2022 Fall Contact

WLHS Contact Fall 2022 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Where Success Means More

Welcome

A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher President of the WLHS Conference The Harvest is Plentiful . . . the Workers Are Few The pages of this Contact are filled with profound blessings. But if you asked me what is the most precious gift God gives to this ministry — besides the tender souls of young adults to shepherd for four years — I’d suggest it is the legacy of committed, Christ-centered educators that Christ continues to supply.

In This Issue

To God the Glory!

2022 WLHS Report Card Meet Our New Teachers Zeitler Stadium Hosts Homecoming Homecoming 2022 Where Success Means More Reunions Alumni Updates In Loving Memory WLHS News & WLHS Foundation 32nd Annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing 2022 Flag Blessing

Page 3 Pages 4-5 Pages 6-7 Pages 8-9 Pages 10-11 Pages 12-13 Pages 14-15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Back Page

Upcoming Events For up-to-date information visit wlhs.org/calendar or download the Wisco app at the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Dr. Ken Fisher

Each year some called workers leave for other callings or retire.

And somehow God supplies the need. This year was no different. But then again, it was different. The last classes were not covered until a few weeks before school.

The shortage of teachers across our country is real. We are not immune. But what we need in those who teach is different. We hold them to a higher standard — to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2). We ask our faculty to instruct and train our students in harmony with God’s Word as revealed in the Bible and professed in the confessional writings of the Lutheran Church. Each Lutheran teacher is a special gift from God — and getting more challenging to find.

Our strategic plan recognizes the importance of both identifying and encouraging our own students to consider public ministry, especially students of color, and tracking alumni who could potentially teach at WLHS. It is interesting that more than forty percent of WLHS’ faculty are alumni. But not surprising! Graduates of this school remember teachers who changed the trajectory of their lives. Many aspire to come home and impact others in a similar way. A few weeks before school started, retired Major Kurt Nygaard (’75), a West Point graduate and an experienced engineer, stepped forward and agreed to take two sections of our engineering curriculum. What a blessing!

Could you be the next alumni who reports for duty? Have you ever considered teaching at WLHS? We struggle to keep track of everyone who might be considered for a Divine Call. If you’re one who we have missed, please consider letting us know of your willingness to be considered for ministry here.

We are asking God to supply more workers, as Jesus once noted, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

Cordially in Christ’s service, 2

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS

2022-23 School Theme Christ is My Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20)

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: The new outdoor athletic complex at WLHS is now complete.

Strong Freshman Enrollment This school year, God has blessed WLHS with 938 young souls to guide and shepherd. The increase in enrollment is thanks in part to a bright, talented, and energetic freshman class that is one of the largest in more than two decades.

Meet Our International Students

This year, WLHS boasts its largest and most diverse group of international students ever.

70 students from 18 countries • 35 returning and 35 new students Brazil Burma China Germany Hong Kong India Iran Japan

Kazakhstan Nigeria Serbia South Korea Spain Thailand United Kingdom Vietnam

• First students from Cameroon and Republika Srpska, an autonomous region of Bosnia and Herzegovina

To God the Glory!

Meet Our

FRESHMAN CLASS

268

young men and women

32%

of the class tested into advanced level math, science or English language arts courses

73.8%

from WELS grade schools

6 international students

3 6 international students from Cameroon, China, South Korea, and Thailand 3 1 domestic residential student from Colorado

Ethnicity Breakdown .09% American Indian/ 4.9%

9.6%

Alaskan Native/ Native

Two or More

Asian

12.6%

Latino/ Hispanic

43.4%

Caucasian

29.2% Black/ AfricanAmerican

Freshman Class at the Homecoming Pep Rally WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

3

Wisconsin WisconsinLutheran LutheranHigh HighSchool School 2022 2022 Report Report Card Card

2022 WLHS Report Card

ACT ACT

Wisco Wisco Witnesses Witnesses in in the the World World

28.2 28.2

103

Wisco WiscoWitnesses Witnessesin inthe theWorld Worldisisaaserviceserviceminded mindedgroup. group.Students Studentshave havethe theopportunity opportunity to topractice practicethe thelessons lessonsthey theylearn learnevery everyday day students students in inschool, school,including includingsharing sharingthe thelove loveof ofJesus Jesus through throughoutreach outreachand andcommunity communityservice serviceactivities. activities.

