Wisconsin Lutheran High School Contact Magazine November 2011

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. This is real 

life in America today. 

This is what heaven is 

going to look like.” 

- Pastor Brandon Wigley (‘96) 

Campus Pastor Brandon 

Wigley teaches his “In the 

Steps of Jesus” class.

A 

Message 

from... 

Pastor 

Kenneth Fisher 

Director of Mission Advancement 

WE WANT TO KNOW 

WHAT YOU THINK! 

“If you can read this, thank a teacher.” declares a popular bumper sticker. That’s true. 

Teachers deserve our gratitude. 

If you’re reading this, I’d also like to thank you. Without readers, there’s no reason to 

publish WLHS Contact. That’s why we’ve included a reader’s survey in this issue. We 

want to hear your feedback on what you’re reading. We want to hear what you think so 

we can better serve our alumni and friends through this publication. 

What do you like about WLHS Contact? What could we do better? If you want to let us 

know what you think about the magazine, what you want to see more of and what you 

wish we would change, take a minute to fill out our reader’s survey on page 9. 

What do we hope to hear from you? 

Both kudos and critiques. We’d love to 

hear compliments that encourage us to keep 

on going in one direction and constructive 

criticisms that will help us better connect to 

your interests in others. 

We’d like your help to: 

• evaluate our ongoing efforts to share 

the stories of your school and its success; 

• identify any of your concerns and gather 

your thoughts for improvements; and 

• develop new ideas for content, design 

or features. 

2 CONTACT November 2011 

“If you want to let us 

know what you think 

about the magazine, 

what you want to see 

more of and what you 

wish we would change, 

take a minute to fill out 

our reader’s survey.” 

This sounds simple enough. With your input, 

we can do a better job of providing the kind of magazine you want and will read. 

You help us out and you will benefit in turn. 

So if you are reading this, thank a teacher. Then fill out a reader’s survey. 

I am thanking you in advance for doing this. 

Blessings in Christ, 

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) 

Edtor: William Wendorff 

Design/Layout: Gail Wittenburg 

Research Editors: Nancy Raabe (’66), Nancy Reichert 

Contributing Writers: Amy Goede (‘94) 

Photography: Moments & Memories 

Contact us with comments or questions at 

414-453-4567, ext. 2292, or 

via email at will.wendorff@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.

Alumna Sarah Metzger (’00) knows that she is where God 

wants her to be. After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran 

College and working several positions in various fields, 

she shared a vision with her father, John Metzger (‘67), 

about running their own restaurant. She imagined a place 

where she could not 

only create and serve 

great food but also 

be able to witness 

her faith through her 

work. When a friend of 

hers told her about a 

business in the Martin 

Drive neighborhood 

of Milwaukee that 

had not gone public 

IN THIS 

ISSUE 

“This is a place 

where people feel 

comfortable being 

Christians . . .” 

about being up for sale, she took it as a sign. Soon Sarah 

was the manager and co-owner, along with her parents, of 

Highland Park Pies & Café. 

“I know this is where God wants me to be,” says Sarah, 

“because otherwise we wouldn’t have made it through 

the last few years.” Along with the recession, the 

restaurant faced the challenge of being cut off from a large 

4 Reunions 

5 Parental Choice 

9 Reader’s Survey 

10 Fruit Order Form 

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: 

Sarah Metzger 

11 Future Alumni 

12 Grapevine 

A Place 

to Break 

Bread 

amount of their traffic while the nearby Highland Blvd. 

Bridge was closed for over a year. The bridge also serves as 

the main thoroughfare for both the nearby Miller Brewing 

and Harley-Davidson employee patrons. “It cut into our 

business a bit, but we made it through just fine,” says 

Sarah. 

As Sarah and her family’s vision has been fulfilled, they 

renamed the restaurant, now called Birdie’s Café, to reflect 

their ownership. Sarah’s Christian foundation is reflected 

in much subtler ways throughout the business: crosses 

abound on walls and tables, scripture is written above 

doorways, and patrons are commonly seen praying before 

they eat. “This is a place where people feel comfortable 

being Christians,” says Sarah, “and we also have people 

from all walks of life that walk through these doors that 

see that.” 

Although it’s a sure bet you’ll see Sarah at the restaurant 

if you stop by, other members of her family will likely be 

there lending a hand as well, including sister Julia (’03) 

and brother Jesse (’06). Birdie’s Café is located at 4110 W. 

Martin Drive in Milwaukee. They’re open Monday-Friday, 

6:30 AM-5:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. 

14 I Remember When 

15 Scholarship Program 

CONTACT November 2011 3

Thank You 

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. 

1942 In 2012 it will be 70 years since 

your graduation from LHS and 

that calls for a celebration!* 

1946 Save the date! It will be 66 

years since your graduation 

from WLHS. On September 9, 

2012, a celebration will be held 

at the Silver Spring Country 

Club. Please contact Betty 

Biesterfeld at 262-780-9830 for 

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. 


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. 

1962 Looking ahead, our class will 

be having a 50-year reunion in 

August of 2012. Contact Marie 

(Schulte) Aho at 262-253- 

9395 or via email at ahom@ 

nph.wels.net if you would like 

more information or have any 

questions. 

1963 The plans are underway for 

your 50-year reunion in 2013. 

More help is needed on the 

reunion planning committee. 

If you are interested, please 

email Bob Lehninger at bob. 

lehninger@wlhs.org. 

