Welcome
A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher
President of the WLHS Conference
God Opens Door for Growing Opportunities
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Dear friends, family, and alumni,
Have you heard? God has opened a door of an extraordinary opportunity — a chance to secure a future of growth and expanded ministry for generations to come. Adjacent to our current 14.3-acre footprint, a three-acre parcel of land has become available. This once-in-ageneration opportunity is an answer to so many prayers to shape the future of our ministry.
Why Is This Property Vital?
Our current land-locked situation limits our ability to grow — even to meet current needs. This adjacent property is the only available land that can connect to our existing site, unlocking our potential for expansion.
The land will not only provide much-needed parking, but also opens the door to meet the growing needs of our school by expanding facilities for programs, court space, and enrollment growth.
In securing this land, we can rethink and refine our Master Site Plan. This strategic approach demonstrates wise stewardship. It will minimize costs and disruption when building in the future.
A Call to Generosity
In this issue, you will learn more God has moved hearts to meet this need. We still have more than $2 million dollars yet to raise. Can I count on your support in seizing this incredible opportunity? Your generous contribution, no matter the amount, will make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can expand our reach, strengthen our ministry, and create a lasting legacy for our teens.
Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this historic moment. We are seeking to meet our campaign goals by the end of 2025. To learn more and donate, visit www.wlhs.org/go.
Grateful for the Support of so many,
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher, President of WLHS
In This Issue
Alumni Return to WLHS
Growing Opportunities
Page 3
Pages 4-5
Viking Steel Continues to Expand Pages 6-7
School Wellness Plan Page 8
Alumna Shares Her Cancer Story Page 9
Alumni Updates & Reunions Pages 10-11
WLHS News & In Loving Memory Page 12
2025 Winter Festival Page 13
Fall Drama Production Pages 14-15
WLHS 2025 Dinner Auction Back Page
Upcoming Events
For up-to-date information visit wlhs.org/calendar or download the Wisco app in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2024-25 School Theme
Be Still & Know (Psalm 46:10)
Our Mission
Compelled by Christ’s love, guided by the Great Commission, and rooted in God’s Word . . .
Wisconsin Lutheran High School prepares young adults for productive, Christ-centered lives in a diverse world.
Our Vision
Renowned for its distinctive Lutheran values, superior academics, diverse student body and award-winning co-curricular activities . . .
Wisconsin Lutheran High School is where every student finds success to the glory of God.
On the Cover:
New mission Advancement staff Mr. Ryan Oertel ('93) and Mrs. Sarah (Horn) Proeber ('07)
Dr. Ken Fisher
Alumni Return to WLHS
Two grads join WLHS in important roles.
Mr. Ryan Oertel ('93)
More than 30 years after graduating from WLHS, Mr. Ryan Oertel ('93) has returned to lead the mission advancement department and WLHS Foundation as executive director.
During his “time away,” Oertel remained connected to Wisco.
In 2016, he faithfully served on the high school’s board of directors for six years, and was a member of the executive committee for four of those years. In 2021, he led a strategic planning committee focused on “delivering exceptional student services” and in 2022 he became vice chair of the WLHS Foundation.
In addition to his ongoing service and involvement with WLHS, three of his children graduated from Wisco and the family’s youngest is currently a freshman.
“I saw the executive director role as an opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with God’s people to continue to expand the mission,” says Oertel. “I was extremely blessed during my time at Wisco, so I am excited to give back to the ministry that impacted me throughout my high school years and into my adult life.”
Ryan has an extensive background in educational leadership, serving as a high school teacher, middle school and high school principal, and for the last six years as a vice president at Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Mrs. Sarah (Horn) Proeber ('07)
Mrs. Sarah (Horn) Proeber ('07) is the new director of alumni relations for WLHS and is the point of contact for all alumni communications, events, programs, and organizations.
Previously, Proeber spent nearly 10 years working in communication services for WELS, where she honed her skills in digital project management, communication strategy, and planning Synod events.
“It was a difficult decision to leave my position, but Wisco has always been dear to my heart. My siblings and I went to Wisco, my husband was a classmate, and some of our closest friends are from Wisco,” says Proeber. “In my new position, I’m eager to create opportunities for alumni to network, build new connections, and stay engaged with the school.”
If you’re interested in sharing thoughts, suggestions, ideas, or personal and professional updates with Proeber, please contact her at sarah.proeber@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567, ext 2018.
“Since the 1960’s, we’ve prayed to have those three acres of land back. It is the only direction we could ever expand. The land is critical to our school’s future.”