15 mission missiontrips trips inin2022 2022

WLHS Top Top 25% 25% WLHS

WLHS All All Students Students WLHS

State State

District District

16.1 16.1

WLHS Top Top 50% 50% WLHS

19.8 19.8

22.8 22.8

WLHS Top Top 75% 75% WLHS

20.5 20.5

25.1 25.1

wlhs.org wlhs.org

WLHS’ WLHS’best bestscores, scores,as asreported reportedto to colleges, colleges,show showthe thetop top75 75percent percent of ofseniors seniorsaveraged averaged22.8 22.8 (70th (70thpercentile) percentile)on onthe theACT. ACT. Achieving Achievingat atthe the70th 70thpercentile percentile means meansaastudent studentscored scoredin inthe thetop top third thirdof ofall allstudents studentsnationwide. nationwide.

Advanced Advanced Placement Placement Success Success

60% 60%

54% 54%

State State

Worldwide Worldwide

ACT ACTPerfection Perfection WLHS WLHSjunior juniorJack JackGoelz, Goelz, achieved achievedaaperfect perfectACT ACT score scoreon onthe thefirst firsttry try of oftaking takingthe thetest. test.

74% 74%

$276,750 $276,750

WLHS WLHS

potential potentialsavings savings

Of Ofthe the1.3 1.3million millionstudents students who who took took the the exam exam nationally nationallyinin2021, 2021,only only 4,055 4,055achieved achievedaaperfect perfect score score(.5 (.5percent). percent).

Course CourseOfferings Offerings

938 145 4

From FromMeasures Measuresof ofAcademic AcademicProgress Progress(MAP) (MAP) standardized standardizedtesting. testing.

Growth Growth ininMAP MAP Instructional Instructional Level LevelScore Score

66 55 44 33 22 11 00

==Perfect PerfectACT ACTScore Score

55

of ofseniors seniorsparticipated participated ininat atleast leastone oneAP APclass class

2022-23 2022-23 Official OfficialEnrollment Enrollment

Students Studentsentering enteringWLHS WLHSbelow belowgrade grade level levelin inmath mathand andlanguage languagearts artsnearly nearly doubled doubledtheir theirprojected projectedyearly yearlyacademic academic growth, growth,based basedon ontheir theirinitial initialscore. score.

36 36

WLHS WLHSstudents studentsscored scored33or orhigher higher (on (onaascale scaleof of1-5) 1-5)on on205 205AP APexams exams for foraatotal totalof of615 615college collegecredit creditsavings savings

37% 37%

Supporting SupportingAll AllStudents Students

Co-curriculars, Co-curriculars, Clubs, Clubs,or orStudent Student Activities Activities

total totalWLHS WLHSstudents students who whoachieved achievedaa perfect perfectACT ACTscore score ininthe thepast pastfive fiveyears years

Faculty Facultyand andStaff Staff Who WhoAre AreAlumni Alumni of ofWLHS WLHS

Growth Growth ininMAP MAP Instructional Instructional Level LevelScore Score

66 55 44 33 22 11 00

Actual ActualGrowth Growth Projected Projected Growth Growth

Math Math Actual ActualGrowth Growth Projected Projected Growth Growth Reading/ Reading/ Language LanguageArts Arts

Faculty FacultyWho WhoHold Holdor or Are AreWorking WorkingToward Toward an anAdvanced AdvancedDegree Degree

60+ 41% 64%

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

Average Average Class ClassSize Size

19

Wisconsin Lutheran Lutheran High High School School Wisconsin Multiethnic Diversity Diversity Multiethnic

2022 2022 Report Report Card Card

www.wlhs.org www.wlhs.org

Building on on the the Legacy Legacy Building Project Update Update Project

Scholarship Scholarship Dollars Dollars

Building on the Legacy’s $6.5M Building on the Legacy’s $6.5M capital campaign made upgrades capital campaign made upgrades to the outdoor athletic facilities. to the outdoor athletic facilities.

Upgrades included: turf on the main Upgrades included: turf on the main and multi-purpose fields, new track, and multi-purpose fields, new track, GRAPHICS APPROVAL LAYOUT FOR WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL digitalAPPROVAL scoreboard, upgraded GRAPHICS LAYOUT FOR WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL digital scoreboard, upgraded 318537 04/01/2022 (R2 04/08) lighting, increased parking, 318537 04/01/2022 (R2 04/08) lighting, increased parking, Graphic Panel Approval and more!

