (‘09) earned a PhD in Neuroscience from Washington Univ—St. Louis. She now lives in New York City, doing research in depression at Cornell Medical College.

Bridgette Schoebel (‘18) and Dustin Schulz (‘19) married August 20 and live in Beaver Dam.

Lillie Johnstone (‘17) and Matt Dirkse were married July 16.

Brandon and Ashley (Sonntag ‘12) Phillips welcomed Aiden Phillips on March 27 who joins brother Christian (2). Two future Warriors!

Katie (Schommer ‘08) Cleven graduated Doctor of Psychology

on Aug 28 from Wis. School of Professional Psychology, a program that included 12 credits beyond a masters, 4,000 clinical hours, and writing, defending and publishing a dissertation. Katie has worked at Jackson Correctional Institution, Black River Falls, Wis., as a staff psychologist for 6 years and at Black River Falls County Jail as a staff psychologist for 3. John Cleven (‘08) works in alternative education for troubled youths for Black River Falls School District.

Laura and Kyle Fax (‘08) welcomed a baby girl, Olivia Rio, in May.

Jenny (Nommensen ‘98) Krauklis teaches PE at LLHS: “It is so great to be able to give back to a school that gave me so much. I also coach varsity volleyball and last season celebrated my 300th career win in 10 years of coaching.” She and Brandon have four kids: Abel (‘20), Luke (‘24) and Ben (‘25). Selah is in fifth grade.

Bryan Rasmussen (‘80) passed away at home on May 23. Memorial services were held at St. Paul, Fort. Mary (Christison ‘77) Huismann is music librarian at St. Olaf College since 2016, after serving at U of Minn. libraries for 16 years. At Good Shepherd, Burnsville, Minn., she directs Shepherd Ringers Handbell Choir, plays keyboard, and is in the Hosanna worship band (with Ryan Cairney ‘01!). She also plays in Twin Cities-based WELS Praise Ringers Handbell Choir.

Former Warrior AD, coach goes home

Many Forever Warriors remember former teacher, coach & athletic director James Unke. He was called home on July 30. A memorial service was held August 7 in the Chapel of the Christ on the MLC campus.

Graduates have a graduate—’03 grads Phil and Katrina (Krakow) Meinel’s daughter Grace (‘22) is now a Forever Warrior!

David Schulz (‘97) and wife, Amanda, celebrated the wedding of son Dustin (‘19). David teaches at St. Stephen, Beaver Dam. Danielle Hartwig (‘86) opened Gordy’s Pizza and Italian Food LLC in Feb

2019. She lives, breathes, and sleeps pizza! She’s also been at Shorewest Realtors in Watertown since 2005.

Diane (Schoemann ‘82) Topp retired from nursing in Oct 2021 after 27 years in hospitals, nursing homes, OB/GYN, Sub Acute, and specialty clinics, the last 17 at Janesville, Wis., outpatient VA. She says “it was a privilege and honor to care for our veterans. My career was a beautiful calling from the Lord.”

Tom Probst (‘76) passed away Sept 30 at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek. Services were held at St. Luke, Watertown.

Mark Jaeger (‘67) went to heaven peacefully Sept 25. Funeral at St. John, Jefferson.

Carol (Knuth ‘63) Leedle passed away in April 2020. Private family services were held.

Warriors from the past decade or so would recognize his wife, Lori, an admissions counselor for MLC who regularly visits our campus. Jim Unke was also the uncle of Forever Warrior current teacher Jenny (Nommensen ‘98) Krauklis.

From @mlcwels Facebook posts: “Professor Jim Unke, Martin Luther College Athletic Director, suffered a major stroke on Friday, July 15. At Mayo Clinic in Rochester, a surgical procedure was performed to relieve pressure from bleeding in the brain [yet] ... it became clear that the fatal brain injury the stroke caused meant God would soon call his servant home to himself in heaven.”

