WLHS Contact - Wisconsin Lutheran High School

Gifted for Praise
LAUNCHES
Bold campaign positions
WLHS for future blessings
Reader’s Survey
FEEDBACK
Your voices were heard,
see page 9 for results
MARCH 2012
Members of the
WLHS Marching Band.

A
Message
from...
Pastor
Kenneth Fisher
Director of Mission Advancement
“Have you heard about what’s
happening at WLHS?”
“Do you know what’s going on at our alma mater?”
News often travels fast—especially with the instantaneousness of email, Twitter, and
Facebook. Bad news sometimes seems to spread more quickly than good news.
So what have you been hearing about Wisconsin Lutheran
High School these days?
Have you heard about some of the challenges facing WLHS? Congregational support
has been gradually declining and enrollment gradually dropping over the past eleven
years. Since last year, WLHS’ Board has been wrestling with strategic issues critical to our
ministry. In the spring, they appointed a special task force of highly qualified financial and
educational professionals to study all components of WLHS in light of the declining trends
in enrollment and financial support. They brought forward a number of recommendations
that would reduce the budget deficit while maintaining the high academic standards of your
school. The recommendations included the elimination of some staff, administrative, and
faculty positions without reducing any programs. In January, the Board voted to eliminate
a number of positions. That’s sad news at WLHS.
Even as the Board has been navigating through these challenges, they endorsed a bold
campaign to strengthen the school’s financial position and bolster its recruitment.
The campaign, titled Gifted for Praise, will be introduced to you in this issue of your
Contact. This comprehensive campaign is vital to the future viability of your school.
The campaign will help us to responsibly manage past operating debt, support current
ministry, and enhance and improve facilities which will strength the school’s recruitment
and programs in the future. Without this campaign’s current support, the cuts would
have been more drastic. That is why the Board voted to boldly move forward with this
campaign—even in these challenging times.
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land,” says one proverb
(Proverbs 25:25).
Will you join me in praying that in the coming years, we will be able to share only good news
with you? I am confident that our God, who gave us his best, will bring good news to his
people. I hope that you’ll agree that God’s blessing Gifted for Praise is vital for WLHS.
Keep your high school in your prayers, and thank you for your support!
2 CONTACT March 2012
Pastor Kenneth Fisher
Director of Mission Advancement
WISCONSIN
LUTHERAN
HIGH SCHOOL
For Christ’s Love Compels Us...
Apostles of Christ
Atonement
Calvary, Thiensville
Centennial
Christ, Big Bend
Christ, Milwaukee
Christ, Pewaukee
Christ the Lord
Divine Peace
Fairview
Faith
Garden Homes
Gethsemane
Gloria Dei-Bethesda
Good Shepherd
Grace, Milwaukee
Grace, Waukesha
Jordan
Loving Shepherd
Messiah
Mt. Calvary
Mt. Lebanon
Nain
Nathanael
Pilgrim
Redemption
Resurrection
Risen Savior
St. Andrew
2 Corinthians 5:14
Our Purpose
Christ’s love compels us to provide a
comprehensive Christian secondary education
for Milwaukee area youth.
Our Mission
Wisconsin Lutheran High School exists to work
in partnership with Milwaukee area WELS
congregations to make disciples of young
people and their families now and for eternity
by developing in them a Biblical worldview
as well as the personal skills necessary for a
lifetime of service to Jesus in their homes,
churches, careers, and communities.
Wisconsin Lutheran High School is
owned and operated by the following
congregations joined together as the
WLHS Conference:
St. Jacobi
St. James
St. John, Lannon
St. John, Milwaukee
St. John, Mukwonago
St. John, Oak Creek
St. John, Wauwatosa
St. Lucas
St. Marcus
St. Mark
St. Matthew
St. Paul, Cudahy
St. Paul, Franklin
St. Paul, Milwaukee
St. Paul, Muskego
St. Peter
St. Philip
Salem, Cramer Street
Salem, 107th Street
Siloah
Star of Bethlehem
The Point of Grace
Trinity, Waukesha
Victory of the Lamb
Woodlawn
Zebaoth
Zion, Hartland
Zion, South Milwaukee
WLHS Contact© is the official alumni publication of
the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference.
Superintendent: Reverend James Kleist (’68)
Editor: Yvonne Quint
Design/Layout: Gail Wittenburg
Research Editors: Nancy Raabe (’66), Nancy Reichert
Contributing Writers:
Philip Eckert (‘83), Jeff Sitz (‘74)
Photography: Moments & Memories
Contact us with comments or questions at
414-453-4567, ext. 2012, or
via email at yvonne.quint@wlhs.org
Please notify the high school if you would like to be
removed from our mailing list.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated,
are taken from the Holy Bible, New International
Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica,
Inc. TM used by permission of Zondervan.