Graphic Panel Approval and more! (scoreboard for visual only) File Number:

Date:

File Number:

Date:

State: WI

APPROVAL DEADLINE: 05/00 APPROVAL DEADLINE: 05/00

State: WI

(scoreboard for visual only)

Truss and Channel lettering have been Approved Truss and Channel lettering have been Approved

Waukesha Wauwatosa Waukesha Wauwatosa Backlit District Polycarbonate District Panel - 36“ x 168” Polycarbonate Backlit x District 105.625” District Material Panel - 33.625” 36“ x 168” Visible Opening 32” x 104”

0.3% American Indian/ 0.3% American Indian/ Alaskan Native Alaskan Native 9.6% Asian 9.6% Asian 29.2% Black/African 29.2% Black/African American American 12.6% Latino/Hispanic 12.6% Latino/Hispanic 4.9% Two or More 4.9% Two or More 43.4% White 43.4% White

$9,092 $9,092

LED DISPLAY LVX-2130-408X720-15HD LED DISPLAY LVX-2130-408X720-15HD

VIKINGS VIKINGS

DOWN DOWN

Embracing the the Great Great Commission Commission Embracing

T.O.L. T.O.L.

TO GO TO GO

T.O.L. T.O.L. DAKTRONICS

DAKTRONICS

.

APPROVED

Instructions .ProductionAPPROVED Production Instructions

.

Signature Signature

21

International students students International in the the 2022 2022 graduating graduating class class in

1,312

* Of note, WLHS students “earned” more than * Of note, WLHS students “earned” more than $6.3 million in college scholarships. $6.3 million in college scholarships.

·

Baptisms Baptisms

72 students 72 students Baptized Since 2017 Baptized Since 2017

27

Iran Iran

School-wide School-wide Mission Project Mission Project

National National Merit Merit Scholarships Scholarships

· Initials Initials

Designer Designer

· ·

Date Date

Of Of the the 1.3 1.3 million million entrants, entrants, less than 2 percent less than 2 percent earned earned this this prestigious prestigious recognition recognition

5

total WLHS finalists total WLHS finalists

Waukesha Waukesha District District

Poland Poland

Different countries in the Different countries in the residential program residential program

$29,907 $29,907

$11,759 $11,759

Polycarbonate Backlit Panel - 36“ x 300” Polycarbonate Backlit Material x 165.625” Panel - 33.625” 36“ x 300” Visible Opening 32” x 164” Material 33.625” x 165.625” Semi-Gloss Blue 49169 Visible Opening 32” x 164” Colors may Blue appear lighter when lit Semi-Gloss 49169 Waukesha State Bank: Butters-Fetting Co.: Three Leaf Partners: Sit Means Dog Training: Colors maySitappear lighter when lit Background White Background White White Waukesha State Bank: Butters-Fetting Co.: Background Three Leaf Partners: Sit Means SitWhite Dog Training: Background “S” in Sit 13.3“h “W” in Waukesha in Butters White 9.6“h “T” in Three 11.2“h Background White Background White8.1“h “B” Background Background White “S” in Sit 13.3“h “W” in Waukesha 8.1“h “B” in Butters 9.6“h “T” in Three 11.2“h

College Acceptance Jen Reiser College Acceptance Jen Reiser Highlights Highlights

.Application OA Numbers Application OA Numbers

Material 33.625” x 105.625” Semi-Gloss Blue 49169 Visible Opening 32” x 104” Colors may appear lighter when lit Semi-Gloss Blue 49169 Wisconsin Foundation: Colors mayLutheran appear HS lighter when lit Background White HS Foundation: Wisconsin Lutheran “W” in Wisconsin Background White5.1“h “W” in Wisconsin 5.1“h

Scoreboard Type FB-2038-W Semi-Gloss Scoreboard Type Blue 49169 1“ Stripe Perfect Match Red FB-2038-W Semi-Gloss Blue7725-263 49169 1“ Stripe Perfect Match Red 7725-263

United United Kingdom Kingdom

19

Total hours of training Total hours of training

QTR QTR

WLHS WLHS

WLHS WLHS seniors seniors accepted* accepted* more more than than $4.9 million in college scholarships, $4.9 million in college scholarships, averaging averaging $29,907 $29,907 per per student student and outperforming their and outperforming their peers peers by by more more than than 39% 39% percent. percent.

