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WLHS Contact Fall 2023 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

Where Success Means More

Welcome

A Message from Dr. Ken Fisher President of the WLHS Conference 120 Years of Christian Education Did you know that we are celebrating our 120th anniversary this year? Lutheran secondary education in Milwaukee began on September 21, 1903, when 18 girls entered a rented, gas-lit classroom. It was at a time when girls weren’t always given the same educational opportunities as boys. Wisconsin Lutheran High School can thank God for our Dr. Ken Fisher founders who cast a vision for a Christ-centered school that would prepare young adults for the church, community, and careers to his glory.

To God the Glory! Page 3 2022-23 WLHS Report Card Pages 4-5 Meet Our New Teachers Pages 6-7 WLHS Blessed with Increased Choice Funding Pages 8-9 Those Who Serve Pages 10-11 Faith in Action Pages 12-13 Hall of Fame - Call for Names Page 13 Alumni Updates Page 14-16 Reunions Pages 16-19 WLHS News & WLHS Foundation Page 20 In Loving Memory Page 21 2023 Homecoming Page 22 33rd Annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing Page 23 2023 Flag Blessing 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.

2023-24 School Theme

For 120 years, God has been “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power” (Ephesians 3:20). Praise God for this significant milestone! As you look through this issue, note all of the ways in which God continues to amaze us.

Christ Will Hold Me Fast (Christian Worship 813)

An anniversary is a wonderful time to look back to see how God has blessed your journey. But for me, it is equally about looking forward — asking for God to bless the next steps to his glory.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School prepares young adults for productive, Christ-centered lives in a diverse world.

For the past two years, Wisconsin Lutheran High School’s board and administration have been guided by a bold strategic plan. Forged in the faith that God alone can bless our initiatives, it was adopted in the spring of 2022. The annual goals of the administration are developed from the plan’s detailed initiatives. The Board regularly reviews the progress towards the achievement of each initiative. You can be encouraged by our progress in ways like these: • Significant efforts have been made by our faculty to ensure student success and advance academic rigor by investing in professional development and teacher coaching. • A new daily class schedule will be rolled out next year which seeks to ensure high achievement while lessening student stress and offering a resource period. • We have increased staffing and renewed our commitment to deliver exceptional student services, including college and career counseling, mental health services, and academic counseling. • We are now seeking to create and staff a wellness program for our students. • Matriculation from our suburban grade schools hit a high of 50% of those eligible to enroll. 2

In This Issue

• A strategic reserve fund has been established.

Our Mission Compelled by Christ’s love, guided by the Great Commission, and rooted in God’s Word . . .

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: Students inside the WLHS atrium

• The major phase of Zeitler Stadium and our outdoor athletic facilities was completed. Doesn’t all of this show a school growing and getting stronger at 120 years old? For me, I am convinced the best is yet to come as long as we keep Christ at the center “according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). With you in Christ’s service,

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher President of WLHS

Strong Freshman Enrollment Continues

To God the Glory!

This school year, WLHS welcomed more than 900 young men and women to its campus. Students are coming from near and far – Waukesha, Wauwatosa, South Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, and the state of Colorado. We also have international students who have traveled thousands of miles for a Wisco education.

Meet Our

FRESHMAN CLASS

256

young men and women

75%

from WELS grade schools

44.9%

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

7 international students from Cameroon, China, South Korea, and Thailand

Where Success Means More 11 WELS grade school sent 50% or more of their eighth graders to WLHS. • • • • • • • • • • •

Christ the Lord, Brookfield Good Shepherd’s, West Allis* Lamb of God, West Allis* Saint Lucas, Bay View St. Jacobi, Greenfield St. John’s, Milwaukee St. John’s, Wauwatosa St. Paul’s, Cudahy St. Paul’s, Muskego Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin Trinity, Waukesha

* now Living Hope, West Allis

A Diverse Freshman Class

Asian

27.7% Black/African American 10.5% Latino/Hispanic 5.1%

Two or More

49.6% White

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

Wisconsin WisconsinLutheran LutheranHigh HighSchool School 2022-23 2022-23 Report Report Card Card

WLHS Report Card

ACT ACT

Wisco Wisco Witnesses Witnesses in in the the World World

28.4 28.4

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120

students students

mission missiontrips trips inin2023 2023

WLHS Top Top 25% 25% WLHS

25.3 25.3

WLHS Top Top 50% 50% WLHS

23.1 23.1

WLHS Top Top 75% 75% WLHS

State State

15.8 15.8

20.6 20.6 WLHS All All Students Students WLHS

19.2 19.2

District District

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Advanced Advanced Placement Placement Success Success

61% 61%

66% 66% State State

Worldwide Worldwide

80% 80%

$384,300 $384,300

WLHS WLHS

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potential potentialsavings savings