1972 Come celebrate with your 

classmates your 40-year 

reunion on Saturday, June 

23, 2012. In spring you will 

be receiving an invitation 

indicating time and place 

of this special event. Please 

contact Ruth Breiling at 

ruthmk94@cableone.net 

or 928-830-6008 for more 

information. 

Held on Friday, September 9, 2011, 

at Silver Spring Country Club in 

Menomonee Falls. 

56 classmates and friends attended 

some coming from as far away as 

Washington and Florida. 

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 

Wisconsin Lutheran High 

School and a celebration is 

in order.* 

1992 In 2012 it will be 20 years since 

your graduation from Wisconsin 

Lutheran High School!* 

2002 In 2012 it will be ten years since 


Lutheran High School!* 

2007 Five years have passed since 


Lutheran High School and a 

celebration is in order to see 

old friends from school!*

Watching 

enrollment 

trends. 

Since 2001, the number 

of students attending 

WLHS through a 

MPCP voucher has 

grown from 6 to 

over 275 (37% of 

today’s enrollment). 

At the same time, 

the percentage of 

MPCP students 

attending a WELS 

grade school that 

feeds into WLHS 

is steadily growing. 

Since 2001, overall 

enrollment at WELS 

grade schools has 

declined and a dozen 

have closed or merged. 

THE mIlWAUKEE 

pArENTAl CHOICE 

prOgrAm 

is helping 

MAKE 

DISCIPLES 

“Our students are getting 

more opportunities for racial 

and cross-cultural awareness. 

Today’s high school reflects a 

real world diversity. This is 

real life in America today. 

This is what heaven is going 

to look like.” 

- Rev. Brandon Wigley 

Since 2003, Wisconsin Lutheran High School 

has participated in the Milwaukee Parental 

Choice Program (MPCP). The program 

provides parents who are economicallychallenged 

with vouchers so that their 

children can receive the education of their 

choice. The MPCP program, created in 1990, 

has grown from 337 students at seven schools 

to over 20,000 in over one hundred schools. 

Today, it is the nation’s largest and oldest 

school voucher program. 

Most students in MPCP attend religious 

schools. Since St. Marcus Ev. Lutheran School 

first stuck its toe into the waters of the Choice 

program in 1999, ten other Milwaukee-area 

Wisconsin Synod grade schools have chosen 

to participate in this program with more 

considering it. The enrollment of Choice 

students in WELS grade schools has grown 

exponentially from 123 in the fall of 1999 to 

more than 1,800 today, which is about half of 

the total enrollment from the grade schools in 

the high school’s conference. These children 

learn about Jesus every school day. 


Can you guess which 

students attend WLHS 

on a state-paid voucher? 

The answer might surprise you since students 

who participate in Milwaukee Parental Choice 

Program (MPCP) are from every racial group 

in the city. Most of those at WLHS attended 

a WELS grade school and some are even 

the children of those who are WELS called 

workers living in the city. With the program’s 

new eligibility expansion, many middle-class 

families are now included in Choice. 


Seats are Limited 

Since WLHS entered the program in 2003, enrollment in MPCP at 

WLHS has grown from 34 students in the 2002-2003 school year to 278 

students this year. Seats are limited and each year more students apply 

than can be accommodated. As a result, there is a random selection 

process mandated by law. Due to the increased interest and growth in 

enrollment at our WELS grade schools participating in Choice, there has 

been increasing pressure for seats at WLHS because few quality MPCP 

seats exist on the high school level. 

“As a WELS parish pastor with a grade school, I want to see that our 

kids get the wonderful Christian education that Wisconsin Lutheran 

High School offers,” says Pastor Jeremy Mattek from Garden Homes 

Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. “I understand the pressure the high 

school is feeling as students who graduated from our Milwaukee WELS 

grade schools can’t enter the high school because of limited seats.” 

Because the program is now expanding again, the pressure is only likely 

to increase. This year, the Wisconsin state legislature and Governor 

Walker lifted the cap on expansion and raised the threshold for family 

income. This means that more teens from more families will have this 

option available to them. The pressure for seats can only increase as 

the enrollment at the WELS grade schools that are participating in 

MPCP also continues to swell. Parents’ calls for their students to be 

able to enter WLHS will only grow louder. The administration and board 

continues to work to address these concerns. 

“Although not all of the teens come from 

WElS congregations, the majority have come 

through our grade schools. This is offering our 

WElS kids a safe laboratory for evangelism. 

This is helping us impact the future of the 

church and positively influence the whole city.” 

- Rev. Mark Henrich 

Do you know how much parents can 

earn and still participate in Milwaukee 

Parental Choice Program? 

It might surprise you that a family of four that earns $73,747 a year now 

qualifies for this program if they live in the City of Milwaukee. For a 

family of six, income may be as high as $96,391. If you have detailed 

questions about eligibility, contact Kirk DeNoyer, our Director of 

Admissions, at 414-453-4567, ext. 2303 or kirk.denoyer@wlhs.org.

“…the high school did 

not enter the program for 

financial gain. We are in 

this for the good of kids 

who want to get the benefit 

of a Christian education. 

This is about fulfilling the 

mission that Christ gave us 

to make disciples.” 

- Rev. Kenneth Fisher 

Can you guess how many 

students have missed 

chapel because they opted 

out of religion at WLHS? 

If you guessed “none,” you are correct. 