— Dr. Ken Fisher, WLHS President
In October 2024, the long-time owners of the property—where a Pick ‘n Save is located—quietly approached WLHS administration about purchasing the land. Within a few weeks, there was a $1 million lead gift and the property was under contract.
In November, WLHS launched a growth-focused $10 million Growing Opportunities (GO) capital campaign to purchase the three-acre property adjacent to the school.
"The outpouring of generosity from our Wisco family has been truly remarkable," says Dr. Fisher. "I've been humbled by the incredible response from God’s people to this opportunity. It's truly inspiring."
“It is easy to see God’s hand in this once-in-ageneration opportunity. WLHS is a thriving high school and the GO campaign will allow us to explore expansion as we strive to meet the needs of our students,” states Fisher. “We know we need additional classrooms, more gym space, a safer, more secure entrance, and more parking. This presents a timely opportunity to analyze and consider options that can address future needs.”
The Growing Opportunities (GO) Campaign will go towards the purchase of the three-acre Pick 'n Save lot.
GO Campaign
What happens to the Pick ‘n Save located on the land WLHS has purchased?
The Pick ‘n Save grocery store, located on the three-acre parcel, has a long-term lease. This is a blessing to WLHS. The store will continue to pay rent and provide a consistent revenue stream to WLHS, all while affording the high school time to determine its next steps.
Growing Opportunities
How can I support the campaign?
We invite you to be a part of this legacy effort. Please pray for the success of the Growing Opportunities campaign and consider making a gift or pledge to help us reach the goal. God’s people are the difference-makers — so please share this opportunity with others and visit wlhs.org/go to contribute.
What comes next?
WLHS is in the early planning stages of what this additional three acres will mean for future expansion as the school recasts its Master Site Plan.
"God be praised for answering so many prayers,” says Mr. Ryan Oertel ('93), the new executive director of the WLHS Foundation and Mission Advancement. “The progress so far has been fantastic. We're excited to continue engaging with and relying upon the generosity of our parents, alumni, friends, and other stakeholders to help us close out the effort."
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).
Matthew 7:7
Growing Opportunities
Learn more about Growing Opportunities:
• Scan the QR Code
• Visit wlhs. org/go
“We need your help now more than ever to cross the finish line and cement the legacy of this purchase. Every gift, large or small, will make a difference as we strive to complete this student-centered endeavor."
— Mr. Ryan Oertel ('93), Executive Director of the WLHS Foundation and Mission Advancement
Viking Steel Continues to Expand
What began in 2017 with a handful of students, has grown into an award-winning program that’s the largest in Wisconsin. Viking Steel now involves more than 130 high school and grade school students, alumni, parents, and community members.
Community Band Debuts
This fall, Mr. Quinten Petersen, the Fine Arts department coordinator, created a steel pan community band and tapped Nate Frisque (’22) to lead the group.
Frisque, who played steel pan all four years at WLHS, is currently pursuing a music education degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College with the goal of becoming a school band director or music teacher.
“I was surprised when Mr. Petersen asked me to lead the community group but it’s been a fun challenge,” says Frisque. “There is a learning curve with the steel pan because it’s not like other percussion instruments, but our community group is dedicated and we’re making great music.”
The band has a mix of members – those who have previous instrument experience and those who don’t. To accommodate the various levels, each Sunday the “newbies” practice together for 30 minutes and then are joined by the more experienced players for an hour of group work.
Dani (Pingel) Seavert (’91) has two sons, Joshua a freshman and Aaron a junior, who are part of Viking Steel. When the community band announcement came out, she decided to join.
“I was nervous at first, but it’s a diverse group of ages, backgrounds, and music abilities and we’re all doing this together,” says Seavert. “It’s a fun thing and something I get to do for myself. Plus, I’ve met other Wisco moms who I probably wouldn’t have connected with otherwise.”
This semester of the community band is currently full but stay tuned for details for the 2025-26 year.
“Mr. Petersen and all the WLHS band directors are extremely dedicated and passionate. The band programs are really important to my boys and it’s such an incredible blessing that they can be part of so many different musical groups, including steel pan.”
— Dani (Pingel) Seavert (’91)
Viking Steel is made up of three different, co-curricular pan groups
Viking Steel Continues to Expand
Did You Know?
• The steel pan originates from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
• WLHS currently has three co-curricular steel bands, one summer/touring band, two Junior Vikings camps, and one grade school band.
• Each steel pan band has approximately 20 members.
• In addition to other engagements, Viking Steel performed at the 2024 WELS International Youth Rally and plays at a half dozen area WELS congregations each year.