Also from MLC: last April, Jim passed a significant ministry milestone as he celebrated 40 years of public gospel ministry:

• 1 year as emergency instructor at East Fork Lutheran High, Whiteriver, AZ (1980-1981);

• 4 years as 8th grade teacher and athletic director at St. Paul’s in New Ulm (1983-87);

• 10 years as athletic director at Lakeside Lutheran (1987-1997); and

• 25 years as director of athletics at Martin Luther College (1997-2022)

Event Update: Alum HoCo Challenge

Playing along with high school’s HoCo theme of “Board Games,” Sept. 19–23 saw a week of daily contests: we challenged alum with “Let’s PLAY” for prizes: Update Monday: alum checked addresses and/or sent personal news for a t-shirt Warrior Wear Tuesday: sharing pics in Warrior wear earned alum $5 Culver’s or McDs Giving Back Wednesday: alum donated in tribute to their year and got a FW tumbler! Throwback Thursday: public shares of then-n-now pics earned $5 Kwik Trip gift cards Alum Zone Friday: those registered & present partied & entered to win cornhole set!

<< Some of Thursday’s Then & Nows, top down to right:

Bob Welch ‘79

Brian Hafenstein ‘86

Hannah Mayer & Alyssa Condon ‘18

David Schulz ‘97

Mardelle (Lueck ‘86) Riley Kiara (Winters ‘10) & Benjamin ‘09 Ristow

Todd Vieth ‘86 (w/ Brian H. “now”)

Melissa (White ‘08) Judd See the rest in alum gallery on SmugMug! ~link below~

Fun stats from our 2nd year of the challenge

• We had 121 Forever Warriors participate in the challenge across the week.

• David Schulz (‘97) and Lydia Buxa (‘21) each won $25 gift cards of their choice for participating in the challenge every day.

• Last year’s inaugural challenge saw 9 donors give $358. YOU crushed that this year and raised $837 with 22 supporters (10 of them were class of ‘86.)

• 93 Forever Warriors answered the call to fill out the “Update Us” form. Woohoo! We love hearing from you anytime— llhs.org/apps/pages/alum

• We had great engagement with fun throwback pictures taking us down memory lane. See just a few of them right here!

• Congrats to the Class of 1986 for all their participation, accruing a whopping 431 points. They receive $100 toward their next reunion. Class of 1995 came in second with 120 points.

• Friday’s prize of a cornhole set (top right) was made by teacher Jeff Meske and customized by Tina (Berg ‘96) Kraft. Thank you!

• We served 233 Forever Warriors and their families at our Friday night Alum Zone. Forever Warrior class of 2022 won the attendance award. We hope to see even more of all our grad years next year!

• See 10 photo galleries of HoCo fun, including the rest of the posted alum pics from Tuesday and Thursday, at llhs.smugmug.com/School/HoCo-2022 scan with your phone camera>>

The results are IN from our homecoming social media contest — you rocked 2022, Forever Warriors!

Event Update: LLHS Homecoming is all fun & games in 2022

This year’s HoCo theme was “Board Games,” including Candyland, Operation, Clue and Monopoly. How would you design a float or window or locker posters for one of those? While these photos only feature the Alum Zone (above) and the HoCo parade (below), today’s Warriors have a jam-packed week of dress up themes and activities, including musical chairs and powderpuff football, a talent show and a dance. See the previous page for a way to check out pics from the whole week!

School Update: News of your (future) fellow Forever Warriors

Enrollment grows again

Your LLHS welcomed 152 students for freshman orientation on Aug. 17 and classes began for 511 students the next day, an increase of 12.8% from the start of 2021–22.

Lakeside federation family grows

In August, our General Board welcomed Grace Lutheran Church on the west side of Madison to our federation. This brings our total federation partners to 33 churches and 21 schools. Our nine charter congregations are celebrating their 60th year of partnership, including Bethany, Fort Atkinson; Immanuel, Farmington; Immanuel, Hubbleton; St. John, Cold Spring; St. John, Ixonia; St. Mark, Richwood; St. Mark, Watertown; St. Paul, Fort Atkinson; and St. Paul, Lake Mills.