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Course CourseOfferings Offerings

938 148 4

4.2 4.2

Exceeded Exceeded nationwide nationwidenorm normby by67% 67% 7.0 7.0

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

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

3.2 3.2

Exceeded Exceeded nationwide nationwidenorm normby by88% 88% 6.0 6.0

Faculty Facultyand andStaff Staff Who WhoAre AreAlumni Alumni of ofWLHS WLHS

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36 36 66

total totalWLHS WLHSstudents students who whoachieved achievedaa perfect perfectACT ACTscore score ininthe thepast pastsix sixyears years

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

60+ 41% 65%

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

==Perfect PerfectACT ACTScore Score

Average Average Class ClassSize Size

2022-23 Report Report Card Card 2022-23

WisconsinLutheran Lutheran High High School School www.wlhs.org Wisconsin www.wlhs.org MultiethnicDiversity Diversity Multiethnic

New Curriculum Curriculum Offerings Offerings New (for2023-24) 2023-24) (for

Scholarship Dollars Dollars Scholarship

Calculus 22 (dual (dualenrollment enrollmentwith withWLC) WLC) •• Calculus Calculus 33 (dual (dualenrollment enrollmentwith withWLC) WLC) •• Calculus AP Spanish Spanish Language Language and and Culture Culture •• AP Biblical Hermaneutics Hermaneutics •• Biblical

ACT Growth Growth ACT

0.3% American AmericanIndian/ Indian/ 0.3% AlaskanNative Native Alaskan 9.6% Asian Asian 9.6% 29.2% Black/African Black/African 29.2% American American

WLHS students students of of every every racial racial •• WLHS background outscored outscored their their background peers in in the the state state of of Wisconsin Wisconsin peers on the the ACT. ACT. on

Waukesha Waukesha District District

Wauwatosa Wauwatosa District District

WLHS WLHS

$11,948 $11,948

$13,706 $13,706

$21,772 $21,772

WLHS outscored outscored the the state state •• WLHS of Wisconsin Wisconsin in in every every subject subject of tested by by the the ACT. ACT. tested

WLHS seniors seniors accepted* accepted* more more than than WLHS $4.98 million million in in college college scholarships, scholarships, $4.98 averaging $21,772 $21,772 per per student student averaging and outperforming outperforming their their peers peers and by more more than than 39% 39% percent. percent. by

24%

12.6% Latino/Hispanic Latino/Hispanic 12.6% 4.9% Two Twoor orMore More 4.9%

Asmeasured measuredby byInstructional InstructionalImprovement’s Improvement’s As researched-basedscale scale researched-based

43.4% White White 43.4%

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International International students students in2022-23 2022-23 in

Differentcountries countries Different inthe theresidential residential in program program

Cameroon Cameroon

TotalHours Hoursof ofTraining Training Total

2,583 2,583

Baptisms Baptisms

89students students 89 BaptizedSince Since2017 2017 Baptized

Ofnote, note,WLHS WLHSstudents students“earned” “earned”more morethan than **Of $8.4million millionin incollege collegescholarships. scholarships. $8.4

College Acceptance Acceptance College Highlights Highlights

National Merit Merit National Scholarships Scholarships Of the the 1.34 1.34 million million entrants, entrants, Of less than than 22 percent percent earned earned less this prestigious prestigious recognition recognition this

total WLHS WLHS finalists finalists total

International International students students in the the 2023 2023 in graduating class class graduating

Firststudents students First in2022-2023 2022-2023from from in

FacultyProfessional Professional Faculty Development Development

increasein inthe the increase school-widerigor rigor school-wide appraisalscore score appraisal

Republika Srpska Srpska Republika School-wide School-wide MissionProject Project Mission DollarsRaised Raised Dollars

$48,582

seniorswere wereaccepted accepted seniors to top top 100 100 US US News News to BestNational NationalUniversity University Best Ranking Schools Schools Ranking

Co-curricular Co-curricular Activities Activities

StudentsininOne Oneor orMore More Students

FineArts ArtsParticipation Participation Fine Studentsin inaaFine FineArts Arts Students Elective Elective

73% 40%

Athletic Conference Conference Athletic Champions Champions

239Overall Overall 239

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

Meet Our New Teachers

This year we’ve added seven talented professionals to our faculty and staff. Math and Trade & Technology Departments

Social Studies Department Mrs. Sarah Bauer

Mr. Josh Bauer Mr. Josh Bauer knows Wisco well since he served on the WLHS board of directors from 2016-22 and his wife, Mrs. Sarah Bauer, has taught part-time at the high school for the past two years. Mr. Bauer will teach Geometry and Exploratory Wood/Metal. Josh Bauer Prior to joining WLHS, he spent 18 years at Garden Homes Lutheran School in Milwaukee where he taught sixth grade. Early in his career, he taught fifth and sixth grade at Abiding Word Lutheran in Houston. Bauer earned a master’s degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) and bachelor’s degree from Martin Luther College (MLC).