Bold Campaign Positions Wisconsin Lutheran High School for Future Blessings
After studying strategic opportunities in May 2011, the
WLHS Board of Directors endorsed an effort to launch
a comprehensive campaign, titled Gifted for Praise, to
expand and renovate outdated facilities, responsibly
manage debt, and support current ministry. When
their input was sought, congregational leaders and
conference pastors endorsed the campaign’s overall
objectives last summer after seeing the conceptual
drawings and learning of the campaign goals. After
receiving positive responses from the informational
meetings, the Board unanimously approved formally
moving forward with the campaign.
Campaign Focuses on Expansion
and Renovation
“In order to continue providing the level of excellence
that has been the hallmark of this Lutheran high
school and carry out our mission, we need a firm
financial foundation and high-quality facilities,” states
Superintendent James Kleist.” “The Gifted for Praise
IN THIS
ISSUE
Gifted for Praise
3 Gifted for Praise
10 Grapevine
12 Alumni Reunions
launches
campaign seeks to help us continue to accomplish our
ministry goals by strengthening our overall financial
stability and expanding our Fine Arts facilities to better
serve Christ’s youth as they develop their gifts for
God’s praise.”
WLHS’ Fine Arts program has a rich history and a
sterling reputation for its excellence. However, much
of the current Fine Arts facilities, which were built
in the 1950s, are antiquated and in poor condition.
The facilities are overcrowded and have inadequate
choral space. There are insufficient ensemble and
instrumental practice rooms and storage. The theater
facilities lack space for set construction and storage. In
addition, there is an urgent need for appropriate space
for expanding technology and engineering programs.
The school also lacks a student gathering area.
The main entrance is outdated and nearly two-thirds
of the classrooms lack air-conditioning. Gifted for
Praise seeks to create facilities to serve the needs of
our 21st century students.
“The Gifted for Praise campaign seeks to help us continue to
accomplish our ministry goals by strengthening our overall financial
stability and expanding our Fine Arts facilities to better serve
Christ’s youth as they develop their gifts for God’s praise.”
- Superintendent James Kleist
13 In Loving Memory
14 Future Alumni
15 Alumni Spotlight
continued on page 4
CONTACT March 2012 3

The proposed renovations would enhance Fine Arts
facilities by adding a new choral performance room,
renovating and updating the band room, expanding the
theater for set construction, adding Fine Arts offices and
practice rooms, constructing Project Lead the Way © (a
pre-engineering course) classrooms, creating a student
center/atrium, developing a new main entrance on
Glenview Avenue, and installing air-conditioning in the
south wing classrooms.
“I was blown away by the faith-filled
response of our leadership team,”
remarks Pastor Ken Fisher,
Director of Mission Advancement,
“When we challenged the team to set
a goal of personally pledging at least
$500,000 together towards Gifted
for Praise, their response pledging
$851,000 (with a couple pledges still
outstanding) filled me with awe.
To God be the praise!”
The possibilities are exciting. “It is a wonderful time to
be in the Fine Arts! The means and materials to create
beautiful music or visual arts have never been more
abundant, providing students with opportunities that
have not been available before,” states Mrs. Marjorie
Flanagan, WLHS Fine Arts Coordinator. “Technology has
given us powerful teaching techniques and new forms
for creating both music and art side by side with the
more traditional forms of Fine Arts. These improvements
to WLHS will allow us to continue to pursue artistic
excellence with students, grounding them in the principles
of art and music while giving them the tools to expand
their gifts in artistic means in the future.”
4 CONTACT March 2012
Campaign Leadership Team
Leads by Example
A broad base of thirty-seven individuals agreed to serve
on the campaign leadership team by giving of their time,
energy, and talents to make the Gifted for Praise campaign
a success. They have been meeting monthly since
November. Thirty are couples. Twenty are alumni.
Twenty-one are parents of graduates. All are committed
to the future strength of WLHS’ ministry.
Challenged to show leadership by example, the team
has recently stepped forward with their own multi-year
commitments and pledges to the campaign. “I was
blown away by the faith-filled response of our leadership
team,” remarks Pastor Kenneth Fisher, Director of Mission
Advancement, “When we challenged the team to set a goal
of personally pledging at least $500,000 together towards
Gifted for Praise, their response pledging $851,000 (with
a couple pledges still outstanding) filled me with awe.
To God be the praise!”
The leadership team has set quite an example. “This is a
tremendous start towards the campaign’s goal of raising
$5 to $7 million over the next three years,” continued
Fisher. “Since the campaign was only introduced in the
fall, offerings from the conference congregations towards
this campaign are not yet flowing into this fiscal year.
And we’re counting on our congregational partners in
this campaign because it is organized around a different
strategy called a ‘Mutual Benefit Appeal’ (MBA).”
Mutual Benefit Appeal Strategy
Seeks to Strengthen Partnership
Although the campaign hopes to raise several million
dollars in gifts from individuals along with support from
foundations and businesses, a key focus of the Gifted for
Praise campaign is that it seeks to expand the financial
“This renovation would allow the Fine Arts program to educate students at the
highest level of potential in a comfortable environment, while incorporating the
most important message – God’s love. With this renovation, we would be more
efficient and productive, thankfully singing praises to a gracious God.”
– Krystal Klement (’12)

giving for local congregational needs as well as to support the specific
financial needs of WLHS. This is through what is termed a ‘Mutual Benefit
Appeal’ strategy.
Here is how it works: WLHS coordinates efforts with the congregations
by training their people to conduct their own three-year appeal
and splitting funds raised with the high school. The majority of
the funds remain with the local congregation while 20% is gifted to
WLHS’s campaign in a three-year appeal. Training and consultation
for conducting the appeal is provided free of charge to the local
congregation because WLHS has hired the stewardship consultants.
The local congregation is only responsible for any secretarial costs and
their printing and mailing costs. The congregations can use the appeal
for any number of projects or congregational initiatives; e.g.
for anything from their own capital campaign to debt reduction.
Each congregation has been asked to help support the campaign by
considering doubling its annual offerings during the three years.
“Above all, this campaign seeks to deepen and strengthen both the
stewardship of the local congregations and their partnership with
WLHS in providing Christ-centered secondary education to our teens,”
adds Superintendent James Kleist.
Gifted for PRAISE
“Religion is the most important class at Wisco, but in the spring
and fall its classes have the most uncomfortable rooms.
It is hard to stay focused on the class when the classroom is
overheated and people are tired.”
– Samantha Plough (’13)
Students Perspectives’
on Gifted for Praise
Here’s what some of our students are
saying about the proposed addition
and enhancements:
“We really need more room in
Fine Arts because we are crammed in
with all our equipment.”
- Tim Gittel (‘13)
“The new atrium would bring a
more modern look ...”
– A. J. Krueger (’15)
CONTACT March 2012 235