“When we play at congregations, the feedback we get most often is they want us back right away because they say we bring such joy and energy to the worship service. I believe it’s important to keep high school students engaged in church worship and it’s important for congregations to see how high schoolers can contribute their talents to the service.”
— WLHS Fine Arts Department Coordinator
Mr. Quinten Petersen
Members of Viking Steel performed at the 2024 WELS International Youth Rally in Denver, Colo.
School Wellness Plan
Led by the Student Services department, WLHS is working to implement a comprehensive wellness plan that fosters a Christian environment and supports the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students, staff, and the broader school community.
The approach currently includes four focus areas:
1. Personal Counseling
2. Classroom Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Lessons
3. Mental Health Support Groups
4. Christian Family Solutions Therapy
"We have three school counselors so that gives us the flexibility, collaboration, and expertise to develop lessons, groups, and individual services that give students greater insight into their emotional intelligence and social development. We then use this insight and skills to help them explore their identity in Christ," says Katie Chavez, a bilingual school counselor.
Mental Health Support Groups
The past few years, Student Services has developed several peer groups that it helps coordinate and guide.
Hope Squad is a peer-topeer self-harm and suicide prevention program. Student leaders are trained on the direct and indirect signs of self-harm and suicidal ideation and how to appropriately intervene and refer students to a trusted adult.
Critical Thinkers is a counseling group that focuses on identifying feelings of anxiety and depression and finding strategies to positively cope. School counselors visit classrooms for a series of workshops designed to grow problem solving skills, resiliency, and mindfulness.
Refuge is a counseling group that meets to address the grief and loss of a family member or close friend.
P.E.A.C.E. (Positive Encounters And Christcentered Encouragement) helps students who:
• Struggle to balance commitments with friends or family.
• Feel stressed in current friendships or outside relationships.
• Are seeking ways to manage conflicts that exist within their friend group or family members.
"Critical Thinkers and P.E.A.C.E. have helped cultivate in me a sense of emotional awareness that I didn’t necessarily have as a freshman. They have taught me to take a step back and analyze a situation before acting on my emotions and making irrational decisions. I now understand how my emotions play a role in my environment and how to navigate them with respect to my peers,” says Kylah Alexander ('25).
Mrs. Rachel Rebholz
School Nurse
This school year, WLHS added Mrs. Rachel (Kohn) Rebholz ('04) as its first-ever school nurse. Mrs. Rebholz is part of Student Services and focuses on serving students with chronic health conditions and is a health resource for the entire school.
Alumna Shares Her Cancer Story
Since 2009, Stephanie (Hunt) Smokovich (’02) has owned and operated Bella Blvd, a successful scrapbook manufacturing company she started from scratch and grew to a 12-person operation. A selfdescribed workaholic, the married mother of two has traveled the world, teaching more than 500 scrapbook workshops in a variety of countries, including Brazil, South Africa, and Italy.
Everything changed in 2018 when she suffered a grand mal seizure. Imaging revealed a large mass in her brain that was pushing against her skull.
Smokovich immediately underwent craniotomy surgery that removed most of the cancerous tumor. That was followed by recovery, including multiple therapies, 18 months of chemotherapy, and six weeks of radiation treatments.
The woman who loved her business didn’t work for six months and then decided to partner with a friendly competitor after her oncologist strongly recommended she reduce stress in her life.
She is now a one-woman show, handling graphic design work for Bella Blvd. She gets to do more of the “fun stuff” and has let go of the operations and stress that comes with the overhead of a company. She is grateful to have scaled back her hours and blessed to be spending more time with her family.
“For me, it took being on death’s door to reevaluate my life. I’m now grateful for each day and the blessings of family,” says Smokovich. “From everything I learned, I should be dead, but I know in my heart God isn’t done with me yet and I’m here to help others who are going through cancer.”
The Smokovich family of four loves sports and Stephanie, who played basketball all four years at Wisco, has coached her son’s Junior Vikings basketball team for the past four years.
Stephanie and her Junior Vikings at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation event with Bucks player Pat
Last spring, she and her Junior Vikings team were special guests at a Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation event that honored Milwaukee Bucks player Pat Connaughton. Smokovich shared her story with a packed room and then her Junior Vikings players assisted with a paddle raise and got to meet Connaughton.
“I want people who are recently diagnosed to know it’s not a death sentence,” says Smokovich. “During my treatment, someone told me that God gives doctors wisdom, talents, and resources, but there’s only one you with your unique DNA and only God knows the plans he has for you.”