Science Department Mrs. Emmalie Bitter

Emmalie Bitter

Mrs. Emmalie Bitter will teach Biology and is excited to share her love of science with students. She was previously a science teacher and dorm supervisor at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis., and earned her bachelor’s degree in Life Science Education from MLC.

Sarah Bauer

Mrs. Sarah Bauer, wife of Mr. Josh Bauer, joins WLHS this year as a full-time social studies teacher. She had previously taught part-time. Early in her career, she taught seventh and eighth grade at Abiding Word Lutheran in Houston. Bauer has a bachelor’s degree in Education from MLC.

Mr. Sam Wallace Mr. Sam Wallace will teach World Geography, American Government, and World History. Prior to joining WLHS, he taught World History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Personal Finance at New Holstein High School in New Holstein, Wis., for Sam Wallace seven years. Wallace earned a master’s degree in Administration and Curriculum and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies, and Adaptive Education from WLC.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School E 2023-24

Mr. Pete Langebartels Mr. Pete Langebartels will teach a variety of science classes and serve as an assistant coach for the freshman football team. Mr. Langebartels comes to WLHS with a wealth of experience, having taught at several Milwaukee schools, including St. Marcus Pete Langebartels Lutheran School, Siloah Lutheran School, and Hope High School. He also spent four years at East Fork Lutheran School in Whiteriver, Ariz. Langebartels has a master’s degree from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree from MLC.

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

WILL Hold ME FAST “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

2023-24 School Theme

Meet Our New Staff Student Services Department Mr. Grey Davis

Mr. Grey Davis will lead the Student Services Department and also teach a social studies class. He comes to WLHS from St. Croix Lutheran Academy in West St. Paul, Minn., where he was the director of student residence and a social studies Grey Davis teacher for seven years. He earned his master’s degree in Education in Leadership and bachelor’s degree in Education in Secondary Social Studies from MLC.

Student Success Center Mrs. Elizabeth Koester

Elizabeth Koester

Mrs. Elizabeth Koester is joining the Student Success Center, which focuses on supporting students with their learning needs and overall success. Mrs. Koester earned a master’s degree in Special Education and bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Secondary Education from MLC.

120 Years of God’s Grace in the School Ministry 1903-2023

Four New Classes Added AP Spanish Language and Culture Taught by Mr. Micah Hernandez, the course will explore literature, music, writing, conversation, and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries in order to prepare students to pursue degrees in Spanishrelated fields in college. Biblical Hermeneutics This new senior religion elective is taught by Mr. Ben Carlovsky and will study the Biblical interpretation that draws out the author’s (not the reader’s) intended meaning. The goal of the course is to deepen students’ ability to read and properly apply the Holy Scriptures. Calculus 2 and Calculus 3 – Dual Credit Program Mr. Marc Shambeau will teach two new courses at WLHS so advanced math students can earn up to eight college calculus credits through a partnership with WLC. Mr. Shambeau has spent the last two years completing the 18 graduate level math credits needed to teach dual credit college courses.

New Student Success Center WLHS has expanded its student support services with the addition of the Student Success Center (SCC). The SCC is designed to serve all students, including those who have individual learning needs. The center is staffed by two special education teachers, Mr. Randall Strutz and Mrs. Liz Koester, and two support staff, Mr. Kenton Fabian and Mrs. Stephanie Lamas.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

WLHS Blessed with Increased Choice Funding Recently, the Wisconsin legislature increased the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP)and Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) funding for high schools. For WLHS, that means $1.6 million in additional support to educate students. MPCP and WPCP vouchers allow families with limited financial resources to send their children to WLHS to receive a high-quality, Christ-centered education. The high school currently has a healthy mix of students who pay tuition and students who use vouchers. For many months, the WLHS administration and board wrestled with an uncertain budget since it was difficult to know whether or not additional Choice dollars would be available. As soon as the Governor signed the legislation into law, WLHS began working to determine how to best use the funding. “We want to be good stewards of the gifts God has delivered to us and judiciously invest the dollars to make Wisco a better school,” says Mr. Ryan Festerling, chairman of the WLHS board of directors and CEO of QPS Employment Group. “To do that, we identified five strategic priorities to address.”