Though the guidelines of the Milwaukee 

Parental Choice Program could allow this, 

no parent has ever requested that a child 

be released from attending chapel or religion 

classes. Parents enroll their children at WLHS 

in part because of the religious instruction 

and the spiritual nature of the school. They 

want their children in chapel and disciplined 

out of Christian love. 

The pressure for seats can only increase as the 

enrollments in the WElS grade schools that are 

participating in mpCp also continue to swell. 

parents’ calls for their students to be able to enter 

WlHS will only grow louder. 

Why WLHS Participates 

From the start, the WLHS’ administration and board have stated that 

participation in the program is about fulfilling its mission of partnering 

with our congregations and making disciples of the next generation of 

leaders in our homes, churches, and community. The reimbursement for 

MPCP vouchers has been frozen for several years, while the costs of a 

high school education kept rising. 

“We are grateful for the generosity of foundations, friends, and donors 

who help close the financial gap. But the high school did not enter the 

program for financial gain. We are in this for the good of kids who want to 

get the benefit of a Christian education. This is about fulfilling the mission 

that Christ gave us to make disciples,” says Rev. Kenneth Fisher, Director 

of Mission Advancement at WLHS. 

Strengthening the 

Academic Program 

Participating in the program has challenged WLHS to strengthen its ability 

to help students of all academic achievement levels. Many, but not all, of 

the students entering the high school through the Choice program come 

in below grade level, thus needing academic assistance. WLHS’ exemplary 

teachers have reworked their curriculum and retooled their teaching 

style—which has actually benefitted all students. 

Cooperative partnerships with community leaders like the PAVE (Partners 

Advancing Values in Education) Foundation and the Siebert Lutheran 

Foundation have helped strengthen the academic program for all of the 

students requiring help. This year, their grants totaling $150,000 enabled 

WLHS to develop a new program to provide additional support through 

intense mathematics and English instruction to students with academic 

deficiencies. It is called the “College Readiness Continuum.” 

While WLHS has strengthened its basic curriculum, since 2003 the school 

has also added several more Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The AP 

program has grown to offer eight high-level courses that allow students 

to earn college credits. WLHS has a broader and deeper curriculum today 

than when it entered the Choice program in 2003—helping fulfill its 

mission to serve students of all academic achievement levels to develop 

their God-given abilities to the fullest. 


Do you know how many students have been 

baptized at WLHS because of our participation 

in the Choice program? 

Though the guidelines of the Milwaukee Parental Choice program protect parents 

from having their children coerced into religious activities (e.g to be baptized or 

confirmed in order to maintain enrollment), more than a dozen students from the 

Choice program have been baptized while attending WLHS. God has brought 

many others to faith in Jesus Christ. Although the percentage of unchurched 

MPCP students at WLHS is relatively small (14% of MPCP students), God is 

providing great opportunities for sharing and modeling the Christian faith by 

WLHS’ students, faculty and staff. 

Do you know how many students 

in the Choice program do not 

attend religion classes at WLHS? 

No student or 

parent has ever 

approached our 

administration 

about even thinking 

about opting out of 

the school’s religious 

activities. Parents 

enroll students 

at Wisconsin 

Lutheran High 

School fully aware 

and accepting 

of its Christian 

mission to make 

disciples of the next 

generation through 

the instruction of 

God’s Word. 

Do you think this picture of racial 

integration is typical? 

Yes! Students of all races get along well at WLHS. Upon entering WLHS, 

students of different races learn to relate as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

If you want to see how students coming from different backgrounds get 

along, visit the cafeteria any day during lunch when students can select for 

themselves where they want to sit and with whom. Teens pick their friends— 

not based on race—but along common interests and activities. Patterns of 

racial tensions at WLHS simply do not exist. Since entering the Choice 

program, fights between different racial groups have never occurred. WLHS 

has never experienced issues of gang activity and would not tolerate it. 

Students at WLHS enjoy a safe and Christ-centered environment. 


Better Fulfilling the Mission 

Developed to empower parents with educational opportunities, the Choi 

program allows more parents to partner with WLHS. It helps teens from m 

conference schools, who might have been limited by finances, to receive 

centered education. It allows more teens to receive a high-quality educa 

a Biblical worldview. 

“Choice is a great blessing! It helps serve our conference congregations 

kids from the suburbs and city come together at Wisco as brothers and 

in Christ,” noted Rev. Mark Henrich who serves at Atonement Lutheran C 

Milwaukee and also sits on the WLHS Board of Directors. “Although not a 

teens come from WELS congregations, the majority have come through o 

schools. This is offering our WELS kids a safe laboratory for evangelism. T 

helping us impact the future of the church and positively influence the w 

Rev. Brandon Wigley (‘96), WLHS’ Campus Pastor, observes, “Although we 

must continue to address the challenges, Choice is helping us to carry ou 

mission--making disciples of all nations. Look at the baptisms. See all of o 

growing spiritually. Our students are getting more opportunities for racia 

cross-cultural awareness. Today’s high school reflects a real world diversi 

This is real life in America today. This is what heaven is going to look like.

ce 

ore 

a Christtion 

from 

as the 

sisters 

hurch in 

ll of the 

ur grade 

his is 

hole city.” 

t our 

ur teens 

l and 

ty. 

” 

Does a MPCP voucher 

provide extra income to 

the WLHS budget? 

Although some mistakenly imagine that 

MPCP is funding extras like the chapel’s 

renovation in 2004, the voucher (like the 

conference tuition rate) does not cover all the 

costs of a student’s high school education. 

