50th Anniversary Booklet
Transcription
50th Anniversary Booklet
This fiftieth anniversary booklet is dedicated to the many, many Luther High School Volunteers. Blessings overflowing: LHS Volunteers Love for their Savior as well as for their area Lutheran High School has prompted many individuals to volunteer their time, talents, and treasures to help Luther High whenever help was needed. The countless hours invested in meetings, projects, supervision, and other areas of service have truly been labors of love. Luther High will forever be indebted to all who have given so unselfishly of themselves to further the mission of the school. May the good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters! Galations 6:15 T his 50th anniversary booklet recounts the second twenty-five years of Luther High School history. The first twenty-five years were recounted in the first anniversary booklet of 1982, which is available on the Luther High web site: www.luther.k12.wi.us/generalinfo/ History LHS/25th Anniversary. This anniversary booklet will also be available on the web site. after September, 2007. Some of the information from the first twenty-five years is also included here. The anniversary theme for the first twenty five years was “In Touch With Time and Eternity.” The theme for the 50th anniversary is “Education for Eternity.” The 50th anniversary will be celebrated on September 16, 2007, in a special service thanking God for His many blessings given to Luther High School. Pastor Paul Ziemer, a past principal of the high school, will preach the anniversary sermon, and Pastor Frank Italiano Jr. will conduct the liturgy. The Conference of Delegates resolved that as an expression of thanksgiving to God for Luther High School’s 50th anniversary we encourage people to give special gifts at this time and in the future toward tuition assistance, both for current needs and for endowment. Besides producing this booklet and planning the celebration, the anniversary committee has been selling commemorative ornaments and envelope seals and has produced a DVD to help celebrate the past 50 years. Anniversary committee members are David Adickes, Chairman; LaVonne Zietlow and Betty Falkenberg, Refreshments Committee; Richard Bakken, Worship Committee; Ralph Stellick and Peg Pieper, Commemorative Items/Mementos Committee; Pastor Mark Bartling and Keith Heinze, Booklet Committee; John Roellich, Early History; Joleen Stratman and Dave Adickes, Publicity Committee; Paul Wichmann, Advisory. We apologize for any incorrect facts or dates and any omission of names in this booklet. 1 Education for Eternity Preface Mission Statement Mission Statement Luther High School provides a Christ-centered education that encourages and equips students for life and for eternity. Vision Statement Luther High School desires that its students, mindful of baptismal grace, live the holiness that God gave to them in Christ. Objectives Therefore, Luther High School will keep Christ in higher education by... 1. faithfully proclaiming and applying the Word of God through the teaching of classes, life skills, and activities in accordance with the Lutheran Confessions. 2. promoting spiritual growth and maturity through the proper use of God’s Law and Gospel. 3. encouraging and training students to testify and witness to the Gospel of Christ throughout their lives. 4. instilling a desire for knowledge, understanding and wisdom while taking “every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) 2 I. Introduction II. The Second 25 Years III. Physical Growth of the Building IV. Member Congregations V. Member Schools VI. Principals VII. Curriculum VIII. Graduates IX. Faculty & Support Staff 1957-2007 X. Music Department XI. Athletic Department XII. Drama Department XIII. Growth in Technology XIV. Supporting Organizations XV. Student Organizations XVI. Board of Control Members XVII. Graph Showing Tuition XVIII. Graph Showing Enrollment IX. Fiftieth Anniversary Bulletin 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents I. Introduction God’s Grace from Generation to Generation J esus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 In a world of changes, what comfort and confidence this divinely inspired Word of God affords! Indeed, Luther High School has experienced many changes in its fifty year history. This booklet chronicles many of those changes during the past twenty-five years. But the most important characteristic of Luther High School is that it has not changed. The unchanging principle purpose of Luther High School is to provide a Christ-centered education. Such an education is one that not only has function and value now, but truly is, as our anniversary theme reminds us, an “Education for Eternity.” Daily we have the opportunity to share the changeless message of God’s Law and Gospel. May the Holy Spirit, who has called us by the Gospel, continue to strengthen and keep us steadfastly faithful to keeping Christ central to all of Luther High School’s endeavors. From the first days of school in 1957 to the present, the expressed purpose and aim of Luther High School was and remains “Keeping Christ in Higher Education.” Luther High School’s principal from 1977-1995, Dr. James Raabe, expressed the significance of that motto well in the words which follow: Luther High School lays its foundation on the inspired and inerrant Word of God and requires that its curriculum and faculty be in line with this cornerstone. The philosophy and purpose of Luther High School are embodied in the school motto, “Keeping Christ in Higher Education.” This motto has a two-fold thrust. The first part speaks of Christ; the second part of higher education. 4 Keeping Christ (in Higher Education) Scripture tells us that by nature all men are sinful and as such are subject to eternal condemnation. In His love for man God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die for all mankind. Through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection all mankind has been freed from the eternal punishment of sin. Working through His Word, God the Holy Spirit creates and maintains faith in all believers so that the blessings of salvation become theirs. At Luther High School regular instruction in God’s Word is given both in the classroom and in chapel services so that the child of God might grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, might be equipped to evaluate all earthly wisdom in the light of God’s saving Word, might be zealous in leading a god-pleasing life, and might be desirous of spreading the good news of salvation to all the world. Christ is kept in higher education. (Keeping Christ) in Higher Education The higher education students at Luther High School receive includes training in the various branches of secular learning so that they may be prepared for continuing their education, whether that be in colleges, universities, technical schools, or in the worker training schools of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, or