“Gifted for Praise is not only the theme of our campaign—it also expresses the Church’s
singular eternal goal. To God be the glory!” says Pastor Kenneth Fisher, “This will be the
eternal chorus of God’s people. God has gifted our various partners so that as they work
together in gospel ministry, it will lead to his eternal praise. When WLHS and its fiftyseven
congregations cooperate in partnership, we are expressing our true fellowship to
the praise of God as we together are ‘making disciples’ for now and for eternity.
I am pleased with the Fine Arts emphasis of the campaign which serves to support the
worship life of the church in praising God in song, music, and artistic symbol.”
Alumni, supporters, and friends of WLHS are sure to hear more about the Gifted for
Praise campaign in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the proposed
improvements begin?
Construction cannot begin until funding is in place.
The more quickly that this campaign meets its financial goals,
the more quickly construction can begin. After the Gifted
for Praise appeal has been conducted, a firm building project
budget, along with final architectural plans, will be developed
for formal approval by the WLHS Board of Directors. The
budget will include the financial commitments made in the
campaign, the actual gifts and grants received, and a plan
for financing any balance (if necessary).
How can we be talking about
expansion when enrollment seems to
be gradually declining?
The proposed enhancements are intended to stop any
further declines in enrollment by allowing the school to
6 CONTACT March 2012
6 CONTACT March 2012
“The people in band
are like my family,
but it can sometimes feel
like an 8-person family
living in a small apartment.
Renovations would give
our family more room to
grow and thrive.”
– Erin Malsack (’14)
about gifted for praise
be more competitive with other high schools and better
serve its current student body. It is also intended to boost
recruitment, especially to high-performing students, through
the expansion of the Project Lead the Way® curriculum (a
highly respected pre-engineering course) and position the
school to be a Fine Arts magnet with the ability to expand its
offerings. The project signals the conference’s commitment
to WLHS’ current and future role in preparing the next
generation of leaders in its congregations.
“The Fine Arts department at Wisco helps us flourish as musicians and performers,
while reminding us of the body of Christ as we do so. An improved center will give
us further freedom of expression and will be a great improvement. I can’t wait to
see the real thing and the impact it will have for the next generation.”
– Michael Jeske (’12)

Is a new Fine Arts wing necessary
if there appears to be declining
enrollments in our large performing
ensembles? Will this proposal increase
the participation of minority students
in the Fine Arts?
Without Gifted for Praise, it would be difficult to increase
participation by minority students—or even maintain
participation by other students—when the current facilities are
so sub-standard in comparison to other local high schools and
other area Lutheran high schools. Fine Arts also includes more
than large performing ensembles. Anyone who would walk into
the visual arts classrooms at any point of the day would see a
healthy mix of minority students taking ceramics, drawing, and
painting as well. While our large performing ensembles may
be smaller in number, they are nonetheless successful groups
achieving at high levels. For example, our marching band
achieved third place in the state last year—the highest level
in our school’s history. Technology is also changing the face of
Fine Arts education. The proposed music classroom and lab
along with space for digitally created art will take WLHS into
the future. Although many of our students are interested in
participating in the performing ensembles, we need to find
ways to encourage students to join these groups as freshmen
and overcome obstacles that stand in the way of expressing
themselves artistically.
“By participating in the Fine Arts at Wisco,
I have been able to use my God-given abilities and gifts
to serve him. The renovations would allow for more
opportunities for learning and growing in the Fine Arts”
– Liza Lehninger (’13)
Gifted for PRAISE
What impact will the recent
reductions in staffing have on
the project?
The recent changes in staffing at WLHS do not change the
rationale for the campaign at all. Indeed, they emphasize
how vital the campaign is for the future viability of
the school by meeting its goals to enhance and improve
facilities (which will strengthen the school’s recruitment
and programs), responsibly manage past operating debt,
and support current ministry. Without Gifted for Praise,
the reductions would have been even more drastic. That
is why the Board voted to move boldly forward with this
campaign. In tough economic times, it is necessary to
manage costs. As a result WLHS’ Board has been dealing
with some of the toughest issues we will ever face –
including the elimination of staff and faculty positions.
In response to a special task force’s recommendation,
the administration, along with department coordinators,
analyzed each position to ensure the school’s efficiency
and ongoing viability in a manner that would have
minimal impact on the quality of education. As a result,
five faculty, one administrator, and two and a half support
staff positions were eliminated from next year’s budget.
Three retiring faculty members will not be replaced.
However, no programs were eliminated.
“An atrium with gathering space for students would
be a great idea. I’m often picked up late and I think
a warm room with seats is much better than waiting
outside in the cold or sitting on steps.”
– Abby Jensen (’14)
CONTACT March 2012 237