Gifts and support from corporations, 

foundations, WELS congregations (whose 

students enroll in WLHS through the 

MPCP), and outside donors bridge the gap 

between the current voucher payment of 

$6,442 and actual educational costs. The 

regular conference tuition rate of $7,150 

does not cover the full cost of a student’s 

education either. This is why the WLHS 

Conference relies on the generosity of all its 

congregation partners, alumni, donors, friends 

and foundations to make up the difference. 

Without the Choice program, the WELS 

members who participate in MPCP (about 

40% of the students in the program) would 

overwhelm WLHS’ tuition assistance program 

which gave almost $600,000 to families 

this year to help make a Christ-centered 

education possible for those families. In fact, 

without the MPCP dollars, tuition costs 

could have actually risen higher due to the 

loss of this income and the loss of outside 

support, which was based on the fact that 

WLHS is participating in MPCP. This in 

turn would have resulted in significantly lower 

enrollments, as well as other issues related to 

economy-of-scale in the school’s operation. 

WLHS CONtaCt REadER'S SURvEy 

Please complete the following survey in one of three ways: 

1. Answer the below questions and mail in enclosed envelope 

2. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VXGYJ6F 

and submit online 

3. Scan the code to the right with your 

smartphone or tablet to fill out the 

answers and submit online 

1. In general, where do you get information about WLHS? 

� WLHS Contact � Local media 

� Alumni Link E-mail � Word of mouth/other alumni 

� Website � Other___________________ 

2. How often do you typically read the WLHS Contact? 

� Every issue � Occasional issues 

� Most issues � Never read an issue 

3. How much of each WLHS Contact do you read? 

� All of it � Some of it 

� Most of it � None of it 

Please rate the questions below on the following scale: 

4-Very Interested, 3-Interested, 2-Somewhat Interested, 1-Not Interested. 

4. Please rate your interest in learning about the following subjects: 

STudENT/ACAdEMIC/FAITH ExPERIENCES 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

FACuLTy uPdATES ANd MILESTONES 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

uPCOMING EVENTS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

ATHLETICS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

STudENT ACHIEVEMENTS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

ALuMNI REuNIONS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

GRAPEVINE (ALuMNI NEWS) 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

ALuMNI SPOTLIGHTS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

IN LOVING MEMORy 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

ISSUES FACING THE HIGH SCHOOL 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

FuNd-RAISING EFFORTS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

MESSAGE FROM THE dIRECTOR OF MISSION AdVANCEMENT 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

WLHS HISTORy AND TRADITIONS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

WLHS’S FINANCIAL STATUS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

COMMENCEMENT ACTIVITIES ANd PHOTOS 

� 4 � 3 � 2 � 1 � No Opinion 

continued on back 


5. Please rate the quality of the WLHS Contact regarding: 

CONTENT/SUBJECTS 

� Excellent � Good � Average � Poor � No Opinion 

COvER 


WRITING 


LAyOUT AND DESIGN 


PHOTOGRAPHy 


6. Does reading the WLHS Contact strengthen your personal 

connection with WLHS? 

� Yes � Somewhat � Not Really 

7. What actions have you taken as a result of reading the WLHS 

Contact? (check all that apply) 

� Attended a WLHS event 

� Volunteered for a school activity 

� Made a donation to WLHS 

� Contacted a classmate or friend 

� Recommended WLHS to a potential student or family member 

� Submitted a personal update 

� Discussed or forwarded an article or issue 

� Saved an article or issue 

� Visited the WLHS website 

� Other ______________________________________________ 

8. If additional content on some WLHS Contact stories were available 

(only) online, how likely would you be to go to the WLHS website 

and read it? 

� Very likely � Somewhat likely � Not at all likely 

9. What I like most about the WLHS Contact is: _________________ 

_____________________________________________________ 

10. What I like the least about the WLHS Contact is: ______________ 

_____________________________________________________ 

11. Your suggestions for changes and improvements: _____________ 

_____________________________________________________ 

Optional, but helpful information: 

12. What is your relationship to WLHS? 

� Alumnus/Alumna (graduate) � Parent or other relative 

� Attended (non-graduate) � Retired faculty/staff 

� Faculty/staff member � Other __________________ 

� Donor 

13. What is your age? 

� Under 25 � 25-34 � 35-49 � 50-64 � 65 and over 

14. What is your gender? 

� Female � Male 

Thank you for participating in the WLHS Contact reader’s survey. 

Further comments may be sent to info@wlhs.org 


WLHS Fruit Sale 

NEW 

Gift Box (6 navel oranges and 

6 red grapefruit) ....................................... $ 10.00 

Gift Basket (18-20 pieces of assorted 

red grapefruit, navel oranges, tangelos, 

and 10 pieces of candy).. ............... ........ $ 19.00 

Name __________________________________________ 

Address _________________________________________ 

City ______________________State _____ Zip_________ 

Telephone _______________________________________ 

Email ___________________________________________ 

Full Case Half Case Total $ 

Red Grapefruit Qty: ($29 ea) Qty: ($15 ea) 

Hamlin Oranges Qty: ($29 ea) Qty: ($15 ea) 

Navel Oranges Qty: ($29 ea) Qty: ($15 ea) 

Tangelos Qty: ($30 ea) Qty: ($16 ea) 

Gift Box Qty: ($10 ea) 

Gift Basket Qty: ($19 ea) 

Total Dollar Amount 

Additional forms are available at 

www.wlhs.org 

The Student Council of WLHS is once again 

hosting the annual “Florida Citrus 

Fruit Sale.” The profits from this sale 

support all the Veteran’s Day 

celebrations including the 

breakfast, service, and parade. 