Call issued

The General Board issued a call on Tuesday, Nov. 1 to Mr. Samuel Kleinke, currently serving at Great Plains Lutheran High School. for upper level science (Physics and Chemistry), head of the Science Department and to have some involvement in A/V.

This call comes after Mr. Damon Tracy shared a letter with the Board of Regents in October, announcing his retirement from the teaching ministry at the end of this school year.

In an unrelated event, Damon (‘83) and wife, Leah, were victims of an elaborate fraud scam. Read what happened at gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-the-tracys and learn how you can help them recover.

New Group: Cultural Awareness

Cultural Awareness, con’t

A new student-initiated organization began planning activities this fall. The Cultural Awareness Group held its first public event on Oct. 15, celebrating Hispanic Heritage month. Over 100 students, families, and businesses made a great night of authentic food sampling, ethnic displays, and a message about Gospel work south of the U.S. border.

New school resource officer

Lake Mills Police Officer

Jessica Johnson, a 24-year police veteran, is our new School Resource Officer. She plans to be on campus once a week to get to know students and staff. On National Coffee With a Cop Day, 30 students joined Johnson before school for coffee, donuts, and conversation. She fielded questions and shared stories from her career in law enforcement.

Students support classmate

Student Council held a fundraiser for junior Noah Weidner [Zion, Columbus] who was diagnosed with leukemia. Council raised over $5,000 by encouraging students to “wear & bring green.” �� Follow Noah’s journey at caringbridge.org/visit/noahweidner

Competitive Team updates

» Girls Golf: placed 2nd in Rock Valley Conference and advanced to sectionals.

»

Cross Country

First time both programs qualified for the state meet since 2006!

Boys: Conference & Sectional champs. Junior Cameron Weiland [Zion, Columbus] was sectional medalist. Team was D2 Runner-Up at the state meet Oct. 29. Weiland came in 12th, the best individual state meet finish in program history.

Girls: Placed 2nd at conference and sectionals. Placed 16th at state, their first team trip to state since 2012.

» Dance: We welcomed Dance back after a year’s hiatus. Awarded 3rd in Game Day Poms & 5th in Team Pom at Badgerette Pom Fall Frenzy, Muskego

» Football: With an 8-3 record, tied for 2nd in conference & advanced to Level 2 in playoffs.

» Soccer: Regional champs with a record of 13-7-3, advanced to the sectional semifinals.

» Volleyball: As conference co-champs, ended with a 28-12 record, 9-1 in conference. They advanced to the regional final.

Fine Arts updates

» �� Good news for Warrior Band

Our marchers took 1st place in the Youth & Family Group at Jefferson’s annual Geműtlichkeit Days Parade. Then, after waiting 3 years for Canada border regulations to loosen, the Band returns to the Calgary Stampede! A trip through Rushmore and up to Banff is scheduled for the first two weeks of July 2023.

National Merit Scholars

Isaac Winters [St. Luke, Watertown] has been recognized as a semi-finalist by the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing him in the top 1% of 1.5 million test-takers. Jack DePrey [Holy Cross, Madison] and Rose Hissom [St. Matthew, Oconomowoc] were named Commended Students, placing them in the top 5% of test-takers.

» Choir swings over to Minnesota

New Choral Director Steven Springborn made his first out-of-state trip with the Warrior Swing Choir, a 19-student group that performed at the 2022 West Regional Choral Fest, hosted by Bethany Lutheran College.

Building improvement plans: library☑

Welcome to the New West!

Renovation is fully functional

Students, staff, teams and visitors are benefitting from a project that began last spring to create an enhanced chapel atmosphere and improve function and feel for fine arts. Thanks to all those who enabled us to complete this renovation— debt-free for under $1 million.