What can alumni, parents, and
friends of WLHS do to help?
First and foremost, pray for God to bless the campaign.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor
in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Every WLHS supporter is asked
to promote the importance of the campaign to others
and is invited to participate in the appeal by donating
in a regular pattern over the next three years. “We are
inviting our friends to consider making a regular pattern
of gifts over the next three years,” says Matthew Bilitz,
Associate Director of Mission Advancement. “Most of us
can’t write a check for $2,000. But if you can give $200
now and just commit to $50 a month, or less than $12
a week for those 3 years, you will be able to do so. We
know that God gives each one of us different monetary
gifts. We are confident that God’s people will be moved
by his love to give generously to this ministry in whatever
way they are able. Without such past generosity, WLHS
would not exist today.”
Other Frequently Asked Questions can be found at
www.WLHS.org/GiftedforPraise. You may also submit
other questions to Pastor Kenneth Fisher at
Ken.Fisher@WLHS.org.
8 CONTACT March 2012
Artist’s rendering of the proposed new entrance (above) to WLHS,
student center (below), and Fine Arts facilities (far left in rendering).
For more information on this proposed expansion, visit
www.WLHS.org/GiftedforPraise to see preliminary drawings.

We Hear
YOU!
Milwaukee Parental
Choice Program
What has changed
and remains unchanged
at WLHS
Reader’s Survey
Tell us what you want
to read about in
WLHS Contact
NOVEMBER 2011
“Today’s high school
reflects a real world
diversity. �is is real
life in America today.
�is is what heaven is
going to look like.”
- Pastor Brandon Wigley (‘96)
Campus Pastor Brandon
Wigley teaches his “In the
Steps of Jesus” class.
Gifted for PRAISE
THANKS to those who returned the Reader’s
Survey or went online to give us your feedback on
the WLHS Contact. Although the response was
low, the ratings were high, and we appreciated
all the written comments.
The vast majority of responses indicated that
readers get most of their information about WLHS
from reading the Contact. The majority said they
read most of every issue. There seems to be lots of
interest in reading about alumni reunions, classmate
updates (through Grapevine), and features on
alumni (through Alumni Spotlight). You like
reading about student/academic/faith experiences,
and upcoming events. We hear you and we will
endeavor to bring you more on these topics.
We appreciate your giving the magazine such
high ratings and are inspired by hearing that
reading the Contact helps to strengthen your
personal connection with WLHS. That is what it’s
all about! Reading additional content on some
Contact stories online received a positive but not
strong response. We will pursue this possibility
for future editions.
It’s clear that you enjoy keeping up to date on your classmates through the Contact. To help us in
doing so, we encourage you to submit information about your life events: graduating from college or
graduate school, new job or promotion, engagements, weddings, birth of your children, and so forth.
The vast majority of responses were from alumni. We thank you, and all readers,
for giving us your opinions and your encouragement. It is clear from your responses that
Wisconsin Lutheran High School is near and dear to you. Let’s keep in touch!
We would like to continue to hear from you. You are always welcome to use the return
envelope found in the middle of your Contact to send us your comments and suggestions.
The Thrivent Choice (sm) program allows eligible
members to designate where some of Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans’ charitable outreach
funds go by directing Choice Dollars (sm).
Choice Dollars are allocated to eligible
members based on insurance premiums,
contract values, and Thrivent Financial
volunteer leadership. You receive a letter
from Thrivent at the point you become eligible.
To determine whether you have “Dollars”
available now, contact Thrivent at
1-800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice.”
You may designate Wisconsin Lutheran High
School as a recipient. Note that “2011 Dollars”
must be designated by March 31, 2012.
“2012 Dollars” may be designated as they
are earned this calendar year.
Thank you for designating WLHS as a
recipient of your Choice Dollars.
CONTACT March 2012 239

