A publication for Alumni and Friends of Winnebago Lutheran Academy

ANCHORSummer 2019

2 SUMMER 2019 | WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY WLAVIKINGS.ORG

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Winnebago Lutheran Academy❚ 920-921-4930

wlavikings.org

❚ Mr. David Schroeder Principal

dschroeder@wlavikings.org

❚ Mr. Darrell Roecker Vice Principal

droecker@wlavikings.org

❚ Mr. Brad Bendix Activities Director bbendix@wlavikings.org

❚ Mr. Eric Schraufnagel Business Manager eschraufnagel@wlavikings.org

❚ Mr. Kevin Ehlke Director of Mission

Advancement kehlke@wlavikings.org

❚ Pastor Philip Janke Coordinator of Recruitment

and Communications pjanke@wlavikings.org

❚ Dan Loest Executive Board Chairman

daloest@gmail.com

Cover photo by Jeff Isom Back page photo by Justin Liepert

This oft referenced quote represents a great truth, change will happen. I'm sure that you will agree that our human nature desires consistency, stability, and is most often resistant to change. We battle against the forces of change, yet change is inevitable. It will happen, no matter how much we battle. We will change jobs, job locations, or career pathways. Our health and the health of those closest to us will change. We will change houses and cars. Our families will change. So, how do you see the change around you? Is it the silent reaper waiting to claim another soul, or do you look at change as an opportunity for God's rich blessing?

I contend that our God provides what we need to overcome the challenge of change. He promises blessing and hope to his people through change. Remember the Children of Israel leaving Egypt? I'm not sure if there is a better picture of blessing planned by God through change and human nature's resistance to it. God miraculously blessed them, miraculously protected them, miraculously fed them, and planned to miraculously deliver their promised homeland to them. BUT, it was their desire to go back and live in slavery, and God did not allow that to happen. He taught many lessons along the way, and his blessings were inevitable. He did not allow his people to refuse the joy of his blessing. He will not allow it in our lives either. His blessing is immeasurable and inevitable. My encouragement and prayer today is this: as you read this edition of the Anchor, you will see the opportunity to give God glory for the blessings he provides his people, and our dear Academy, through change.

Lean upon God's words and promises during the uncertainty and anxious moments of change. God brings peace. God will bless. Always give him the last word.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7

Mr. David SchroederPrincipal

From the Principal…" Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. " - Benjamin Franklin

3WLAVIKINGS.ORG WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY | SUMMER 2019

[ FAMILY OF CHRIST ]

2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR THEMEChange is often difficult. It certainly was for the Apostle Paul. At one time he was a well-respected man in his synagogue and community, but then he became a follower of Christ, which eventually landed him in prison. Yet, through all of the changes he experienced in life—good and bad—he continued to find reason to rejoice in the Lord. God’s promises of love and forgiveness and salvation for all who believe is more than enough reason to rejoice. So, too, for the students, teachers, parents, pastors and members of the Winnebago Lutheran Academy Association.

Because of the Lord’s promises, no matter what changes or challenges we face in life, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Philippians 4:4)

Often times it is hard for us to see God’s love. We struggle daily with problems, changes, challenges, and temptations that God allows in our lives. We tend to focus on the negatives. We pick out every thing that goes wrong in our lives. It is hard for us to see things as good. God doesn’t say all things in our lives will be good, but rather that he can and will work everything out for good. I think we can all agree that cancer isn’t good, getting in a bad accident isn’t good, war isn’t good. That is why as Christians we put our trust in God and in his promise that he can and will work all things out for us in the way he sees best.

I picked this passage because it has helped me throughout my life and throughout the lives of many others. We struggle with little things everyday, get frustrated and wonder why we have to put up with them. Even as Christians we sometimes struggle so much that we doubt God’s existence, feel God hates us, or we hate him.

This is when we need a reminder from a passage like this. We all face challenges and this passage serves as a constant, encouraging reminder that we’re never alone and never have to go through anything alone. This passage brings us the comfort of knowing that God really is there, he has a plan, and he is going to work things out in whatever way he knows is best.

Dear Lord, sometimes we don’t understand the trials you place in our lives. Help us to remember your promise to always be there for us and work things out for us, in whatever way you see best. Amen.

| written by Micah HindsWLA Class of 2019

God will work it out.

“ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)”

59 by 95 Land Update Work continues on the contingencies regarding the land purchase. The committee is receiving multiple reports regarding wetlands and environmental surveys and is in the process of reviewing those reports. We plan to present all information to the congregations in August and September.