Direct Ship 10# box, 

navel, grapefruit or mixed........ $ 35.00 

Order Deadline is 

November 21, 2011. 

Send your order form 

with payment to: 

WLHS Fruit Sale 

330 N. Glenview Ave. 

Milwaukee, WI 53213-3379 

*Order also at www.fruitorder.com 

and enter code 138078 

Make checks payable to 

Wisconsin Lutheran High School. 

Order forms may also be dropped 

off at our receptionist’s desk. 

For more information call: 

414-453-4567, ext. 2222

State Champs in 

Boys Cross-Country! 

WLHS has garnered a reputation for very 

strong cross country teams, and this year 

was no exception as both the boys and 

girls teams had outstanding seasons. 

The boys team won a handful of big 

meets, and even won our own Viking 

Invitational for the first time in 20 years. 

They moved on to win their conference 

and sectional meets, and capped it 

off with the biggest win of all: WLHS’s 

first-ever division 2 State Championship. 

The championship team was made up of 

five hard-working seniors and a talented 

group of underclassmen, and led by 

Coach Eric Lueck (‘87). The girls team, led 

by coach Blair Schaper, also had another 

outstanding year as they qualified for the 

state meet for the eighth year in a row 

and placed a remarkable 5th. 

Pictured below are photos taken just before 

and after the point totals for the Boys Div. 

2 State race are revealed. Members of Boys 

Cross-Country team pictured below are: 

Coach Eric Lueck, #769 Eric Brown, 

#771 Josh Leverence, #772 Kyler Lueck, 

#773 Jon Melms, #774 Josiah Ricke, and 

#775 Brad Meyer; Alejandro Cano Telles is 

not pictured but ran in the meet. 

an Extraordinary 

Musician 

Senior Philip Berger recently received 

a full, four-year tuition waiver to the 

University of Wisconsin in Madison at the 

UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic. He was 

one of ten students to be awarded the 

scholarship from among over 250 gifted 

voice and instrument musicians, and 

won it by virtue of his talent for playing 

the clarinet -but he’s also a skilled pianist 

and organist. At WLHS, Philip is a valuable 

member of the marching band, concert 

band, woodwind ensemble, orchestra 

for the choir, and pit orchestra for the 

musical. 

Sharing the Message 

Our Share the Mission teams returned 

safely from their various trips this 

past summer filled with a better 

understanding of the fulfillment that 

comes with service to God and others. 

As in past summers, our student teams 

received high praise from the leaders 

and members of the churches or mission 

sites at which they served. Sites this past 

summer included: Phoenix and the White 

River Reservation; Santiago and Linares, 

Chile; Southeast Asia; Holiday, Florida; 

Eagle, Colorado; Palm Coast, Florida; 

and Des Moines, Iowa (outreach to the 

Sudanese community). 

New technology 

for Project Lead 

the Way 

This semester’s Introduction to 

Engineering classes have a new piece 

of technology from which to learn. 

A new 3-dimensional solid “printer” 

was purchased last summer with the 

use of funds from a donation to the 

new Project Lead the Way Curriculum. 

Essentially, the printer has the ability 

to produce tangible 3-dimensional 

objects resulting from the electronic 

schematics drawn by each student. 

Instructor James Hahm (‘93) sees the 

printer as a real benefit for students 

to be able to better understand the 

physical effects that students’ successes 

and errors have when creating 

3-dimensional plans. 

Marching Band 

Success 

The WLHS Marching Band, under the 

direction of Instructor Patty Bailey (‘79), 

experienced a highly successful competitive 

marching band season. The band received 

first place in their division at several of the 

competitions in which they participated. 

The year culminated in the band receiving 

the third place trophy in division A at the 

WSMA State Marching Band Competition 

held at UW-Whitewater in October. This was 

the highest place a WLHS marching band has 

received at this competition. 


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 Reichert at 414-453-4567, ext. 2013 

or email nancy.reichert@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. 

Beth Steinberg (’81) and Larry E. Wright, Jr. 

(’81) were married on July 9, 2011, at Peace 

Lutheran Church in New Berlin. Beth is a legal 

secretary at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in 

Waukesha, and Larry is self-employed and going 

to school at Concordia for Lay Ministry. 

Bobbie (Balon) Johann (’86) and her husband 

Bob are proud to announce the birth of 

their twin daughters, Ava Elizabeth and Zoe 

Leigh, born on May 20, 2011, and baptized 

on August 28, 2011. They join big sisters 

Bailee and Cassidy. Bobbie is an attorney in 

Brighton, MI and Bob is a Calibration Engineer 

at Chrysler in Auburn Hills, MI. The family 

resides in Linden, MI. 

Shannon L. (Grill) Swaziek (’90) and her 

husband Stuart are proud to announce the 

birth of their third child, Alexandra Faye, born 

March 24, 2011, and baptized on April 17, 2011. 

Alexandra joins her big brothers, James and 

Shane. Shannon is an attorney with the USDA 

Forest Service in Milwaukee and her 

husband is a national sales manager for 

Fox 6 TV in Milwaukee. The family resides 

in Menomonee Falls. 