Stephanie (Hunt) Smokovich (’02) who has been living with brain cancer for seven years is open to sharing her survivor story with area groups and organizations. To connect with Smokovich, contact with her at stephaniesmokovich@gmail.com.
The Smokovich family
Stephanie ('02) after craniotomy surgery
Connaughton
Alumni Updates
Debbie (Krueger) ('73) and Jeff ('73) Becker celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a special family trip to Disney World! Their Wisco legacy runs deep, as their sons, Justin ('97) and Jason ('95), along with their spouses, Jennifer (Pagac) Becker ('96) and Karen (Swartout) Becker ('95), are also Wisco alumni. Joining in the celebration were their grandchildren, Judah and Lily.
Steve Zambo ('79) and Beth (Leverence) Zambo ('82) (pictured left) founders of Salty Earth Pictures, create impactful, faith-based films. Their latest release, One by One, tells the true story of Pastor David Rosenau’s journey from detective to ministry and is available at saltyearthpictures.com. Upcoming projects include a documentary on The Sound of Music's Daniel Truhitte and Run for Glory, based on NFL player Don Beebe.
Lt. Gen. Johnny K. Davis ('87), commanding general, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, was promoted in December 2024. Davis will continue his work leading the recruiting team, further integrating new recruiting initiatives across the nation.
Lisa Proeber (‘02) and her cousin, Rachel Proeber, acquired the Board and Brush franchise locations in Elm Grove and Oak Creek. They are excited to offer DIY gathering places for private events, fundraisers, and public workshops. Visit boardandbrush.com/ elmgrove or boardandbrush.com/oakcreek for more information.
Sisters Leanne (Felsing) Williamson ('04) and Lauren (Felsing) Bartsch ('06) were inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bud K. Haidet Hall of Fame in recognition for their outstanding volleyball careers.
Leanne was named the 2007 Horizon League Player of the Year and earned two-time Honorable Mention All-American honors, finishing her career with 1,146 kills, 2,264 assists, and 1,329 digs. Lauren was a standout libero, setting UWM’s single-season digs record (645) and earning the 2009 Horizon League Libero of the Year award with 1,929 career digs.
Congratulations to WLHS Student Success Center Instructor Kenton Fabian ('17) and his wife, Heaven (Bausley) ('18), on the birth of their baby girl, Amara Elise. The Fabian family resides in the Milwaukee area.
Tony Jones ('22) was welcomed as a new officer for the City of Cedarburg Police Department after completing an internship of more than 80 hours with the Milwaukee Police Department towards understanding law enforcement.
n Class of 1955 – The class of 1955 is planning its 70-year reunion. If interested, please contact Evelyn Pike at epike1@att.net or call 414-461-7293.
n Class of 1975 – The Class of 1975 is celebrating their 50-year reunion this year, at WLHS on Saturday, June 14, from 5:00-11:00 p.m. Cost is $85 per person and includes drinks and dinner. RSVP by Friday, April 18, to James Brunner at Brunner0402@sbcglobal.net.
n Class Reunions in the works – These classes are planning reunions in 2025: 1955, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2000, and 2005. Visit wlhs.org/reunions for up-to-date information.
n If your graduation year ends in a 0 or 5 and you do NOT see it listed above, and are interested in planning your class reunion, contact Sarah Proeber ('07) Director of Alumni Relations, at sarah.proeber@wlhs.org.
Classes of 1970 & 1971
The Classes of 1970 & 1971 gathered together on September 13.
1984
The Class of 1984 held their 40-year reunion on September 28 at WLHS.
Class of 1964
The Class of 1964 held their 60-year reunion on September 14, at WLHS.