Kevin Ehlke, Mission Advancement DirectorMatthew Schmitz, Land Search Committee Chairman

4 SUMMER 2019 | WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY WLAVIKINGS.ORG

[ EXCELLING WITH CHRIST ]

›› upcoming events

CHANGE: New and Renewed Calls to WLAWinnebago Lutheran Academy has seen a lot of change in faculty and staff the last few months. Some of them are new to us. Some of them have accepted new responsibilities at WLA. We are very excited to have all of them on board! Please allow them to introduce themselves to you.

Mr. Kevin Ehlke has accepted the call to serve as Director of Mission Advancement.

I am blessed to be able to begin my work for you and the families of the WLA Association as your Director of Mission Advancement. I have been married to my wife Stephanie for 15 years, and we are blessed with three boys (Owen, Oliver, Simeon) and one girl (Adeline) ages 10, 8, 4, and 3. Prior to beginning in my new position at WLA, I served as the Director of Bands for the last eight years. I served my first nine years in ministry as the Director of Grade School Bands at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. As I transition into this new ministry, I am excited to see a whole new set of blessings God will provide through the work we do at Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

Mrs. Abby Kurth has accepted a one year call as Director of Bands, replacing Mr. Kevin Ehlke.

I am from the small town of Mazeppa, MN. A graduate of Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI, I went on to study at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. After graduating in 2014 with degrees in elementary education and secondary education in instrumental music, I married Jordan and moved to my first call in West Melbourne, Florida--all in the span of three weeks! I taught various groupings of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade, as well as general music classes until 2018, when my husband took a job at Ariens in Brillion, WI. I have been blessed to meet many children, families, teachers, and supporters of the various ministries across the Fond du Lac area in my role as Instructor of Grades School Bands this year. I am looking forward to guiding many more young musicians to use their gifts to the glory of God as Director of Bands next year.

Mr. Kevin Ehlke Mrs. Abby Kurth

JULY 29 WIAA Athlete & Parent

Meeting

AUGUST 9 Freshman Lock-In 14 Class of '23 Student Parent

Orientation 21 First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day - No School 10 Ladies Auxiliary 22-24 WELSSA Accreditation

Site Visit

OCTOBER 4 Skit Night 5 Homecoming Football vs

Lomira 24-25 Teacher Conference - No School

NOVEMBER 7-8 Choralfest @ WLA

5WLAVIKINGS.ORG WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY | SUMMER 2019

[ SERVANTS OF CHRIST ]Mr. Mark Heckendorf has accepted a one year call to teach in the science department and coach.

I am excited to bring 23 years of teaching and coaching experience and a variety of expertise to WLA. I have served in various capacities in two grade schools (St. Paul’s Plymouth, NE and St. Lucas, Kewaskum) and two high schools (WISCO and KMLHS) in addition to earning my master’s degree in Sport Administration from UW LaCrosse. I have organized more than 40 mission trips with high school students, helping them to learn the importance of not only learning, but also living their faith. I reside in Kewaskum, WI, with my wife Tammy, daughter Jordyn (a senior finishing up at KMLHS), two Golden Retrievers and three cats. My son Brandon is a sophomore at Clarke University in Iowa. I am most looking forward to contributing to the ministry focus at WLA through building relationships with students and families.

Mr. Travis Kretsch was assigned to WLA for one year to teach in the Social Studies department and coach. He will be relocating to the Fond du Lac area soon, after teaching in Oregon.

Hi I am Travis Kretsch. I was born and raised in New Ulm, Minnesota and have lived there for 23 years . After graduating from Martin Luther College in 2017, I received a one-year assignment to Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson. After that, I was assigned to Immanuel Lutheran School in Salem, OR. My wife Sarah and I were married on August 5th, 2017, and were recently blessed with our first child, Lyla. We love being active outside, playing all sorts of sports, spending time with family and friends, and being first time parents. Sarah and I are excited to see what the Lord has in store for our family at Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

Miss Alissa Ambroso has accepted a one year call to serve in the social studies department.

I feel blessed to be able to join the WLA Family this Fall! After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran College, I spent two wonderful, productive years teaching in Doral, Florida at Divine Savior Academy. Upon moving back to the Midwest, I began a graduate program through UW-Oshkosh and bought my first home in Neenah, where I taught in the public school system at the 8th grade level for that year. I am so excited to continue my ministry at WLA! I am most looking forward to building relationships among the student body and the faculty at WLA. It's what I love most about teaching! In my free time, I love spending time with my twin sister, younger brother, and my darling grandparents!