Steinberg (‘81) 

Johann (‘86) 


Kon Knueppel (’94) and his wife Chari 

(Nordgaard) of Milwaukee welcomed their fifth 

son, Kidman Nordgaard Knueppel on July 11, 

2011. Kidman weighed 10 pounds, 2 ounces 

and was 22 inches long. Kon is a Guidance 

Counselor at Ronald Reagan High School in 

Milwaukee and Chari is a stay-at-home mom 

to Kidman and his four brothers: Kon II, Kager, 

Kinston, and Kash. 

Katherine (Schulz) Beres (’97) and her husband, 

Michael, were blessed with their third child, 

Emery Kathleen, born on December 7, 2010. 

She joins big brother Greyson and big sister 

Karli. The family resides in Charleston, WV. 

Jennifer (dibb) Moore (’98) and her husband, 

Jeff, were blessed with their third son, 

Christopher Thomas, born on June 18, 2011 and 

baptized on June 26, 2011, at Good Shepherd’s 

in Downers Grove, IL. He joins big brothers 

Samuel and Alexander. Jennifer is a Senior QA 

Specialist at Point Technology in Oak Brook, 

IL, and her husband Jeff is an owner of DMJ 

Automotive in La Grange, IL. 

Knueppel (‘94) 

Share Your News 

with fellow Alumni! 

Stephanie (Piekarski) Seitz (’98) married 

Matthew Seitz on September 11, 2010, at 

St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa. 

Fellow Wisco alumni in the wedding included 

sister, Shannon (Piekarski) Knaak (’93) and 

best friends Jessica Boucha (’98), Andrea 

(Bednar) Knoll (’98), Amanda (Nelson) Feiker 

(’98), Nicole (Genthe) Smith (’98), Rachel 

(Hurlebaus) Galanis (’98) and Amanda (Baer) 

Manke (’98). Stephanie and Matthew are both 

police officers in the city of Milwaukee. 

Nicole (Genthe) Smith (’98) and Charlie Smith 

were married on June 18, 2011 at Grace Ev. 

Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Fellow WLHS 

alumni in the wedding included Andrea 

(Bednar) Knoll (’98) and Amanda (Baer) Manke 

(’98). Nicole is an account executive at Humana 

and her husband is a mechanical engineer at 

GE. The couple resides in Sussex. 

Corey Eggers (’00) and Elyse (Ziesemer) Eggers 

were married on November 26, 2010, at Christ 

the Lord Ev Lutheran Church in Brookfield. 

Beres (‘97) 

Smith (‘98) 

Fredrich (‘04

) 

Moore(‘98) 

Seitz (‘98) 

Alumni in the wedding party included Nick 

Honeck (’00), Joe Hille (’00), Mike Meyer (’00), 

Josh Seeger (’00), Colleen (Schaefer) Honeck 

(’00) and Sarah Eggers (’07). 

Amanda (Mathwig) Hansen (’02) and her 

husband, Phil (’03), are proud to announce 

the birth of their second child, Roman Parker 

Hansen, born June 24, 2011. He joins big sister 

Addison. Proud grandparents are Mark (’77) 

and Karen (Kasulke) Mathwig (’77) and Peter 

and Lorrie (Rynders) Hansen (’79). 

Sara (Mastrostefano) Hink (’02) and husband 

Tony were blessed with twins Brya and Bella, 

who were born and passed away on August 

30, 2009. Sara and Tony take comfort in the 

knowledge that they are in God’s hands and 

protected. They have also been blessed with 

son, Greyson, now two. Sara graduated from 

MATC in 2006 with a degree in interior design 

and is currently employed as an aquatic 

coordinator at the Princeton Club in New Berlin. 

Tony is employed at Quad Graphics. The family 

resides in Waukesha. 

Erin (Schnitker) Krill (’02) and her husband 

Dave are proud to announce their second son, 

Aiden Joshua, born on June 20, 2011, and 

baptized on July 24, 2011. Aiden joins his big 

brother, Andy. Erin is a radiology technologist 

in Waukesha, and Dave works as a computer 

programmer. Erin and Dave recently celebrated 

their 4th wedding anniversary. 

Mark unteutsch (’02) and Amy Young were 

married on Friday, November 11, 2011, 

in Negril, Jamaica. Fellow Wisco alumni in 

the wedding include Mark’s sister Lindsay 

unteutsch (’05), Brandon Alberti (’05), and 

John Schmit (’03). Mark is the son of dale (’78) 

and Mary Unteuesch. Mark is a journeyman 

painter and Amy is a RN at Froedtert Hospital. 

The couple will reside in Menomonee Falls. 

Priebe (‘05) 

Krill (‘02) 

Katrina (Schneider) Fredrich (’04) married 

Jeremy Fredrich on September 2, 2011, at 

St. Jacobi Ev Lutheran Church in Greenfield. 

Katrina is the daughter of dean (’75) and 

Michelle Schneider. Fellow Wisco alumni in the 

wedding included her sister, Joanna (Schneider) 

Hargraves (’02) as matron-of-honor and her 

brother Timothy Schneider (’01). Katrina is 

a grad of Martin Luther College and teaching 

childcare at the Milwaukee Montessori School. 

Her husband Jeremy is an electrical engineer. 

Jessica Priebe (’05) and Robert Herriges 

(’05) were engaged on June 21, 2011, and 

are planning a June 24, 2012, wedding at 

Atonement Ev. Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. 