Grapevine
Would you like to submit your news to the Grapevine?
For a submission form and instructions, visit our website
at www.wlhs.org and click on “Alumni” then “Update Us.”
You may also call Nancy Raabe at 414-453-4567, ext. 2016 or
email nancy.raabe@wlhs.org. We look forward to
hearing from you and will publish information subject
to space limitations.
Wisconsin Lutheran High School reserves the right to edit Grapevine
information submitted by alumni and use our discretion as to what is
published. We are not responsible for the content of submissions.
Gerald Dorst (’64) and Suzanne (Krug) Kahn
(’64) were married on October 16, 2011 in
Fond du Lac. Jerry was married to Shirley Peld
(’64) and Suzanne was married to Dale Kahn
(’64). Both lost their spouses to cancer. Jerry,
Suzanne and Dale all attended grade school
together at Garden Homes Ev Lutheran Church
in Milwaukee, and all four were classmates
at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Gerald is
President of Benefit Consultants – Midwest
and resides in Lac du Flambeau, WI. The couple
will divide their time between Fond du Lac and
northern Wisconsin.
Susan (Engel) Larson (’65) has written and
self-published her first children’s book. The
title of the book is “There’s a Fly in my Ear.” It is
available through the web site: www.flyinmyear.
com or you can contact her by way of email:
susiejlarson@gmail.com
David Peters (’92) and his wife Carrie are proud
to announce the birth of their son, Luke David,
who was born on January 1, 2011. Luke joins his
big sister, Mady, who is 3 years old. The family
resides in Ixonia.
Dorst (‘64)
10 CONTACT March 2012
Rachel (Aderman) Learman (’94) and her
husband Paul welcomed their third child,
Thatcher Nathanael, born on July 7, 2011.
He joins big sister Cadence (4) and big brother
Hudson (2). The family moved in November of
2011 from Illinois back to Wisconsin, as Paul
accepted a call to be pastor at Divine Peace
Ev Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Rachel is
now working as the compliance attorney for
PyraMax Bank in Greenfield.
Susanna (Karlovich) Ryan (’95) and her
husband Tim welcomed their fourth baby into
the world on December 29, 2010. Major John
Ryan weighed in at 9 pounds, 14 ounces and
was 21 ½ inches long. He was welcomed with
bunches of love by older sister Camryn (6) and
brothers Nolan (3) and Jordy (1). Susanna is a
stay-at-home, mom and her husband Tim is in
sales. The family resides in Muskego.
Jason (’96) and Beth (Priebe) (’96) Senfleben
are proud to announce the birth of their
daughter Claire Marie born on September 4,
2011, and baptized on October 2, 2011. Claire
joins proud big sisters and brother, Adria (9 ½),
Peters (‘92)
Share Your News
Share Your News
with fellow Alumni!
with Fellow Alumni!
Learman (‘94)
Haley (8), and Evan (4). Claire’s godparents are
Mark and Christine (Priebe) Rindfleisch (’94),
Brad Richter (’96), and his wife Sara. Jason is
an engineering manager at Rite-Hite Products
Corporation and Beth runs a child care service
in her home. The family resides in Milwaukee.
Marcia (Tomlin) Gurgel (’97) and her husband
Nathan were blessed with their third child,
Claudia Lee, born on February 14, 2011. She
joins big sisters Natalie (5) and Gwyneth (3).
Marcia is a stay-at-home mom. The family
resides in New Berlin.
Joe Romas (’00) and Erin were married on
March 13, 2011, in Austin, TX. Wisco alumni in
the wedding party included Corey Eggers (’00),
Nick Honeck (’00), Joe Hille (’00), Stefanie
(Romas) Herbert (’04), and Joe’s father Joe
Romas (’79). They relocated back to Milwaukee
in the Spring of 2011 and recently bought
Ryan (‘95)

Senfleben (‘96)
their first home in West Allis. Joe and Erin are
members of St. Marcus Ev Lutheran Church in
Milwaukee. Erin works for St. Marcus Lutheran
School as a kindergarten teacher and is an
amateur photographer. Joe works for Edward
Jones as an investment and insurance advisor.
Melissa (Boye) Gennrich (’02) and her husband
Jacob are proud to announce the birth of their
daughter, Isabella Rose, born on May 1, 2011
and baptized on May 8, 2011. Melissa is a stayat-home
mom and was previously a dog trainer
at PetSmart. Her husband is a correctional
officer for Milwaukee County. The family
resides in West Allis.
Daniel Priewe (’02) and Michelle (Niepow)
(’02) were married on September 24, 2011,
at Loving Shepherd Ev Lutheran Church
in Milwaukee. Fellow Wisco alumni in the
wedding party included Victoria Muhammad
(’02), Molly (Metzger) Johnson (’03), Angie
(Priewe) Livingston (’05), Tim Priewe (’11),
David Dick (’02), John Stetzenbach (’02),
Matt Schmidt (’02), and Matt Niepow
(’04). Michelle is a design assistant at Callen
Construction and Dan is a Milwaukee police
officer. The couple resides in Milwaukee.
Cody Alf (’04) was married to Lauren Miller
on September 17, 2011, in Anchorage, Alaska,
at Faith Lutheran Church. Alumni Eric Kriehn
(’04) was one of the groomsmen. Pictured with
his family are sisters Sadie (Alf) Gawel (’99),
Randie (’00), Chelsie (’08), father Randy Alf,
and mother Vicky (Schoenwetter) Alf (’75).
Alf (‘04)
Romas(‘00)
Buchanan (‘07)
Gennrich (‘02)
Sierra Beckles (’04) graduated from the
University of Wisconsin Law School in May of
2011. Sierra is working for the University of
Wisconsin – Madison as an associate university
legal counsel in the areas of higher education
compliance, employment law, and health law.
Crystal L. Buchanan (’07) graduated from
Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida,
on December 16, 2011, with a Bachelor’s
degree in health sciences. Crystal will be
attending grad school this fall to complete
her professional degree as doctor of physical
therapy. Crystal is the daughter of Carla Teat
(Washington) (‘80).
Ashley Mertz (’07) and Justin Schattschneider
were engaged on June 4, 2011, and are
planning a July 21, 2012, wedding. Ashley
graduated from MATC in Milwaukee with a
pharmacy technician degree and is working
at Blue Moon Cleaning Services. Her fiance
graduated from Kettle Moraine Lutheran High
School in 2006 and is a supervisor at Blue Moon
Cleaning Services.
Rebecca (Fritz) Bauman (’07) and Nick Bauman
(’07) were married on January 7, 2012. Fellow
alumni in the wedding party included Katie
Szczepaniak (’05), Jillian Walker (’06), Katelyn
Nowak (’07), Erin Schmid (’07), Jacob Fritz (’06),
Tim Bauman (’11), Matt Ryshke (’07), and Dan
Moore (’07). Rebecca and Nick both attended
UW – Madison and graduated in 2011. Nick
is now an actuary working for Milliman Inc in
Brookfield and Rebecca is a special
education teacher working in New Berlin.
Diana (Spiegelberg) Kerr (’07) married Kyle
Kerr on September 10, 2011, at St. John’s
Ev Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa. Fellow
alumni in the wedding party included sisters
Erica Spiegelberg (’10) and Talia Spiegelberg
(’14), and best friends Angie Blasezyk (’08),
Carly Lautz (’08), Kelsie Birschbach (’08), Sam
Brinkman (’08) and Chris Lambrecht (’07). All
of them were Wisco Cross Country and Track
runners. Diana is a graduate of Wisconsin
Lutheran College and is a development
officer at Time of Grace, and her husband
is a marketing analyst and customer service
representative for the Brady Corporation.
Diana is the daughter of Jim (‘76) and Karen
Spiegelberg. The couple resides in Butler.
Kerr (‘07)
Priewe (‘02)
Kerr (‘07)
Bauman (‘07)
CONTACT March 2012 11