Mr. Mark Heckendorf

Miss Alissa Ambroso Mrs. Amanda Henry

Mrs. Laurel Papenfuss has accepted the call to teach Math full-time.

I am a 2004 graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy. I then graduated from Martin Luther College in 2008 with a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. I am a member of St. John’s, Lomira where my husband, Brian, serves as 7th and 8th grade teacher, and my two children, Julia and Levi, attend school. I am excited to continue my ministry at WLA in a full time capacity this school year. I am looking forward to being on campus all day and being able to connect with a greater number of students.

Mr. Travis Kretsch

Mrs. Laurel PapenfussMrs. Amanda Henry has accepted another one year call to serve in the phy ed. department and teach the foods class.

I grew up east of Fond du Lac, attending St. Paul's, Mt. Calvary. After graduating WLA in 2003, I attended Marian University, receiving my Bachelor's degree in education. I currently live in Fond du Lac with my husband Eric and our 3 children; Hudson 9, Dawson 7 and Stella 3. I spend most of my weekends helping at the family restaurant, Red Cabin at Green Acres, and attending our children's sporting events. I teach each summer at the Boys and Girls Club in Fond du Lac. I am looking forward to starting my second year at WLA in an increased capacity, bringing restaurant experience to the WLA foods class.

6 SUMMER 2019 | WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY WLAVIKINGS.ORG

Dave, and working as a pediatric hematology and oncology nurse in 14 hospitals around the country, Sarah met someone whom she could care for and who would change her life forever.

Her name is Kate--the hilarious, smart, kind, precocious, and beautiful daughter of Mike and Lindsay Rhoades. Kate was diagnosed with high risk pre-b cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 26 months old and found herself under Sarah’s care. Every Monday at 2 pm, Kate would come in for chemotherapy and Sarah was there to greet her. “A lot of people think that being a pediatric oncology nurse must be heart-wrenching, but it’s not,” Sarah says. “Don’t get me wrong. There are a lot of days that are really not great. But kids are so resilient. They will do anything to get back to what they want to do.” And Kate did get back to what she wanted to do! But four short months after her final treatment, the cancer suddenly and unexpectedly came back, and quickly took Kate’s life.

With the help of Kate’s Cause, a non-profit organization started by Kate’s parents, Lindsay and Mike, Sarah

Written by Pastor Philip Janke and Sarah Kaczor

4%. Less than 4% of the federal government’s total funding for cancer research is dedicated to childhood cancer each year. That is what one Winnebago Lutheran Academy graduate, Sarah (Werner) Kaczor, is trying to change.

Sarah (class of 1998) grew up in Oshkosh, WI and went to Winnebago Lutheran Academy, like many before and after her. For three years she did what any high school student would do--hung out with friends, did her homework, participated in sports and other activities, and tried to survive the high school years. Things changed her senior year when she became ill and found herself under the care of many loving doctors and nurses. The Lord was with her, just as he promises, and through that care she found what she wanted to do in her life.

The care Sarah received changed her life. She went from wanting a career in the sports field, to wanting to become a nurse herself so that she could care for others the way others cared for her. After attending Carroll University, meeting her husband

is raising awareness and funds to support research for better treatment and ultimately a cure for childhood cancer.

You can help, too, by participating in the second annual Kegs & Corks for Kid’s Cancer--an event on October 6th in Oshkosh, WI. Kegs and Corks for Kid’s Cancer was started in Virginia six years ago, where Sarah took care of Kate, and has raised over $50,000. All proceeds from this event go directly towards research for better treatment and a cure for childhood cancer. For more information visit Kegs and Corks for Kids Cancer on Facebook or go directly to the Eventbrite site--Wisconsin Kegs and Corks for Kids Cancer. Please also visit katescause.com or visit them on Facebook @prayersforkate.13 to learn more about Kate and Kate’s Cause.

Hanging on to God’s unchanging promises of love and life for everyone who believes, Sarah and Lindsay and Mike pray that the work they do can make a positive change in the lives of many families affected by childhood cancer. We can do better than 4%.