Jessica is a receptionist in Franklin, and Robert 

is an engineer in Milwaukee. 

Jessica Strobel (’05) graduated from Marquette 

University in May of 2011 with a doctorate 

degree in physical therapy. Jessica is working 

for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center– 

Centers for Rehab Services as a women’s health 

resident in physical therapy. 

Tracy (Zacher) (’05) married Alex Sowinski 

on August 19, 2011, at St. Jacobi Ev Lutheran 

Church in Greenfield. Fellow Wisco alumni in 

the wedding included sister Kristin Zacher (’01) 

and best friend Valerie (Rasner) Gospodarek 

(’98). Tracy is the daughter of Joe and Debbie 

(Hills) Zacher (’74). Tracy works at Kingshead 

Hair Salon on the east side of Milwaukee and 

Alex currently works at the Oak Creek Power 

Plant as a journeyman carpenter. 

Nicole Beglinger (’07) graduated Summa Cum 

Laude from Martin Lutheran College with a 

Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary 

Education. Nicole is a kindergarten teacher at 

St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Norfolk, NE. 

Sowinski (‘05) 

Hansen (‘02) 

Reske (‘07) 

Eggers (‘00) 

Katelyn Reske (’07) and Erik Labinski were 

engaged on September 25, 2010, and are 

planning a January 14th, 2012, wedding. 

Katelyn is currently attending Concordia 

University of Wisconsin and will graduate 

December 2011 with a BS degree in exercise 

physiology. Erik is a physical therapy assistant 

and works at Achieve Physical Therapy in 

Juneau. 

Strobel (‘05) 

Amber (Kuske) Bohlmann (’09) and Fred A. 

Bohlmann (’09) were married on August 20, 

2011. Also celebrating were grandparents Fred 

H. (‘60) and Colette (Hagedorn) Bohlmann (’60) 

for their 50th wedding anniversary and parents 

Fred J. (’84) and Sheryl (Tietz) (’84) Bohlmann 

for their 22nd anniversary. 

Jeremy Bohlmann (’10) is a PFC serving in the 

Marine reserves with Fox Company, Milwaukee 

and is also currently majoring in physics and 

engineering at Carroll University. He also 

recently participated in Wisconsin Ambassadors 

for Music (WAM) and traveled to several 

countries in Europe performing with other 

musicians and singers. 

Correction: the July 2011 WLHS Contact 

misidentified the below Grapevine photo. 

We regret this mistake. 

Bohlmann (‘09) 

Reuling (‘99) 

Bohlmann (‘10) 


“...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 

1934 Ruth (Vohwinkle) Metzelfeld 

July 28, 2011 

1939 Beverly (Laitsch) Hugo 

October 12, 2011 

1942 Kenneth Klug 

February 18, 2011 

Betty (Schelling) Williams 

Notified in October of 2011 

1943 Glenn Waldschmidt 


1947 Walter Schneider 


1949 Carol (Clark) Holman 

April 30, 2010 

1950 Margaret (Boehlke) Groth 


1951 Barbara (Schmeling) Johne 

May 26, 2011 

Eugene Knoll 

August 21, 2011 

Carol (Meyer) Polzin 


1952 Frederick Lanzl 


Lloyd Ahlbrand 

March 18, 2011 

1958 Gerald Bartz 


1961 Gerald Abegglen 


1964 Rose (disher) Hust 

September 9, 2011 

1970 Patricia (Sukowatey) Komppa 

November 25, 2010 

1975 Cynthia (Seevers) Polfer 

June 5, 2011 

1976 Russell C. Ziebell 


1977 Duane Anderson 

September 13, 2011 

2006 daniel Wolfgramm 


Mary (Kullke) Ruege - Worked in the 

Wisco bookstore for 25 years 

June 28, 2011 

Carl Pautsch – Carl taught for 40 years – 

30 of those years were at WLHS 



A lot can change in 35 years. Case in point, almost 3 billion people 

(close to 100 million in the U.S. alone) occupy our planet that were not 

here when I graduated from WLHS. Along with the change in world 

demographics, WLHS’s demographic has also changed from primarily a 

suburban school to more of an urban school. 

That’s a change! 

Along with changes in demographics, 

there has also been a change in 

technology. Thirty-five years ago, we had 

“speed-reading” courses. Today, 

students can’t succeed unless they are 

computer literate and have the latest 

tech devices to aide them with homework 

and everyday communication (laptops, 

smartphones, tablets). That’s a change. 

Even the lunch menu has seen a change. 

Thirty-five years ago, we were excited to have mock chicken legs one day 

and pizza-burgers on a half-bun the next. No choices. We took what was 

offered. Today, however, students have a number of “restaurant quality” 

choices and vending machines, if other choices are not palatable. 

And one can’t forget those yearbook pictures. Thirty-five years ago, 

most of the students looked like “nerds” compared to today’s “stylechic” 

student. Change. Change. More change. 

And yet, there is one thing that has always remained the same: God’s 

unchanging Word. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us in Hebrews 

13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 

Demographics, technology, lunch and yearbook pictures all change, 

to be sure. But, the message of law and gospel, sin and grace has, and 

always will, remain the same. 

Rev. Kimbrough (center) as a member of 

the ‘64 varsity football team. 

“Jesus Christ 

is the same 

yesterday and 

today and 

forever.” 