Thank You
Upcoming LHS & WLHS
REUNIONS
to the dedicated reunion planners and volunteers who work to keep LHS and WLHS alumni connected.
* If you would like to serve on the committee or would like more information, please contact
Nancy Raabe at 414-453-4567, ext. 2016, or email her at nancy.raabe@wlhs.org.
For updated information regarding reunions, visit the wlhs.org website under Alumni Reunions.
The class of 1976, 35-year reunion was held on July 16, 2011, at the Thunder Bay Grille in Pewaukee. Fifty-seven classmates and friends were in attendance.
1938 On June 14, 2012, your class will
be celebrating 74 years since your
graduation from LHS. If you would like
more information, contact Ila Mae
(Sohm) Hora at 262-821-1992
or ilamae@milwpc.com.
1946 SAVE THE DATE! It will be 66 years
since your graduation and that calls
for a celebration! On September 7,
2012, a celebration is being held at
the Silver Spring Country Club.
Please contact Betty Biesterfeld at
262-780-9830 if you would like
more information.
1952 Your 60-year reunion will be held on
September 21, 2012. Watch your mail
for an invitation indicating time and
place. For more information contact
Hazel (Schmid) Ewert at cewert2@
wi.rr.com or 262-783-6731.
1954 The sociable Class of 1954 will again
be gathering, this time for our 58-year
reunion which will be held on June
14, 2012, beginning at 11:30 am at
North Hills Country Club. Watch your
mail for more information.
1962 If you are a member of the Class of
1962, mark the following dates on
your calendar! On August 24-25,
2012, you will be celebrating your
50-year reunion at the Best Western
Hotel in Brookfield, WI. Watch your
12 CONTACT March 2012
mail for more information or call
Marie (Schulte) Aho at 262-253-9395
or via email at ahom@nph.wels.net.
1963 This is a MUST ATTEND! The date
is set for your 50-year reunion on
September 27-29, 2013, at New Berlin
Hills Golf Club. If you would like
more information, please contact Bob
Lehninger at bob.lehninger@wlhs.org.
1967 Your 45-year reunion will be held on
Friday, September 7, 2012, at the New
Berlin Hills Golf Course Club House
at 5:30 pm. Contact Jim Guenther at
jguenther1@wi.rr.com, Jan Hardesty
at janhardesty@hotmail.com, Greg
Naumann at captaingn@wi.rr.com, or
Ken Breitenfeld at kenbwi@yahoo.com.
1972 Come celebrate with your classmates
your 40-year reunion on Saturday,
June 23, 2012, at Wegner’s St.
Martins Inn in Franklin, WI. Watch
your mail for more information or
contact Ruth Breiling at ruthmk94@
cableone.net or 928-830-6008.
1977 The planning is about to begin for
your 35-year reunion in 2012. If you
would like to help or would like more
information, contact Brian King via
email at bking@wi.rr.com.
1982 Plans are underway for your 30-year
reunion in 2012. Contact BethAnn
Lucchesi at 414-327-2615 or email
her at balucchesi@aol.com if you
would like to help with the planning.
1987 In 2012 it will be 25 years since
your graduation from WLHS, and a
celebration will be held on Saturday,
August 4, 2012, at Friday’s Front Row
Grill inside Miller Park. Check out
Facebook - Wisconsin Lutheran Class
of 1987 25th Class Reunion - for
more information.
1992 In 2012 it will be 20 years since your
graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran
High School! If you would like to
serve on the committee or would like
more information, please contact
Nancy Raabe.
2002 In 2012 it will be 10 years since your
graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran
High School, so SAVE-THE-DATE of
July 27, 2012. Join your classmates
at the Horny Goat Brewing Company
in Milwaukee for this event! There is
more information available at www.
facebook.com/pages/Wisconsin-
Lutheran-High-School-Classof-2002/140672796011758.
2007 Five years have passed since your
graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran
High School, and a celebration
is in order! *