First students First students in 2021-2022 from in 2021-2022 from

International students International students in 2022-23 in 2022-23

Faculty Professional Professional Faculty Development Development

BALL ON BALL ON

GUEST GUEST

@1 @1

WLHS continues continues to to broaden broaden its its reach reach across across the the globe globe WLHS with its its most most diverse diverse population population ever. ever. International International with enrollment for for 2022-23 2022-23 matches matches the the largest largest ever. ever. enrollment

70

Polycarbonate Backlit Panel - 36“ x 168” Polycarbonate Backlit Material x 105.625” Panel - 33.625” 36“ x 168” Visible Opening 32” x 104” Material 33.625” x 105.625” Semi-Gloss Blue 49169 Visible Opening 32” x 104” Colors may Blue appear lighter when lit Semi-Gloss 49169 Catalyst Construction: Colors may appear lighter when lit Background White Catalyst Construction: “C” in Catalyst 12.2“h Background White “C” in Catalyst 12.2“h Speaker Mesh (SS 500HD) Reference 00983398 Speaker DWG Mesh#(SS 500HD) Background Blue # 00983398 Reference DWG Background Blue

22

26

seniors were seniors were accepted accepted to top 100 to top 100 US US News News Best National Best National University University Ranking Schools Ranking Schools

Co-curricular Co-curricular Activities Activities

Dollars Raised Dollars Raised

Students in One or More Students in One or More

$39,199

75%

total total

Wauwatosa Wauwatosa District District

22

total total

WELS area Lutheran High Schools WELS area Lutheran High Schools and Prep Schools had a total and Prep Schools had a total of seven finalists nationwide. No of seven finalists nationwide. No other school, besides WLHS, had other school, besides WLHS, had more than two. more than two.

Fine Fine Arts Arts Audience Audience Attendance at Attendance at all concerts/venues all concerts/venues

100,000+

Athletic Athletic Conference Conference Champions Champions Including softball’s first ever Including softball’s first ever appearance at WIAA State appearance at WIAA State

8

231 Overall 231 Overall

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

5

Meet Our New Teachers

This year, we’ve added nine talented professionals to our faculty and staff, including two who are WLHS alums.

Art Department

English Department

Ms. Rachel Rosenberg

Mrs. Stacy Bitter

Ms. Rachel Rosenberg joins the WLHS art department, teaching Exploratory Art, Drawing, and AP Art. Ms. Rosenberg previously taught at Kettle Moraine Middle School, St. Lucas Lutheran School, and American School of Bangkok. She has a master’s Rachel Rosenberg degree in Art from The Art of Education University and a bachelor’s in Art, Education, and Wide Range Art from Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC).

Mrs. Stacy Bitter joins the WLHS English department, teaching American Literature 2 and English 9. Mrs. Bitter came to WLHS from Shining Star Christian Schools where she was vice president of academic affairs.

Prior to that, she was a teacher Stacy Bitter and director of curriculum and instruction at St. John’s Lutheran School, Milwaukee.

Bitter has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from WLC and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from MLC.

Athletics Department

Mrs. Dawn Strand

Mr. Micah Walz (‘00)

Mrs. Dawn Strand joins the WLHS English department full time, teaching Composition and Business Communication.

Mrs. Strand has been with WLHS since 2011 as a teaching assistant in the College Readiness Continuum program.

Dawn Strand Prior to WLHS, Strand taught at Fairview Lutheran School, St. Jacobi Lutheran School, St. Paul Lutheran School in North Hollywood, Calif., and St. John Lutheran School in Victorville, Calif. She has a bachelor’s degree in Education from MLC.

Mr. Micah Walz (‘00) joins WLHS as athletic director. Mr. Walz has strong ties to Wisco as an alum, son of retired vice principal Dale Walz, and brother of Justin (‘96) and Ryan (‘92). Previously, Walz served as an interim principal, teacher, and athletic director Micah Walz at three WELS grade schools – Star of Bethlehem, St. Jacobi, and Garden Homes.

He has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a bachelor’s in Education from Martin Luther College (MLC).

Celebrating 25 Years in the Ministry

6

Mr. Matt Bilitz executive director of the WLHS Foundation and MissionHIGH SCHOOL WISCONSIN LUTHERAN Advancement

Rev. Heath Butler theology instructor and soccer coach || Fall 2022

Mrs. Amy Goede (‘94) English department coordinator and English instructor

Mr. Ryan Walz (‘92) physical education department coordinator and boys’ basketball coach

Family and Consumer Education (FACE) Department Mrs. Erin Koschnitzke

Meet Our New Teachers

Mrs. Erin Koschnitzke joins WLHS full time, teaching in the FACE and physical education departments as well as assisting with girls’ basketball and softball. Mrs. Koschnitzke has been part time with WLHS since 2020. She previously taught Erin Koschnitzke at Lakeside Lutheran in Lake Mills, Trinity Lutheran School in West Bend, Christ the Lord Lutheran Elementary School in Houston, Texas, and Our Savior in Naples, Fla. She has a bachelor’s degree from MLC.