Class of
Academic Top Ten
Wisconsin Lutheran High School is pleased to announce the academic top ten for the Class of 2025:
1. Amos Ebeling (St. John's Lutheran Church & School, Wauwatosa)
2. Wanchun (Sarah) Lin (Shanghai, China)
3. Makayla Wendl (Faith Lutheran Church, Sussex & Zion Lutheran School, Hartland)
4. Elza Hofer (Living Hope Lutheran Church, West Allis & Frank Lloyd Wright School, West Allis)
5. Alex Enslen (Christ Lutheran Church & School, Big Bend)
6. Kaitlyn Oldenburg (Christ the Lord Lutheran Church & School, Brookfield)
7. Lauren Roedel (St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School, Franklin)
8. Thomas Doerr (Garden Homes Lutheran Church, Milwaukee & Homeschool)
9. Luke Koeller (St. Jacobi Lutheran Church & School, Greenfield)
10. Sydney Vitangcol (St. John's Lutheran Church & School, Wauwatosa)
Theater Sweeps
It was the first time ever that Wisco Theatre participated in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Theatre Festival. At the State competition finals student performers took home top honors in nine out of nine awards possible. Congratulations to the team of the one-act play "100 Things I Never Said To You" by Adam Szymkowicz who received these accolades:
• Outstanding Acting: Elina Hofer ('25), Fred Ramsey ('25), Gabriel Rose ('27), Kiah Schuessler ('25), and Jenesis Wesley ('25)
• Outstanding Theater Tech
• Outstanding Ensemble
• Outstanding Direction: Abby Bloomquist ('18)
• And the coveted Critics' Choice Award
In Loving Memory
Class of 1946
Dorothy Suleski
December 17, 2024
Class of 1952
Gerald Throndson
January 3, 2025
Lucille (Hoge) Redman
January, 2025
Class of 1955
Paul Machmeier
December 18, 2024
Class of 1958
Sherwin Beyer
October 4, 2024
Edith (Defferding) Tiarks
January 2025
Class of 1959
Bruce Cuppan
December 21, 2024
Class of 1960
Camille De Galley
January 11, 2025
Class of 1963
Judith (Schroeder)
Treptow
September 22, 2024
Class of 1965
James Pasbrig
July 17, 2024
James was a WLHS student teacher in 1969 and full time staff from 1973-1974
Class of 1968
Kelly Harrington
May 13, 2024
John Jensen
September 24, 2024
Class of 1969
Jane (Nommensen) Tiarks
October 18, 2024
Class of 1972
Beth Witte-Cleary
November 9, 2024
Class of 1973
Patrick Zabrowski
September 10, 2024
Class of 1977
Beth (Knaebe) Mathews
October 5, 2024
Class of 1985
Shelly (Krueger) Nardi
January 15, 2025
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).
Winter Festival 2025
The Princess and the Frog Winter Festival 2025 was a magical success! The week's activities included dress-up days, such as throwback Thursday, dynamic duo and pajama days, and also lunchtime activities, a movie night, and a competitive dodgeball tournament. At the festival pep rally, cheer, dance, and step teams performed, classes competed for the loudest battle cry, and basketball and wrestling teams were introduced.
Stay connected to WLHS!
At the 2025 Winter Festival, Collin Neumann (St. John's Lutheran School, Wauwatosa) (pictured middle) was crowned festival king, escorted by Kyah Schuessler (St. Marcus Lutheran School). Festival court included Tommy Doerr (homeschooled) (pictured left) escorted by Sylvia Scott (St. Lucas Lutheran School) and Logan Hoffman (St. Paul's Lutheran School, Franklin) (pictured right) escorted by Morgan Festerling (St. John's Lutheran School, Wauwatosa).
Fall Drama Production
The cast and crew of Peter Pan & Wendy, directed by Ms. Abby Bloomquist ('18), delighted more than 2,000 theatergoers. Thanks to parents, students, our conference grade schools, and everyone who came out to support the show!
Fall Drama Production
WLHS is owned and operated by the following congregations joined together as the WLHS Conference
Abiding Word Atonement Centennial Christ, Big Bend Christ, Pewaukee Christ Alone
Christ the Lord Fairview Faith Garden Homes Grace, Milwaukee Grace, Waukesha
Loving Shepherd Living Hope Living Word Messiah Mt. Calvary Mt. Lebanon Nain Pilgrim Redemption Resurrection Risen Savior St. Jacobi
St. James
St. John’s on the Hillside
St. John’s, Howell Ave
St. John, 27th Street
St. John, Lannon
St. John, Milwaukee
St. John, Mukwonago
St. John, Wauwatosa
St. Lucas
St. Marcus
St. Matthew
St. Paul, Cudahy
St. Paul, Franklin
St. Paul, Muskego
St. Peter
St. Philip
Salem, Cramer Street
Salem, 107th Street
Siloah
Star of Bethlehem
Trinity
Victory of the Lamb Zion, Hartland Zion, South Milwaukee
WLHS Contact © is the official alumni publication of the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference. President: Dr. Kenneth Fisher; Editor: Monica Baer (‘87); Design/Layout: Carolyn Sachs; Contributing Writers: Dr. Kenneth Fisher, Monica Baer (‘87); Photography: Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, IN-FOCUS Photography. Contact us with comments or questions at 414-453-4567, ext 2292, or via e-mail at carolyn.sachs@wlhs.org. Please notify Megan Kruschel at 414-453-4567, ext 2012 or megan.kruschel@wlhs.org if you would like to be removed from our mailing list, change your contact information, or have contributions. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM used by permission of Zondervan.