The “New West” features:

» padded backrest bleacher system that seats 600 (replaced original bleachers that seated ~350)

» all ceiling lighting replaced, wall wash lighting added

» entire gym repainted, featuring black ceiling

» floor refinished, repainted with modified court lines

» new hoop system that minimizes obstructed views

» mezzanine replaced with wall to accommodate higher bleacher installation

» audio/visual platform room built new in balcony

» remodeled gym entrance with carpet

» two 12-ft side screens and 16-ft. center stage screen

» New coordinated laser projection system

» Donated baby grand piano onstage enhances chapel

or scan with your phone camera

We are grateful for the heartfelt gifts offered to the ministry of Lakeside Lutheran High School by one or more donors from May 2022 through October 2022 in loving memory or honor of loved ones.

Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.

John 6:68

In Memory of

Tim Adickes

Evelyn Asmus

Elaine Beier

Eugene Beier

Pam Brassfield

Peggy Brunk

Rick Brunk

Mark Burger

Carl Christianson

Susan Draeger

Randall Erickson

Shola Fohr

Barb Frankenstein

Ken Gaugert

Kenneth Gerhartz

Stewart Greiling

Mabel Guenterberg

Diane Habeck

In Honor of

Don Hale

Irene Hensel

Barb Hesse

John Hinz

Mary Horack

Lee Hubbard

Mark Jaeger

Joel Jarvis

Jim Kannenberg

Elaine Kirst

Myrtle Korth

Elizabeth Krause

Arletta Lauersdorf

Mr. and Mrs. George Lehmann

Peter Lehmann

Norman Madson

Samir Mahshie

Lawrence Mohr

Jeff Moldenhauer

Janet Niedfeldt

Tom Probst

Bryan Rasmussen

Angie Riege

Richard Schield

John Schollmeyer

James Stanton Armin Tessman

David Thiele

Nancy Thiele

Randy Tourbier

Jack Ulrich

Jim Unke

Kim Vogel

Ella Wakerhauser

Wayne Waldmann

Patricia Walters

Bob Zastrow

Sandy Zimmerman

James Buege’s service and retirement

Rev. Allan Buss’ birthday

Greg Buxa’s birthday

M/M Dave Fenske 45th wedding anniversary

James Grasby’s service and retirement

M/M Al Haberman 50th wedding anniversary

Mia Krahn’s birthday

Paige Krahn’s birthday

Steve Schmidt’s 50th birthday

Logan and Hunter Schwab

Mackenzie Traver’s birthday Drew Willems’ birthday

Madelyn Vanderhoof Noelle Vanderhoof

2022 REUNIONS

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

55: Class of 1967 began Oct. 1 with a school tour led by Mr. Steve Lauber. 21 classmates and spouses met at Hi-Way Harry’s for dinner. Thank you to Karen (Roth) Hafenstein for all of her coordinating efforts.

Front, L–R: Jim Stueber, Dave Schultz, Karen (Roth) Hafenstein, Jane (Roth) Fischer, Sue (Wendorf) Floerke, Deb (Baumann) Behnke, Dianne (Calbaum) McGorvern, Lorena (Smith) Walton

Second Row: Dan Moll, Dean H Jaeger, Bob Lemke, Rich Rupnow, Jill (Fry) Schauer, Ellyn (Pedersen) Welling, Kay (Miller) Gasner, Tom Medick, Dan Baum, Tom Walton.

Back Row: Dinah (Bostwick) Elliott, Marion (Schulz) Dahlke, Janice (Hein) Grunewald

50+1: (no pic) Class of 1971 reunited at the Keystone Grill in Cambridge on Sept. 10. Thank you to Donna (Dahnert) Sanchez, Nancy (Oestreich) Kopas and Dr. Greg Anderson for all of their planning efforts.

50: Class of 1972 gathered at Lindberg’s by the River Aug. 13-14. What a blessing to celebrate together! Shout out to Nancy (Oestreich) Kopas and Randy Koehn for all of their organizing and planning efforts.