Mrs. Angela (Priewe) Livingston (’05) Mrs. Angela (Priewe) Livingston (’05) joins WLHS full time, teaching Food Techniques and the ProStart curriculum. Prior to WLHS, Mrs. Livingston taught at Atonement Lutheran School, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High Angela Livingston School, Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter, Wis., and St. Peters Lutheran School in Sturgeon Bay. Livingston has a master’s degree in Education and a bachelor’s from MLC.

Math Department

Science Department

Mrs. Sofia Bitter

Sofia Bitter

Mrs. Sofia Bitter joins the WLHS science department, teaching Chemistry and Physical Science.

Prior to WLHS, Mrs. Bitter taught at Atonement Lutheran School.

She earned bachelor’s degrees in Life Science and Chemistry from MLC.

Theology Department Mr. Josh Rimpel Mr. Josh Rimpel joins the WLHS theology department, teaching Foundations of Christianity, Heritage of Our Faith, and Introduction to Christianity.

Mr. Rimpel previously served as an assistant principal, activities director, and teacher Josh Rimpel at Christ the King Lutheran Academy in Palm Coast, Fla. Prior to that, he was principal and teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School in San Antonio, Texas, and Living Word Christian Academy in Mission Viejo, Calif. Rimpel has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s in Education from MLC. Wi sc o nsi n Lut he r a n H i g h Sc ho o l

n

2022- 23

2022-23 School Theme

Mrs. Rachel Rimpel Mrs. Rachel Rimpel joins the WLHS math department, teaching Geometry and Algebra 3. Prior to WLHS, Mrs. Rimpel taught at Christ the King Academy in Palm Coast, Fla., Our Savior Lutheran in San Antonio, Texas, and Sarah Bauer Living Word Christian Academy in Mission Viejo, Calif. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from MLC.

“You are . . . built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

(Ephesians 2:19-20)

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

7

Zeitler Stadium Hosts Homecoming

As part of Homecoming 2022, the new $6.5 million Zeitler Stadium, Victory Field, and Sitz Track were officially dedicated.

The stadium was named after Kevin (‘08) and Sara (Braun) Zeitler (’08) who were major donors to the athletic complex.

The Sitz family has a long legacy at WLHS and Sitz Track is named after Carleton Sitz and Jeff Sitz (’74).

Wisco friends and family of Jeff Sitz raised the funds necessary to surprise him with naming rights.

Carleton taught at WLHS for 35 years and started the track program after Wisconsin Lutheran and Milwaukee Lutheran high schools split in 1955.

Jeff joined WLHS in 1981 and served as the school’s athletic director for nearly 40 years.

“We are looking forward to seeing the completed Building on the Legacy outdoor athletic project when we are back in Wisconsin.

It’s been amazing to see the progress through updates and photos, but we can’t wait to walk out onto Victory Field. It’s going to be a special moment for a project that means so much to both of us.”

— Kevin (‘08) and Sara (Braun) Zeitler (‘08)

8

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

Victory Field

Victory Field has been put to use nearly every day since it was completed in September. It’s hosted physical education classes, football practices, soccer games, Jr. Vikings training camps, and more.

First Phy Ed Class

First Football Practice

Jr. Viking Flag Football Camp Varsity Soccer Game

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

9

Homecoming 2022

10

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

This year’s 1950s-themed Homecoming was a spirited week at Wisconsin Lutheran. Students and faculty participated in a variety of fun dress-up days (pictured below) including: School Spirit day, Carry Anything But a Backpack day, and Adam Sandler day. Senior Riley Rindfleisch (St. John’s Lutheran School, Wauwatosa) took home the title of Mr. Wisco (pictured middle row right). Senior girls triumphed over junior girls in powderpuff football. Senior Nora Stroh (Christ Lutheran School) was crowned homecoming queen at the pep rally, escorted by Eli Lepke (St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Muskego), along with court princesses Yoesmarie Rivera (St. John’s Lutheran School, Milwaukee), escorted by Noah Oertel (Trinity Lutheran School) and Noel Greene (St. John’s Lutheran School, Wauwatosa), escorted by Xavier Foreman (Garden Homes Lutheran School).

Homecoming 2022

Stay connected to WLHS! WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

11

Where Success Means More

WLHS prepares students for careers that range from the trades to technology to teaching. Meet four alumni who are in the legal profession.

JoAnn Gromowski (’88)

Paul Bugenhagen, Jr. (’98)

Gromowski Law Firm, LLC

Waukesha Circuit Court Judge

Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor

Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor

My Career: I am a solo practitioner with a focus on contracts, real estate, business law, estate planning, and elder law.