Pastor Raymond Kimbrough 

Rev. Kimbrough (‘76) has 

shepherded the congregation 

at St. Phillip’s Evengelical 

Lutheran Church in 

Milwaukee since his call 

there in 1991. 

Would you 

or someone you 

know have a 

recollection 

of years past 

you’d like to 

share through 

the “I Remember 

When…” section? 

Just send an email 

to the WLHS 

Contact editor at 

will.wendorff@ 

wlhs.org

Helping to Educate Future 

Christian Leaders Through the 

Alumni Scholarship Program 

As a way to help our alumni support the future generation of Christian leaders trained at WLHS, we’re 

beginning a new program to help give even more scholarships to incoming academically gifted WELS 

students. The WLHS Alumni-Sponsored Scholarship program will aim to give out ten new merit-based 

scholarships of at least $4000 per student ($1000/yr.) for next year, and continue to grow after that. 

These scholarships will be supported by individual alumni classes (including yours!), and we’re currently 

looking for both leaders who can help drum up support for this program from within their own alumni 

class and those who are just simply willing to support a student through a gift of any size right now. 

More details about the WLHS Alumni-Sponsored Scholarship program are available online by going to 

WLHS.org and then clicking “News from Wisco.” 

If you’d like to help the Alumni Scholarship Program, you may contact Associate director of Mission 

Advancement Matthew Bilitz at matt.bilitz@wlhs.org or 414-453-4567, ext. 2015 today. To simply send 

a gift, use the enclosed envelope and be sure to mark the box for “Alumni Scholarship Program” and 

note your graduating class year on the envelope. 

IN THE 

dale Guenther (‘69) was listed as the vice president of sales for 

Perfect Cross LLC in the July 19, 2011 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

article, “Muscling into a crowded market.” 

Cary Tessmann (’74) was profiled as the CFO of Waukesha 

County Technical College in the October 7, 2011 The Business Journal 

Serving Greater Milwaukee CFO of the Year special section. 

Mark Reinemann’s (‘75) nomination for the executive 

committee of the United States Golfer’s Association was discussed in 

the October 19, 2011, USGA News article, “USGA Announces 2012 

Executive Committee Nominations.” 

Pfister Hotel manager Joe Kurth (‘87) was quoted in the July 2011 

Milwaukee Magazine City Guide 2011 issue that profiled his hotel’s 

reputation as being haunted. 

Architect Jeff Tredo (’90) was featured in the July 15, 2011 

Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee article, “Nonprofit work 

helps firm grow” as leading his firm through difficult 

economic times. 

NEWS Read 

BLESSINGS 

SHARED 

Wisconsin Lutheran High 

School is grateful to the many 

individuals, groups, and 

businesses who have blessed 

our ministry with gifts to our 

school over the last fiscal 

year. These gifts have made 

it possible for us to provide a 

comprehensive, high-quality, 

Christian secondary education 

for all our students in a loving 

and caring environment that 

is conducive to productive 

learning. For a listing of donors 

who have supported the high 

school from July 1, 2010, to 

June 30, 2011, go to WLHS.org 

and click “Why Support WLHS,” 

then click “2010/2011 WLHS 

Donors” near the bottom of 

the page. 

about fellow Alumni 

spotted in the news! 

Emily Kratz’s (‘97) fundraising efforts through riding her bicycle 

in Europe was featured in the July 26, 2011 Milwaukee Journal 

Sentinel article, “Kratz rolls through France on Ride 2 Recovery.” 

UW-Badger offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler (’08) was featured in 

the July 30, 2011 Capitol Times article, “UW football: Zeitler guarded 

on, off the field.” 

Wisconsin Lutheran College student-athlete Kaitlyn Strehlow 

(‘09) was named as the NAC women’s tennis player of the year 

in the October 22, 2011 Northern Athletics Conference release 

“Strehlow headlines women’s tennis all-conference awards.” 

david Melms (’09) was featured in the Championship 

Subdivision News September 21, 2011 article, “Allstate, AFCA 

Announce 2011 Good Works Team®, Four from FCS” as a member of 

the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. 

Eric Zeitler (’10) was included in the November issue of WLC Full 

Circle for being named the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Player 

of the Game of the October 29 “Lutheran Bowl” football game 

between WLC and Concordia University of Wisconsin. 


Special note to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans ® members: 

Here is an easy way to support WLHS! 

Eligible benefit members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans can recommend where 

Thrivent Financial distributes a portion of its charitable funds through Choice Dollars SM 

Funds available to members are based on qualifying insurance premiums, qualifying contract values, and 

Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership. You can direct some or all of your Choice Dollars SM to WLHS by visiting 

Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or by calling 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and saying “Thrivent Choice.” 

Thanks for supporting WLHS! 

NON-PROFIT ORG 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

MILWAUKEE WI 

PERMIT NO 5586 

Upcoming 

Events 

11/16 Education in Action Breakfast 

11/19 WLHS Craft Fair 

11/24-25 Thanksgiving Break 

12/3 Grade School Band Concert 

12/4 Christmas Pops Concert 

12/10 Christmas Sacred Concert 

12/11 Christmas Sacred Concert 

12/21-1/2 Christmas Break 

1/21 Grade School Choir Auditions 

1/22 Kids Carnival 

1/25 Career Exploration Night 

1/26 Education in Action Breakfast 

For more information, visit 

www.wlhs.org

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Contact Magazine November 2011

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