Increase Student Impact • This school year, WLHS created a Student Success Center that’s staffed with personnel who have specialized training. The center is designed to serve all students, including those with individual education plans. (see page 7 for more details). • A plan is currently in development to add a school nurse in early 2024 to support students’ overall health and wellbeing. This was previously an unfunded strategic initiative. • WLHS will enhance its co-curricular offerings by adding more clubs and organizations in the coming years. For example, this spring a girls’ junior varsity softball team, which was not previously in the budget, will now be launched. “Again and again, we see that when students get involved in clubs and co-curricular activities in high school, they develop deeper friendships, do better in school, and their overall satisfaction increases,” says Principal Phil Leyrer. “We call this the ‘complete’ high school experience.”

What is Included in the Cost to Educate? Teachers

(more than 110 faculty & staff are employed)

educate nearly 940 students

Programming

(things like counseling, college prep, coaching, student activities, and more)

creates enhanced opportunities

School Building

Energy

(maintaining our building)

(things like heat, electricity, internet, and more)

provides a safe & effective learning environment

costs more than $200,000 per month

On average, $3.4 million needs to be raised yearly for the gap between the cost to educate and what we receive through Choice and tuition funding. 8

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Support Faculty and Staff

Increased Choice Funding

• In order to attract and retain the best possible talent, salaries will increase to be more competitive. • To allow faculty to focus their time on educational priorities, more administrative assistance will be provided.

“Unfortunately, we’ve recently encountered situations where new faculty have taken a pay cut to serve at WLHS,” says Dr. Ken Fisher, president of WLHS. “Thanks to the new Choice dollars, we’ll be able to increase salaries so we can better compensate our faculty and staff.”

Address Facility Needs • Two areas of the building, all of the art classrooms and several social studies classrooms, will finally get air conditioning. • The aging air conditioning units in the math and science wing will be replaced. “For years our budgets haven’t had much wiggle room for deferred maintenance projects, and now we’ll be able to better keep on top of those issues,” says Mr. Dave Baacke (‘84), director of business services at WLHS.

Choice Funding Gap

$15,700 actual cost to educate a student

$20,000 -

$14,100 actual cost to educate a student

$15,000 -

$10,000 -

$5,055 funding gap

$3,313 funding gap $12.387 funding from Choice

$9,045 funding from Choice

$5,000 -

$1,000 -

$500 Choice funding 2022-23

Choice funding 2023-24 (after increase)

Improve Sustainability • WLHS will direct additional dollars to debt reduction. • The high school will also be able to increase its strategic reserve funding.

“While we’re extremely thankful for the increase, there’s still a gap between what it costs to educate a student and what the high school receives in tuition and Choice dollars.”

• Finally, the additional Choice funding will help keep tuition increases modest.

— Mr. Matt Billitz, executive director of the WLHS Foundation and Mission Advancement

Strengthen Conference Partnership

“We want to pay down debt and be ready for any future challenges. In the past, we lacked the reserve funds when situations arose, such as a sudden increase in expenses, one-time unbudgeted expenses, an unanticipated loss in funding, or uninsured losses. A healthy organization needs to be ready for such situations,” says Festerling.

• To better prepare WELS grade school students for the academic rigors of high school, WLHS, in collaboration with a group of conference grade schools, will provide funding for a K-8 curriculum coordinator position. • Improve and expand Jr. Viking programming to help support students as they transition to high school. • Seek other ways to support and be present in our grade schools.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

Those Who Serve

Every day, WLHS alumni are making a difference. Meet four graduates who are using their talents to give back. Kristi (Rumler) Albert (‘03) Education: Marquette University, Bachelor of Science in nursing, University of WisconsinMadison, Master of Science in nursing Career: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Wisconsin WLHS Impact: “At Wisco, the values and morals of being a Christian were instilled in us every day. The teachers naturally incorporated Jesus into our classes. It felt like a very safe place because I was surrounded by people who shared my same beliefs. My Christian values have given me a foundation and solid rock to handle whatever adversity comes up. It’s incredible when you have the power of prayer and know God is on your side and trust that he has a plan for you.” My Work: “It’s tough when kids are sick, but I work to make the experience better for them. I incorporate play to make it easier on the child and their parent. In my position, I also do wellness education, which I really enjoy. We have a lot of underserved populations so I teach healthy habits and share the importance of preventative care. I’m able to provide parents with the tools that they need to take care of themselves and their children.” WLHS Today: “As part of the Viking-2-Viking program, I recently went back to share my career with students. I was impressed with how eloquent and engaged the Wisco kids were. They were genuinely interested and asked a lot of good questions. I work with teens often so I know they’re not always like that.”