WLHS Experience: For me, high school was a social event. I loved all of the activities – playing sports, being in the choir, singing at different churches on Sunday mornings, staying after school to work on projects, and hanging out with friends and goofing around. Since we spent so much time together, I’m still close with many of my Wisco friends.

Wise Words: Vice Principal Luedke was the one who really impacted my career choice. He was honest and direct with me. He advised me to find something I liked, put some effort into it, and challenge myself.

His words stuck with me and are what influenced me to become a lawyer.

Dedication: The Wisco teachers were always so involved and cared about us. They’d take extra time to check in and see if you needed help with anything. It’s the same when I visit now. I see how the students and teachers interact and it’s like a big family that’s filled with love. That’s truly something special at Wisco.

Christian Foundation: While I didn’t realize how important it was at the time, I’m so thankful for the Christian foundation that was instilled in me.

It’s stayed with me throughout my life.

I learned to trust in Christ and come to him in good times and bad.

12

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

My Career: First elected in 2015, I am in my second term as a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge.

High Standards: Wisco was challenging in a good way. A lot was expected of you. You were pushed and your abilities were tested but there was always Christian support around you.

Role Models: I didn’t realize it at the time but my wrestling and cross country coaches helped shape my life. Coach Greschner, Coach Plamann, Coach Lueck, and Coach Schaper cared about you as a person. They wanted you to challenge yourself and were encouraging and helped you grow from your wins and losses. My high school coaches taught me to trust in God and trust your faith.

Career Growth: My wife, Crosby (Janda) Bugenhagen, and I are both 1998 Wisco grads. I was a lawyer first and decided to take a leap of faith to run for judge.

Crosby supported me in that just like my Wisco coaches and teachers supported me.

Giving Back: I’ve been coaching wrestling at Wisco since 2004 because I wanted to give back to today’s students. My Wisco coaches gave me guidance and were so instrumental in my life that I felt it was important for me to contribute my talents as I could.

Lifelong Friends: I still see my Wisco friends regularly.

We have a common bond of faith and a shared understanding of where we come from.

Where Success Means More

Robin Lehninger (‘07) Dykema Gossett PLLC

University of Minnesota Law School, Juris Doctor University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Master of Public Policy My Career: I advise healthcare clients and a variety of other businesses in corporate and transactional matters – from initial formation and investment to general contracting to an exit event or public offering.

Advanced Academics: Wisco set me up to succeed academically in college. My AP courses let me skip some gen ed requirements, and the strong foundation in writing and analysis prepared me for the honors college coursework at Valparaiso.

Even today, I spend most of my work hours reading, analyzing, and writing. While the content has evolved over time, I started developing that skillset at Wisco.

Musical Impact: I was very involved in music all four years, participating in choirs, the musicals, and playing piano. That hasn’t changed much – I have continued to sing and play in church ever since.

I credit Mrs. Schram, Mrs. Flanagan, and Mr. Goede’s excellent instruction and passion for choral music for cultivating my love of music and encouraging me to remain active in it.

Guiding Light: One of Mr. Zellmer’s sayings has always stuck with me, “Remember who you are in Jesus.” It’s a comforting reminder I have kept close in navigating both a secular profession and the “real world” in general.

Real World: The diversity of Wisco’s student body continues to increase. It is so important that students get to know peers from a wide variety of backgrounds in a supportive environment, and it’s exciting to watch that continue to evolve with every new class of students both from the Milwaukee metro and across the world.

Randall Guse (’87) Otjen Law Firm, S.C.

Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor

My Career: I currently practice with the Otjen Law Firm in Waukesha as a trial attorney defending doctors, nurses, and hospitals – throughout Wisconsin and in federal court – who are defendants in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Career Interest: At Wisco, I took American Government and Business Law with Mr. Probst.

Through those two classes, I discovered law was a subject of interest to me.

Teacher Influence: Mr. Probst remains one of my favorite teachers and he was a good friend for a long time. He taught his classes much like a college course since he expected you to establish a position and argue it. For a number of years, I helped coach the WLHS mock trial team.

Welcoming Environment: I came to Wisco from a small school and I knew only one person but I found everyone was welcoming and I was able to meet people quickly. My friends were the ones I could count on to pick me up when I needed it.

Family Feeling: To me, Wisco was like a family even though we were over 900 students. It felt like everyone was looking out for you – teachers, coaches, and classmates. We were a tight-knit class and it seemed like we were there for each other.

Christ Centered: During high school, I established a firm faith foundation that was reinforced through chapel and religion classes. Having that faith has been so important because it gets you through the challenges and difficult times that can be part of life.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Reunions

For up-to-date information about all reunions, visit wlhs.org/ reunions.