“...I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live,
even though he dies; and whoever
lives and believes in
me will never die.”
John 11:25, 26
IN LOVING
Memory
1932 Gertrude Bendlin (Nee Gross)
August 23, 2011
1943 Bernard Brandt
January 8, 2008
1943 Heidi Wellnitz (Nee Eggebreht)
Notified in 2011
1944 Edna Himes (Nee Prill)
December 14, 2011
1945 Vernette Dumke (Nee Rahn)
February 12, 2012
1946 Jean Baudo (Nee Seeger)
December 13, 2011
1948 Byron Reinheimer
November of 2011
1951 Barbara Johne (Nee Schmeling)
May 26, 2011
1953 Ronald Jahnke
June 29, 2011
1953 JoAnne Thomas (Nee Loeber)
April 26, 2011
Doris Unwelling (Nee Mavis)
September 4, 2011
Carola Benke (Nee Bischoff)
September 11, 2011
1954 Allan Laubenstein
November 18, 2011
1955 William Prueser
November 15, 2011
Yvonne Thienes (Nee Lasanske)
October 25, 2011
1960 Tanya Jones (Nee Knickelbein)
November 19, 2011
1961 Nancy Hernandez (Nee Charnetsky)
December 2, 2011
Gerald Ring
November 12, 2011
1962 David Small
October 6, 2011
1965 Diane Kroeger (Nee Kannass)
December 4, 2011
1970 Karen Groll
January 27, 2012
1972 Richard Kufalk
May 30, 2011
Brian Stack
Notified November 2011
Rev. Luther O. Spaude – Luther taught
math and physics from 1958 – 1979 at WLHS
November 23, 2011
Prof. Harold W. Rock – Harold taught at
the old Lutheran High School from 1945 – 1955
as a chemistry/science teacher
February 3, 2012
I remember walking through the high school doors of Wisco as a
freshman. I was the 5th child in my family to attend Wisconsin Lutheran
High School, so at that time, I was pretty familiar with the school,
following in my other siblings’ footsteps. It wasn't really about sports,
music, or drama for me during my high school years, but instead I focused
on my academics while working a part-time job so I could help pay the
tuition. Who knew then that my life would eventually be driven around
sporting events (with my 3 active children), music (lessons, listening, and
playing), drama (both on stage & with a teenager), and especially art! My
wife Kristina (Adrian) Eckert (’90) and I own and operate a paint-your-own
pottery and glass fusing studio in Thiensville called Glaze. Our daily life is
filled with colorful creations. Had someone told me back in high school
I would be operating an art studio, I probably would have laughed. I was
pure math.
As a business owner and CPA, it is not surprising that accounting with
Mrs. K (Kristopeit) was my favorite class. It was a classroom without
computers. I don't even think we were allowed to use calculators!
Mrs. K. had us write all our work on green ledger paper using pencil only.
It was a very different experience than my freshman daughter is now
having using the $120.00 required calculator! Thankfully she's getting
the same Christian values instilled in her and hopefully forming lifelong
relationships with Christian friends.
I remember the social tags that were readily handed out in high school. I
doubt that has changed much. Having been tagged the braniac certainly
isn't a bad thing. My wife says I am a perfect balance to her creativity.
Together we hope to be tagged as Christians, and we both are convinced
that our experience at Wisconsin Lutheran High School helped us become
who we are today.
While the Grafton/Cedarburg area is now home, I enjoy driving by WISCO
whenever in the area. I like to point out to my children where both their
parents went to high school, and driving sure beats having to take the
84th Street bus!
Glaze, paint-your-own pottery
and glass fusing art studio.
Owners Philip Eckert (‘83) and
his wife Kristina (‘90).
CONTACT March 2012 13