[ ALUMNI NEWS ]

›› feature alumnus

Ruth Glasow1929

Edna Stark 1932

Fern Weber 1943

Armin Nimmer 1951

Paul Hahm 1962

SCAN THIS CODE FOR A QUICK AND

EASY WAY TO SUPPORT

THE MISSION OF WLA

Sarah Kaczor Advocates for Kate’s Cause

Find Second Impressions on Facebook @secondimpressionsthrift https://www.facebook.com/secondimpressionsthrift/

OPENTues-Friday

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

▲ Sarah Kaczor with Kate Rhoades

7WLAVIKINGS.ORG WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY | SUMMER 2019

[ MEMORIALS | HONORARIUMS | DONORS ]

Thank you very much for your gifts to WLA! Thank you very much for your gifts to WLA! We are truly blessed by your generous outpouring of financial support. You are vital in paying down our debt to better position us for the future through Forward in Trust. Because of your gifts students who otherwise would struggle to afford a Christian education can receive tuition assistance to attend WLA. You also keep tuition more affordable through your gifts to our general operations. Your investment for eternity makes a huge impact in the lives of our students and is truly a blessing from our LORD. Thank you so much!

Memorials & HonorariumsCheryl Habeck

1976

Dennis Kollmann 1989

Candy Hinz 1995

Alisson Korthals 2006

Matt Edwards

2013

FORWARD IN TRUST BUILDING FUND In Memory ofBechler, Donald "Butch"Freiberg, JoannGronemeyer, FrankGustafson, JoyceHahn, ArdisHansen, DonnaHeferman, TeraKemnitz, LouisKoepke, MattKritzer, RobertLaRonge-Tesch, Mike & NickiLemke, Donald & DonnaMcTrusty, AmbroseMuentner, John SrNelson, PatriciaO'Reilly, DianeOrvis, LorinPape, RichardPriebe, EdRadichel, Doralee (Selle)Reible, Mr. & Mrs. CarlSchwartz, Mr. & Mrs. LeslieSchumacher, VickiSchumacher, YvonneSeffern, EvelynSheridan, RosemarySchibbelhut, John

STUDENT AID FUND In Memory ofBechler, Donald "Butch"Bernhard, RonDickman, HaroldFreiberg, JoannKemnitz, CarolKemnitz, LouisHahn, ArdisMcTrusty, Ambrose

Poch, NorbertRauls, RichardSchibbelhut, JohnStindt, DouglasWoldt, Alfons Zorn, Stephanie

Bequests In Honor ofEstate of Donald Habeck CHOIR In Memory of Kemnitz, Louis

BAND In Memory of Theisen, Jim

BASEBALL In Memory of Rahjes, John

CHEERLEADING In Memory of Rahjes, John

DRAMA In Memory ofBlanckaert, TerryTheisen, Jim

ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of Bechler, Donald "Butch" Gronemeyer, Frank Orvis, Lorin Radloff, James Schumacher, Vicki

ANNUAL FUND In Memory of Barstch, Otto Beske, Gerhardt Belling, Doris Hahn, Ardis Kaiser, Doris Kemnitz, Louis Koll, Paul LaRonge, Judi Priebe, Ed Weninger, Arline

BAND PROGRAMIn Memory of Bernhard, Ron

LUNCH PROGRAM In Memory ofOberhofer, Richard

ARTIn Memory of Freiberg, JoannKemnitz, Louis

MUSIC In Memory ofJahns, ErvinOrvis, Lorin

TEE-IT-UP for WLA (Student Aid Fund) In Memory ofBehrens, JoJoBehnke, AngieKleinke, ChuckKleinke, EarlOrvis, LorinSchumacher, RobertSchumacher, VickiWaldschmidt, Del & LorraineWestphal, Lothar

The LORD is with me.Psalm 118:6

475 EAST MERRILL AVENUEFOND DU LAC, WI 54935-3790wlavikings.org

what’s inside ››

Winnebago Lutheran Academy exists to glorify God by nurturing the growth of every student to live as Christ’s child within their families, congregations, and communities.

2 WELCOME MESSAGE from Principal Schroeder

3 FAMILY OF CHRIST God will work it out 2019-20 School Year Theme

4 EXCELLING WITH CHRIST CHANGE: New and Renewed Calls to WLA

6 ALUMNI NEWS Sarah Kaczor Advocates for Kate's Cause

7 MEMORIALS, HONORARIUMS & DONOR LISTS Thank you very much for your gifts to WLA!

8 SUMMER 2019 | WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN ACADEMY WLAVIKINGS.ORG

Non-ProfitUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 66

Fond du Lac, WI