Class of 1957

The Class of 1957 celebrated their 65-year reunion on August 12.

Class of 1958

On August 19, classmates and spouses met for a luncheon at the Brisco County Wood Grill in Menomonee Falls.

Class of 1961

Classmates gathered to celebrate their "Golden" 61-year reunion on August 18.

14

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

Reunions

Class of 1970 & 1971

The Class of 1970 and Class of 1971 held a joint reuinon on August 5, reconnecting after COVID to celebrate 50-year reunions.

Class of 1972

The Class of 1972 gathered to celebrate on July 29 & 30 for their 50-year reunion.

Class of 1967

Classmates and spouses celebrated their 55-year reunion on August 19 & 20.

Class of 2002

The Class of 2002 celebrated their 20-year reunion on August 20.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

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Alumni Updates

To kickoff the cross country season, on August 27, head boys coach Eric Lueck (‘87) organized a first-ever alumni race. Later in the day, Coach Lueck hosted a special gathering of WLHS alumni at his house.

Coach Lueck celebrated his 30th year of coaching WLHS cross country teams, and more than 40 young men celebrated this milestone and enjoyed a night of team memories.

Cindy (Fitzsimmons) Krueger (‘99) and her husband, Carey, welcomed two new members to their family. Twin boys, Ellis Anson and Kai August, were born on September 1, 2022.

Cindy serves WLHS as the Director of Alumni Relations.

The Krueger family resides in Wauwatosa.

Jaime (Steinbrecher) Drewitz (‘05) and her husband, Matthew, welcomed their third child, Matthias Tristan, on March 26, 2022. Matthias is the grandson of the late Mark Steinbrecher (‘72). He is loved by his big sisters Johanna (7) and Elnora (4). Jaime teaches at St. Jacobi Lutheran Grade School in Greenfield and Matthew works at Denco Manufacturing in New Berlin.

On June 18, 2022, Joshua (‘09) and Elizabeth (Tomczak) Kneser (’10) were married at Woodlawn Lutheran Church.

Rev. Thomas Kneser (’73) was the officiating minister. The couple resides in Milwaukee with their three cats and new puppy. Liz is a Special Education Paraprofessional for Whitnall School District and Josh is an Arcade Technician at Red’s Novelty in West Allis.

Christel (Frey) Strutz (‘11) and her husband, Randy, welcomed daughter Natalie Joy on May 6, 2022. Randy serves as Extended Learning Instructor and Girls Varsity Basketball Coach at WLHS. Christel serves as 3rd grade teacher at St. Paul’s, Muskego. The Strutz family resides in South Milwaukee.

Tyler Parbs (‘14) was featured as a Rising Star in Real Estate in the May 2022 edition of the Milwaukee Biz Times with his role as Vice President of Investments at Milwaukeebased development firm J. Jeffers & Co. In his role, he is responsible for deal and capital sourcing, legal and tax structuring, and transactional closings for the company’s regional pipeline of projects.

Submit a Special Life Update such as engagements/weddings, births, military service, awards, work accomplishments, etc. for the WLHS Contact magazine to Director of Alumni Relations Cindy Krueger (‘99) at cynthia.krueger@wlhs.org.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

Class of 1941 Lorraine (Schnell) Raabe October 21, 2022

Class of 1954 James Wolfgram June 17, 2022

Class of 1942 Viola (Suelflow) Strzyzewski October 4, 2022

Joanne (Drydyke) Hanson July 21, 2022

Class of 1943 Geraldine (Small) Burkee September 28, 2022 Class of 1946 Elaine (Schult) Vorpagel June 21, 2022 Alice (Friday) Staab July 10, 2022 Ruth (Manthey) Wade March 4, 2021 Class of 1947 Jeanne (Lemke) Nelson July 18, 2022 Callie (Behnke) Baldini September 11, 2022 Ruth (Werner) Reise September 8, 2022 Class of 1948 Jane (Tacke) Clausnitzer June 12, 2022 Margaret (Pagel) Brehm September 20, 2022 Class of 1949 Joanne (Elmer) Fenske June 24, 2022

In Loving Memory Class of 1974 George Klumb August 15, 2022 Wesley Strunk June 2, 2021

Class of 1955 George Gross July 2, 2022

Class of 1975 Janis (Krawczyk) Brensinger August 20, 2022

Joan (Hamberg) Burk August 17, 2022

Class of 1976 Terrence Schaefer June 27, 2022

Richard Mueller September 16, 2022 Class of 1956 Donald Brodhagen July 20, 2022 Class of 1959 Carol Sehmer August 10, 2022 Class of 1962 James Krenz June 13, 2022 Class of 1969 Holly (Young) Luebke August 31, 2022 Class of 1972 Peter Muenkel July 13, 2022 James Krause October 18, 2022