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Ron Thurow (‘85) Education: Wisconsin Lutheran College, degree in Business Leadership, completed in 2019 thanks to the 9/11 G.I. Bill. Career: 20 years in the United States Air Force as a weather forecaster. Currently working for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center as a human resources specialist. WLHS Impact: “I’m 100% convinced that my years at Atonement, St. John’s Milwaukee, and WLHS provided me with a solid educational and moral foundation, which has served me very well in my careers. I developed a respect for authority and family and deep ingrained morals. Throughout my time in the Air Force and today, I’ve always carried this spiritual guide with me. It’s helped me stand out and has led to great success.” My Work: “Weather has interested me since I was in grade school. When I learned I could study weather in the Air Force and serve my country, I signed up after graduation. As a weather forecaster, I was responsible for providing accurate data for aviators and commanders in the field, which they used to make critical decisions in training and real-world operations. I briefed pilots on the weather conditions to expect during their missions when deployed for operational airstrikes during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and other conflicts that occurred during my career. In my current position as a staffing and recruiting HR specialist, I have the honor and satisfaction of hiring many veterans. Many of the vets I interact with have fallen on hard times, like addiction and homelessness. It is gratifying to be able to hire them to what may be their first job since leaving the military.”

Pam (Adrian) Hunt (‘86) Education: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, degree in Therapeutic Recreation Career: In 1995, Hunt established Going Beyond Travel to provide adventurous group travel opportunities for adults with cognitive disabilities. WLHS Impact: “I now appreciate that my parents made it a priority to give me a Lutheran education and knew how important a life foundation it would lay for me. Pastor Ibisch, Pastor Lange, Mr. Sebald, Mr. Kolander, and Mr Leverence – I can see them standing in front of the classroom and hear their tidbits of wisdom that impacted how I live my life as a child of God. Many of the Bible passages we memorized have stayed with me and have guided my life.” My Work: “It’s such a rewarding experience working with adults with special needs. They are on my bus or at a hotel and are so appreciative of the smallest things and the attention shown to them, and it’s often things we take for granted. Our God is a God of details, and he puts people in our path for a purpose. We need to be a light out there. Every day the folks I work with remind me of the fruits of the spirit and how we’re supposed to be gentle, kind, and compassionate.”

Those Who Serve Todd Surges (’83) Education: University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Career: Assistant Vice Present Underwriting Manager, BMO Financial Group WLHS Impact: “I am who I am today in large part thanks to Wisco. The spirit of giving back to others was instilled in me during high school and came to fruition years later.” How I Serve: “I’ve been involved with the Honor Flight since 2011 and have filled a number of roles over the years. I currently serve on its board of directors and run events for the organization. My years with the Honor Flight have meant so much to me. You give a small amount of time and get back tenfold. I’ve found something that’s my calling and I’m passionate about it.” What It Means: “I’m able to help provide a day for veterans that they’ll never forget. Right now, we’re focused on the Vietnam veterans and showing them how our country is different, and that their service is respected and honored. When veterans experience the homecoming at the airport where thousands of people are welcoming them, they’re forever changed and, hopefully, a little healed.”

Guiding Light: Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is a 100% volunteer organization and is currently working to take as many Vietnam veterans as possible to Washington, D.C. Visit starsandstripeshonorflight.org. This past year, the Wisco Mile presented a $2,000 check to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Todd Sturges (‘83) is a board member for the nonprofit (pictured center).

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

Faith in Action

Last school year, 125 WLHS students participated in 16 different mission trips throughout the United States and around the world. “Going on the mission trip to Africa confirmed my plans to pursue early childhood education. I feel it’s something that God is calling me to do.”

— Noelle Berg (‘24)

such great faith,” says Noelle Berg (’24). “It was amazing to go to church in Zambia because it is such a joyful experience. The congregation worshipped almost the entire day, and after the service, everyone stayed to greet each other and have fellowship together.” Noelle Berg (‘24) (pictured center) attended the Zambia mission trip and assisted with VBS lesssons

The trips are part of WWW (Wisco Witnesses in the World) and are an opportunity for young men and women to let their light shine. “The mission trip program is one of the most important things we do at Wisco. It is a real and tangible way for students to live and share their faith, carry out the Great Commission, and gain an understanding of the worldwide Kingdom of God,” says Dr. Phil Huebner (‘99), campus pastor. “In addition, traveling on these trips provides priceless experiences and memories that they will cherish and utilize their entire lives.” Throughout the second semester and during the summer, students visit churches, schools, and community groups to help conduct music and sports camps, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and canvassing. In some instances, they also provide elbow grease to paint classrooms, clean up church grounds, and are tapped for additional assistance wherever it’s needed. “We did VBS at three different locations and I got to work with younger kids and see how children have

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Through Our Hands for His Service, Wisco students raise money to support WELSconnected nonprofit organizations. This past June, students who participated in mission trips to Thailand and Zambia were able to personally present checks to Promise Lutheran Church and the Thai Village, and the Central Africa Mission and Lutheran Medical Mission Clinic in Africa.