Three Soccer
Scholarships
Three WLHS senior girls recently signed
letters of intent to accept scholarships in
the girls soccer program at the following
universities: Becky McGrath – UW-
Madison, Rachel Sebald – Missouri State
University, and Katie Witt – University of
Northern Iowa.
14 14 CONTACT November March 2012 2011
1st Place
in Forensics!
Wisconsin Lutheran High School
CROSS COUNTRY
Pre-Race at Grace
Featuring Former WLHS Coach Paul Nelsen
In the Delevan, WI Forensics Tournament
on February 18, Nicole Gawel and
Joshua McNeill won the first place
trophy in playacting, outscoring 22 other
schools. They presented three cuts from
Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Academic Top Ten
The following young women and men
have earned a place on the Academic
Top Ten for the Class of 2012.
The top five women all earned a
4.00 GPA, so the tie-breaker formula
was applied this year.
1. CHRISTA WINSLOW
(Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin)
2. ABIGAIL RASMUSSEN
(St. Paul, Franklin)
3. EMMA KOLANDER
(Christ the Lord, Brookfield)
4. MARISSA KROHN
(Christ the Lord, Brookfield)
5. GINA RADUE
(Mt. Calvary, Waukesha)
6. RYAN GEORGE
(Victory of the Lamb, Franklin)
7. KEELEE ROGGENBUCK
(Atonement, Milwaukee)
8. LYDIA BUSKE
(Nain, West Allis)
9. ALEXANDRIA LUECK
(St. John, Milwaukee)
10. JANELLE RADUE
(Mt. Calvary, Waukesha)
The second annual Pre-Race at Grace WLHS Cross Country Alumni
gathering will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012, beginning at 5:30
pm. All WLHS Cross Country Alumni athletes along with their families
are invited to attend a pre-race meal and program prior to the Storm
the Bastille 5K Run in downtown Milwaukee.
“What I like about this event is the spotlight on athletic tradition that
Coach Schaper and I emphasize with our young runners: there is a
rich history of cross country at Wisco,” commented Eric Lueck, boys
cross country head coach. “I like to think that there were more than
just those seven guys running for Wisco at the state championship
last fall. That day I was thinking about all the other Wisco runners –
boys and girls – who pursued that goal over the years. This summer
we will be able to share and celebrate our state championship with
alumni who ran for Wisco over the past 25 years.”
The event will be held at the Grace Center’s Great Hall located at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee. All registered guests will
enjoy a catered pasta meal, receive a WLHS CC t-shirt, and share past memories with former WLHS cross country coach Paul Nelson.
“The Pre-Race at Grace is a great opportunity for past cross country athletes to rekindle friendships with their former teammates,”
noted Blair Schaper, girls cross country coach, “and to spend some time with our current Wisco athletes. I encourage both male and female
alumni runners to contact their former teammates and encourage them to join us on July 12.”
After the program, guests will walk to the Bastille Days activities and get ready for the run or simply enjoy the evening. Please note that the
Bastille Run registration is NOT included in the Pre-Race at Grace registration. Watch the WLHS website for further information or contact
Blair Schaper (blair.schaper@wlhs.org) or Eric Lueck (eric.lueck@wlhs.org) or call them at 414-453-4567.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:
Rachael Hackbarth
Rachael Hackbarth graduated from Wisco in 2008 with
an impressive basketball resume . . . three-time first
team All-Conference selections, WLT player of the year in
‘08, First team All-State. Turns out, she wasn’t finished.
Now, in her senior season at Drake University, the 6’ 3”
Bulldog standout leads the nation (all divisions) with
19 double-doubles (points/rebounds). She has been
the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) player of the
week five times this season, and is a leading candidate
for Player of the Year honors in the MVC. Currently, she
leads the MVC in scoring, rebounding, and field goal
percentage. If she finishes with those three honors,
she will be only the second person in Missouri Valley
history to earn all three titles in one season.
Earlier this season, she moved to 15th on the Drake
University all-time scoring list with 1,534 points.
She is currently 8th in rebounds (845), and 5th
all-time with 100 blocked shots.
As a junior, Rachael was voted the Defensive Player
of the Year on the Bulldog team and earned All-
Tournament Honors at the Northern Arizona Classic.
She scored a career high 32 points against Indiana
State earlier this year and hauled down a career-best
eighteen rebounds against Southern Illinois in ’11.
&
RUMMAGE
SALE
The decision has been made
to cancel the Loaves and Fishes
Rummage Sale which was scheduled
for April 12-14, 2012.
If you have items you planned
to donate, please consider taking
them to the
WELS Bargain Center, Inc.
8401 West Lisbon Avenue
(414) 463-2595
5005 West Howard
(414) 327-2529
THANK YOU
for your support in the past!
Rachael is majoring in
health sciences. After
graduation from Drake
University, she plans to
pursue a doctorate in
physical therapy.
What do you do between Christmas and New Year’s Eve after you have
visited with all your relatives and eaten all of your Mom’s delicious
Christmas cookies? Go get some exercise and have fun at the same time!
The first annual Wisconsin Lutheran Boys Varsity Basketball
Tournament was held on Saturday, December 31, 2011.
Guys who played varsity basketball at WLHS from the last
twenty years were invited to participate. Twenty-five
former players signed up and were assigned to five
mixed class teams by the coaches. The morning’s
games were round robin, setting up for a single
elimination tournament using call your own rules.
“It was a great morning of fun, fellowship, and a little
basketball played at a semi-in-shape pace,” commented
WLHS boys basketball coach Ryan Walz (‘92).
Team Wisco, consisting of Brett Valerio (’93), Victor
Campbell (’06), Chuqee Fletcher (’08), Tim Rotruck (’10),
and Terry Nash (’11) won in overtime.
Alumni
BASKETBALL
Tournament
For more information or to let us
know of your interest, contact Ryan
Walz at ryan.walz@wlhs.org or
414-453-4567 ext. 2161. Entry
fee includes a t-shirt and pizza
following the tournament.
“Special thanks to Kon Knueppel (’94) for helping run the tournament, and to all the
graduates who participated and made it such an enjoyable day,” said Ryan Walz. “We’re
planning another tournament this year, with a tentative date of Saturday, December 29.
We hope to have even more former players come join in this year.”
CONTACT March 2012 15

MARCH 2012
WLHS Alumni
SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE
The Lord continues to bless WLHS and its ministry!
Due to your generosity, over $25,000 has been raised for WLHS Alumni
Scholarships. Five classes raised/pledged at least $4,000 each, resulting
in five scholarships being awarded for the 2012-2013 school year.
Congratulations and thanks to the classes of 1992, 1993, 1996, 2000, and
2002! Several other classes are well on their way to their $4,000 goal.
You’ll recall that these scholarships are awarded to WELS grade school
graduates who will be attending WLHS. In-coming freshman receive a
$1,000/year scholarship (providing they remain on honor roll) for their
four years at WLHS.
Your next reunion may be a good time to highlight the opportunity to support future Christian leaders
by raising $4,000 or more so that your Alumni Scholarship can be awarded for the following school year.
We also welcome parents of alumni and friends of WLHS to contribute to these scholarships, helping
a teen gain an excellent education in a Christian environment.
Contact Associate Director of Mission Advancement Matt Bilitz at matt.bilitz@WLHS.org or
414-453-4567 ext. 2015 for more information. Donations may be made at wlhs.org by clicking on
“Donate Online” under “Support WLHS.” To simply send a gift, use the enclosed envelope. Be sure
to mark the box for “Alumni Scholarship Program” and note the class year you wish to credit.
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MILWAUKEE WI
PERMIT NO 5586
Upcoming
Events:
3/25 WLHS Spring Band Concert
3/30 The Big Friday Night Auction
Explores the Streets
of Old Milwaukee
3/31 WLHS Spring Sacred Concert
4/25 Education in Action Breakfast
5/18, 5/19 & 5/20 Prism Concert
5/20 Fishers of Men
Fishing Tournament
5/23 Senior Art Show
6/3 WLHS Graduation
6/18 Friends of Wisco
Golf Outing
For more information, visit
www.wlhs.org