Top pic, L–R: Mike Hein, Sandy (Jaeger) Brokl, Karen (Ehlke) Reilly, Jerry Brokl, Sue (Kuhl) Renz, Steve Detert, Audrey (Bock) Trafka, Gary Strohm, Claudia (Turner) Valleau, Deanna Schuett, Jerry Zogg, Nancy (Oestreich) Kopas, Bruce Zander, Tamar (Krause) Pardee, John Luedtke, Pam (Loveng) Fredriksen, Randy Koehn, Kris (Mack) Strohm, Terry Armstrong, Julie (Hein) Tredinnick, Becky (Bissen) Roell, and Jackie (Lemke) Schwemmer

40: Class of 1982 met August 27 at Haummerson’s Pond in Fort with ~35 alum coming from Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida and even Indonesia! Jodie (Krause) Allard again did a wonderful job planning. Wegners provided a fun souvenir tumbler! (inset pic)

Front, L–R: Nancy (Kobs) Huwe, Barb (Brown) Allard, Cindy (Koch) Wegner, Laura (Hanke) Ott, Cindy (Howe) Sholtes, Jayne (Schoenfeld) Pfeifer, Dawn (Stelter) Coleman, Gail (Schaper) Westphal, Stephanie (Riebe) Brown, Allan Buss. Row 2: Paul Pitzner, Dan Westermeyer, Scott Steindorf, Paul Kruse, Barry Rasmussen, Eric Wegner, Cheryl (Carnes) Griedl, Naida (Smith) Roscovius, Jodie (Krause) Allard, Mike Beatty. Row 3: Ann (Hansen) Matuszak, Nina (O’Connor) Jahns, Diane (Meder) Krszjzaniek, Jeff Westphal, Maureen (Young) Highdale, Margie (Navarre) Saaf. Back Row: Scott Matuszak, Luke Rebman, Dave Huber, Dave Eaton, Duane Reichel. Not in photo: Francee (Sell) Cruz, Diane (Schoemann) Topp, Lisa Dunsmoor.

25: Class of ‘97 Forever Warriors had a blast at the August 6 Lake Country DockHounds game! Thanks for organizing, Heath Clevenstine.

20: Class of 2002 gathered at the Dog and Shrub Distillery in Lake Mills June 25. Thank you to Brittany (Veale) Kuehl for all of her organizing!

Back row, L–R: Seth Jaeger, Kelsey (Strohm) Tiradani, Brittany (Veale) Kuehl, Andy Haasch, Jennifer (Wiechmann) Stelter, Emily (Parker) Schmitz, Dan Rath. Front row: Jen (Cooper) Hahm, Megan (Bublitz) Patterson, Heather (Grandt) Ward, Erin (Christian) Guenterberg, Kim Koehn.

11: Twenty alum from the Class of 2011 got together for an 11-year reunion at a Mallards game July 16. Thanks to Riley Wingate for all of his efforts.

Front, L–R: Katie Steward, Riley Wingate, Rachel (Olah) Koschnitzke, Carly Westphal, Nicole Wolf, Hailey (Schwartz) Dougherty, Sam Debolt. Back Row from L-R zig zag: Tim Janikowski, Kendra (Korth) Hudson, Sara Willems, Morgan Kittell, Gage Grotjahn, Jackie (Hoeft) Behl, Jonathan Bartels, Karla (Kehl) Haley, Eric Haley, Brady Weiland, Lucas Zuehlke, Peter Behl, Kyle Stelse.

5: Class of 2017 celebrated at Watertown Bowl Sept 10 with 15 classmates + spouses/SOs in attendance. Thanks, Lillie (Johnstone) Dirkse for organizing.

Front L-R: Lexi Voigt, Heidi Skewes, Jessie (Wagner) Aldridge, Kylie Cody, Keyera Giese, Lillie (Johnstone) Dirkse, Katelyn (Richter ) Hodel, Hailey (Stade) Rue. Back Row from L-R: Adam Peters, Nick Voigt, Malachi Mortensen, Eli Gartner, Matt Dirkse, Tim Hodel (‘16), Elliott Butler, Grace Tomhave, Justin Rue.