Thailand mission trip members presented Promise Lutheran Church and Thai Village with a $35,000 check that will allow them to buy an acre of land to build their first-ever church and training center

Faith in Action

In Thailand, six Thai students from WLHS joined the domestic mission team to help with VBS activities and serve as volunteer translators. “I chaperoned the Thailand mission trip and was blessed to see the faith interactions between our domestic and international students,” says Dr. Ken Fisher, president of WLHS. “The U.S. students were able to share what their faith means to them, and our Thai students got to meet Christians in their country who hold our same beliefs. It was really a beautiful act of God to witness.”

Hall of Fame Call for Names WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH S CHOOL

HALL FAME of

2024

Call for Nominations Every day at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, we observe the many ways that our school is shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

The Thailand mission team was able to share their faith with Thai students in several public grade schools

Through God’s grace, our teachers, coaches, directors, and staff work toward preparing our students to become the next gifted instructor, media broadcaster, university president, or even professional athlete. We continue to lead the next generation, guided by these inspired words of St. Paul, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart . . . it is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This year, we are looking to commend those in the WLHS family who have made the very best of the exceptional talents God has bestowed on them. We want to celebrate these unique individuals who have assisted WLHS or excelled in their chosen field, thereby giving glory to God through their achievement and service.

The Zambian mission team presented the Central Africa Mission with a check to support their ongoing work

A young girl from Zambia attends VBS

If you know of someone who has used their time, talent, and/or treasures to God’s glory, consider nominating them for the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Hall of Fame. To nominate, please visit wlhs.org/hof and complete the form by Monday, January 15, 2024.

2020 Hall of Fame inductee plaques.

Alumni Updates

After being blessed to spend 47 years as a small animal veterinarian, and 32 years of owning his own practice, Dr. Steve Raabe (’68) has retired. He hopes to spend more time with his family, and get in a few more days of fishing. Gary (‘68) and Candace (Tresemer) Stawicki (’68) recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have known each other since the third grade.

The famly of Rich (‘70) and Audrey (Kreutzfeldt) (‘71) Bublitz threw a surprise celebration to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary during their visit to Wisconsin in July 2023. Their son, Pastor Aaron Bublitz from Gilbert, Arizona, performed the vow renewal. Rich and Audrey reside in Saint Augustine, Florida. Randall and Christine (Becker) Nottling (’70) recently celebrated 51 years of marriage.

After 44 years of teaching science, most recently chemistry, physics, and AP Physics, Daniel Bugenhagen (‘74) is retiring. His interest in science, especially physics, was inspired by Mr. Luther Spaude who was his freshman science and physics teacher.

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Five Wisco dance team alums performed routines at Milwaukee’s Germanfest on July 30 for the festival’s Karneval show. Rodney Raasch (‘74), who hosted the show, is the Prince of Karneval this year for the Rheinischer Verein German Club of Milwaukee. Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Mariscal (‘16), Laura Bailey (‘23), Mandy (Schneider) Hanson (‘16), Rodney Raasch (‘74), Aryn (Wittenburg) Ebben (‘12), Kenzie Schmidt (‘21). Pamela (Philipps) Lee (’75) retired from nursing in 2021. She recently traveled to Alaska with her husband, Brian, and classmates Cindy (Kitzrow) Lahti (’75) and husband Gerry, and Susan (Kujawski) McTavish (’75), and Tom McTavish (’75). Pamela and Brian are blessed with two grandchildren. After 20 years with the US Army Field Band in Washington, DC, and 18 years teaching band at a Lutheran school in Glen Burnie, MD, Tedd Griepentrog (’76) has officially retired. He is now publishing his band arrangements and his wife Maureen’s sacred choral publications, available at treblecmusic.com. Larry (‘81) and Michelle (Pipkorn) Zwieg (‘82) welcomed their first grandchild, Samuele Scorza born in Italy on April 11, 2023. They were able to meet Samuele during a trip to Italy.

Rich Mannisto (’89) earned his Doctoral Degree in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement from Concordia University – Wisconsin. His dissertation research focused on financial sustainability for private colleges and universities. Rich is currently the Vice President of Advancement at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Stephen Lehmann (’00) and his wife, Ruth, welcomed their fourth child, Elijah John, on February 19, 2023. Stephen served as pastor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, MI, for the past 12 years, and recently accepted a call to begin serving as campus pastor and track coach at Fox Valley Lutheran High School this coming school year. Jeff Lang (‘01) was promoted to Battalion Chief on June 23, 2023 after serving sixteen years in the Milwaukee Fire Department. He wants to share with his Wisco family the reminder that blessings are built into the path and the plan that the Lord has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). The Lang family are members at Good Shepherd Lutheran in West Bend. Stephanie (Szymanski) Sonmor (‘02) and Kyle were married in an intimate ceremony on August 1, 2023. The family, including Stephanie’s daughter, Brooklyn (11), resides in Sugarland, Texas.