Class of 1977 Laurell (Jeske) Nommensen July 5, 2022 Class of 1980 Todd Mortl August 9, 2022 Patricia (Yahr) Behmke August 25, 2022 Class of 1982 Mark Greenfield June 3, 2022 Class of 1983 Rebecca (Pagel) Willett March 21, 2022 Class of 1990 Reid Kahrs Jr. May 30, 2022 Class of 1993 Scott Gutknecht January 14, 2021 Class of 2011 Lucas Gepner August 26, 2022

“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” WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE 17 (John 10:27-28).

WLHS News Senior Coffee Truck

Seniors enjoyed beverages from the Better Together Mobile Cafe coffee truck. Students had a good time taking a break from the normal school day to fuel their studying. Thank you to the WLHS Plautz Fund for sponsoring the senior coffee truck this year!

Wisconsin Lutheran High School has, like many of our church bodies, an Endowment Fund. In 2001, it was decided that the endowment should be incorporated into a foundation. Many families have made gifts of cash, stocks, or memorials to the Foundation. Many have also remembered the WLHS Foundation in their end of life plans. The mission of the Foundation is “to ensure that students from all backgrounds can continue to grow and develop academically and spiritually for generations to come.”

FY 2021-22 5.6% 13.3%

Faculty Development

Program Enhancement

19.2%

61.9%

Endowed Faculty Chair

Tuition Assistance & Scholarships

FY 2022-23 4.4% 9.2%

Faculty Development

Program Enhancement

13.1%

Endowed Faculty Chair

73.3%

Tuition Assistance & Scholarships

For the 2021-22 school year, the WLHS Foundation was able to grant $476,233 in four general areas: tuition assistance and scholarships, endowed faculty chair, program enhancement, and faculty development.

For the 2022-23 school year, the WLHS Foundation was able to grant $676,466, again primarily supporting tuition assistance and scholarships. The blessing that is not listed in these numbers was given to the Building on the Legacy campaign due to the sale of Honey Creek dormitory.

God has blessed our ability to play an integral role in supporting our families and students by offering scholarships, providing resources for faculty support, and developing impactful programs.

The future is uncertain, as we shared in our last article.

Today, we join in thanksgiving for the 235 families who are members of our Raabe Legacy Society. These families have committed to leaving a legacy gift to WLHS or the WLHS Foundation.

If you already have completed your end of life plan (everyone should have one as Jesus can call us home at any time), and remembered WLHS as part of your final gift, please make us aware so we can assure your gift is used in a manner that you would have intended.

If you have not already done so, or would like to review what you have done, we want to help you leave a legacy.

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2022

Mr. Eric Ruh is the Director of Planned Giving at WLHS

32nd Annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing It was a warm and sunny day for the 32nd Annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing with more than 200 golfers in attendance. Golfers took to fairways at Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex to enjoy sponsorship giveaways, games, and dinner with awards at the club house.

Wisco celebrated the retirement of Athletic Director Jeff Sitz (‘74) and welcomed new Athletic Director Micah Walz (‘00). Special thanks to our golf outing committee and sponsors who make this annual event possible.

WLHS is owned and operated by the following congregations joined together as the WLHS Conference Abiding Word Apostles of Christ Atonement Centennial Christ, Big Bend Christ, Milwaukee Christ, Pewaukee Christ Alone Christ the Lord Fairview Faith Garden Homes Gethsemane Good Shepherd’s

Grace, Milwaukee Grace, Waukesha Jordan Loving Shepherd 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. Mark 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 Woodlawn 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) Eric Ruh; Photography: Chuck Cairns, Tony Just Photography, Michael Wiechmann, Moments and Memories, 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 Abby Rasmussen (‘12) at 414-453-4567, ext 2012 or abby.rasmussen@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.

WHERE SUCCESS SUCCESS MEANS MEANS MORE MORE WHERE

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330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

2022 Flag Blessing Ceremony

On Wednesday, September 7, Kendra Kounga (’26) carried the flag of Cameroon and Danilo Miric (‘23) carried the flag of Republika Srpska, an autonomous region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in our annual blessing of the flag ceremony during chapel. Kendra and Danilo are the first students from Cameroon and Republika Srpska to attend Wisco. WLHS President Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher blessed the flags.

We now have 48 flags hanging in our atrium. These flags represent the countries of origin from our past and present student body. They remind us that we are a Great Commission school.