Joy (Marks) Arceneaux (’03) and her seventh grade math co-teachers won a grant from the ACISD education foundation. The grant will be used to purchase whiteboard tables for their math classrooms at Rockport-Fulton Middle School in Rockport, Texas.

Alumni Updates Luke Melms (‘07) and his wife, Pamela, welcomed their first child, Lucia, in April 2023. The Perez-Melms family reside in Davie, Florida.

DeAnn (Sader) Olson (’08) started a new job in May at Mueller Communications in Milwaukee as a Senior Digital Campaign Analyst. She also was married on June 5, 2023, with a formal ceremony and reception to follow in September.

Nick (‘09) and Samantha (Treptow) Falkowski (’09) welcomed their third baby boy, Owen, in January. Owen joins big brothers Liam (6) and Kayden (3). The Falkowski family lives in Milwaukee. Samantha works at Children’s Wisconsin as a Clinical Nurse Educator for Mental and Behavioral Health and Nick is a Project Manager for Honor Health. Liam and Kayden attend St. Jacobi Lutheran School. Nicole (Engelbert) Ruegsegger (’13) and Joe were married on September 9, 2023. The couple resides in Fox Lake.

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

Alumni Updates

Mandy (Schneider) Hanson (‘16) started a small business in May. She created Studio 34|18 as a way to help others through offering her artwork for sale. A portion of each sale helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. You can find her work at studio3418design.etsy.com.

Reunions

Zach Bloomquist (’17) and his wife, Laura, had their first child, Brooks Kent, born on April 4. Zach teaches 4th-5th grade home room and serves as part of the Administration Team at Abiding Peace Academy in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where they reside.

Reagan Goede (’18) and Zach Asik (’18) were recently engaged and currently are planning their wedding. Reagan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iowa State University in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and Business minor. She started a job with J&J Contractors LLC. Zach is currently in graduate school at UW-Madison getting his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.

Class of 1954

The Class of 1954 held their 69-year reunion on June Tuesday, June 11, 2024, when classmates will meet f

Gabrielle (Wegner) Luepke (‘18) married Justin on June 17, 2023, at St. Marcus Lutheran Church. The couple now resides in Franklin, Wisconsin.

Megan Conte (’19) graduated from UW-Oshkosh with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She will start her nursing career in Milwaukee at St. Luke’s Hospital.

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Class of 1968

The Class of 1968 celebrated their 55-year reunion with festivities on September 15 & 16

Reunions

Class of 1955

The Class of 1955 gathered for their 68-year reunion on September 15

June 6. Save the date for eet for their 70-year reunion!

Class of 1973

The Class of 1973 celebrated their 50-year reunion at WLHS on October 14

nion

WHERE SUCCESS MEANS MORE

Reunions Class of 1978

Classmates and spouses celebrated their 45-year reunion on September 23

Class of 1983

The Class of 1983 held their 40-year reunion on August 18 The Class of 1988 gathered

Class of 2003

The Class of 2003 celebrated their 20-year reunion on September 23

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Reunions

Class of 2008

The Class of 2008 celebrated their 15-year reunion on August 11

Class of 2013

The Class of 2013 celebrated their 10-year reunion on September 30

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

Class of 1988

ered to celebrate their 53-year reunion on October 14

1998 State Champion Football Team 25-Year Reunion WLHS celebrated the 25-year reunion of the 1998 State Football Championship at the 2023 Homecoming game. Teammates and coaches, including former head coach Kirk DeNoyer, reunited with old friends, and were recognized during halftime. This was the first time in the school's history that a football team won at State!

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WLHS News Senior Coffee Truck

Seniors enjoyed beverages from the Better Together Mobile Cafe coffee truck hosted by the Wisco Alumni Team. 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!

For more than 20 years, the WLHS Foundation has been committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds can continue to grow and develop academically and spiritually for generations to come. That commitment shines through in the big ways the WLHS Foundation supports the high school. They provide student scholarship, resources for faculty support, development, and program enhancement, and through investments provide financial stability for the future of the high school. Each year the WLHS Foundation gives a gift to the high school. That gift has grown from $414,000 in 2018 to now five years later a gift of $650,000. Through this generous gift, the high school is able to support students in need, cover the costs associated with running a school building, and ensure that the teens at WLHS have the best technology, teachers, and resources. The cost to educate a high school student is over $15,000 per year. As costs continue to rise, the goal of WLHS is to keep a Christian education as affordable as possible for our families. Through endowed scholarships (a gift of $50,000 or more to the WLHS Foundation with an annual payout), annual scholarships (money given and handed out immediately), and tuition assistance our families receive the help they need to make Wisco an option for their son or daughter. Here is how you can help: • • •

Pray for Wisconsin Lutheran High School and our more than 925 students. Consider giving a gift to the WLHS Foundation to support students financially for years to come, even when you are heaven. Leave a lasting legacy through an endowed scholarship.

Visit wlhs.org/foundation for more information or contact Director of Planned Giving, Mr. Eric Ruh at eric.ruh@wlhs.org.

Stay connected to WLHS! 20

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL || Fall 2023

Class of 1940 Bernice (Zimdahl) Elger June 7, 2023

Class of 1955 Carol (Buchholz) Strong June 10, 2023

Class of 1945 Myra (Bruck) Goetsch October 12, 2023

Elisabeth (Vogel) Koehn July 19, 2023

Class of 1946 Charlyn (Shoemaker) Petermann June 26, 2023 Class of 1947 Helen (Eggold) Paul July 28, 2023

In Loving Memory

Allen Leisten August 21, 2023 Class of 1958 Burton Yanke July 4, 2023 Irene (Naujock) Hirschmann October 13, 2023

Class of 1948 Ernst Groth July 12, 2023

Class of 1960 Bruce Ehlke September 23, 2023

Class of 1949 Roland Eggebrecht August 23, 2023

Class of 1961 Barbara (Schiefelbein) Scheibe September 24, 2023

Class of 1950 Rev. Raymond Cox February 12, 2020

Class of 1962 Diane Wernicke July 29, 2023

Jane (Senft) Farley August 26, 2023

Judith (Gurgel) Smith September 22, 2023

Class of 1951 James Schumacher June 11, 2023

Class of 1963 Gerald Nell June 2, 2023

Class of 1952 Raymond Behnke 2021

Class of 1965 James Finster January 20, 2023

Class of 1954 Thomas Boehme July 4, 2023

Class of 1966 Kenneth Parker June 2, 2023

Nancy (Baird) Cesar August 28, 2023

Class of 1967 Michael Plamann October 9, 2023

Jane (Prahl) Wilms October 9, 2023 Class of 1968 David Lang June 10, 2023 Class of 1970 Ruth Mitchell August 13, 2023 Class of 1972 David Dittmar July 22, 2023

Katherine (Ranschau) Thiel September 6, 2023 Class of 1973 Marilyn (Leach) Cooper May 3, 2023 Class of 1983 Kurt Eggebrecht October 3, 2023 Class of 1990 Todd Hencsik May 28, 2023 Class of 1992 Rebecca Corona-Dobbins August 20, 2023 Christopher Whitlock September 13, 2023 Former Faculty Andrew Madson September 7, 2023

“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 21 (John 10:27-28).

Homecoming 2023

The 2023 Grecian-themed Homecoming was a spirited week at Wisconsin Lutheran. Students and faculty participated in dress-up days such a pajama day and Greak freak day (think Milwaukee Buck’s Giannis Antetokounmpo) with seniors winning for highest percentage of participation. Senior Logan Rindfleisch (St. John’s Lutheran School, Wauwatosa) took home the title of Mr. Wisco. The senior girls triumphed over the junior girls in an exciting double over time powderpuff football game. Senior Jazzmine Smith (Atonement Lutheran School) escorted by Grayson Young (Milwaukee College Prep) was crowned homecoming queen at the pep rally. Homecoming princesses included Natalie Schachtschneider (Lamb of God Lutheran School) escorted by Jack Bloomquist (Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School) and Emilia Bervera (Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School) escorted by Eddie Rynders (St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Muskego).

33rd Annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing

It was a gorgeous day for the 33rd Annual Friends of Wisco Golf Outing! 216 golfers came out to Ironwood Golf Course on June 19, to show their support for Wisco’s Christ-centered education. The day ended with a tiebreaker to win it all. It was great to see so many alumni, parents, friends, and sponsors at the outing this year. Save the date for next year’s golf outing on Monday, June 17, 2024.

WLHS is owned and operated by the following congregations joined together as the WLHS Conference Abiding Word Atonement Centennial Christ, Big Bend Christ, Milwaukee 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) Eric Ruh; 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 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

330 North Glenview Avenue Milwaukee WI 53213-3379

2023 Flag Blessing Ceremony On October 5, Ty-Amaru Mazibuko (’24) carried the flag of South Africa in our annual blessing of the flag ceremony during chapel. Amaru is the first student from South Africa to attend WLHS. Rev. Dr. Ken Fisher, president, blessed the flag. We now have 49 flags hanging in our atrium. These flags represent our past and present students’ countries of origin. They remind us that we are a Great Commission school.