so that they may be prepared for entering the adult world of work. For this purpose the curriculum is designed so that the students receive a basic foundation in the various disciplines of learning as well as knowledge and training in the process of learning. school. God’s Word tells Christians that they are the light of the world, that they are the salt of the earth, that they are stewards of God’s gifts, and that a steward must be faithful. All school activity, both within and without the classroom, is conducted with the aim of reminding students of and strengthening them in these fundamental truths of God’s Word. While our motto speaks of two parts, Christ and higher education, yet it is but one, for the word, “keeping,” implies that the two are tied together. Scripture tells us that without the fear of God there is no real understanding; without God’s Word that which is taught is useless and in vain. At Luther High School all teaching is done in accordance with God’s Word and in the light of what God’s Word says. In the secular subjects as well as in religious instruction what God’s Word says on the matter reigns supreme. Where a conflict exists between what man’s wisdom teaches and what God’s Word teaches, God’s Word is accepted without question. Dual Purpose Luther High School, then, has as its purpose the training and encouraging of young men and women so that they fulfill their dual roles as good and useful citizens of our community, state, and country; and also as dedicated citizens of God’s kingdom. We strive to fulfill this dual purpose by “Keeping Christ in Higher Education.” “Keeping Christ in Higher Education” applies not only to specific instruction which takes place at Luther High School, but it also applies to the overall aims and objectives of the school as they are carried out in counseling, in the varying areas of student life, in extracurricular activities, and in all other activities associated with the 5 II. The Second 25 Years 1982-1983 “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” -class of ‘83 motto Stimulated and encouraged by its 25th anniversary service and celebration, Luther High School began its second twenty-five year period with some ambitious and innovative programs. A Financial Advisory Council consisting of the following five committees was established: Accounting and Reporting, Delinquent Tuition, Congregation Fair Share Commitment, Tuition, and Alternative Funding. A budget of $532,861 was approved. Another supporting organization, Patrons of LHS, began with the purpose of supplying the difference in revenue between receipts and budget. Dr. James Raabe, Principal, organized an Administrative Council to assist and advise the principal’s office. The Council consisted of the Vice Principal, Mark Bartling; Registrar, Roland Helmreich; Guidance Counselor, Keith Heinze; Athletic Director, Neil Scriver; and Music Department Chairman, David Adickes. The computer age at LHS began with a donation of a computer for the office and the beginning of a computer science course. A newly formed Outreach Committee sponsored the annual Knight for a Day program. In addition, a delegram to help inform delegates and congregations was also initiated by Dr. Raabe. The financial report of the 25th anniversary collection was $76,826. The Doctor Martin Luther College Assignment Committee assigned Richard Pinski to Luther 6 to be band director. The one year assignment became a permanent Call in January. In July Dan Kunz accepted the Call to teach English. In October Wayne Johnson resigned due to family obligations. Jon Benrud was called to fill in for the remainder of the year. He accepted a permanent Call in March. Pastor Thomas Hilliard took a Call in October to serve several parishes in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. To help fill his position, Clyde Wobeck was called to serve as a substitute for the remainder of the year. His Call was made permanent in March. During the school year the Lord saw fit to afflict Gale Peterson with a number of physical ailments which forced him to give up his classroom duties for the year. Lori Lankey served as substitute to help ease the burden of Mr. Peterson’s absence. Neil Scriver resigned at the end of the school year to help in his family’s business. Susan Hopkins accepted the Call to replace Mr. Scriver in the business department. Kathleen Van Loon became the bookkeeper to free Principal Raabe to carry out his other responsibilities more fully. 1983-1984: “We do not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future” replace the two NSP power poles that were remaining in the middle of the hill of sand left from the Hoffman sale. This allowed for more flat land for a football practice field and relocation of the softball field. Pastor Nommensen took a year’s leave of absence to work on a book of sermons dealing with the revelation of God in nature. -class of ‘84 motto Highlights of this year were the installation of lights on the football field and a new bell and intercom system. The Board adopted a policy concerning students who are involved in a pregnancy. A special service of thanksgiving and praise was held January 8, 1984, to commemorate 25 years in the teaching ministry for David Adickes and Roger Hinz. 1985-1986: “I am convinced that neither the present nor the future will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Pastor Bartling asked to be relieved of his duties as vice-principal so that he could devote more time to the classroom. The Board accepted Principal Raabe’s recommendation that the vice-principal’s duties be divided into two parts and be assigned to two men, an Assistant Principal for Administrative Affairs, who would work primarily with the busing and building and grounds maintenance, and an Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, who would work primarily with the activity schedule, student eligibility, and attendance. Keith Heinze accepted the Call to be Assistant Principal for Administrative Affairs, and David Adickes accepted the Call to be Assistant Principal for Student Affairs. -class of ‘86 motto Key school support groups (Alumni Association, Ladies Auxiliary, Music Backers, Booster and Booster Club) met to coordinate their efforts. The Board of Control began to study the feasibility of introducing forensics, Spanish, and art. The Conference of Delegates rejected a motion to permit dancing at Luther. Two missionaries, Mark Rieke of Zambia and Arthur Guenther from the Apache Mission fields, spoke to the student body, Nov 20, 1985. Pastor A. Stuebs, first board chairman, officiated at the special service of thanksgiving for making the final mortgage payment. 1984-1985: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” -class of ‘85 motto Hoffman Construction purchased sand from Luther to help convert Highway 157 to four lanes (100,000 cubic yards @ .20/yard). The Delegates voted to purchase 10 acres for $70,000 from Glen Jergens. The property joined Luther to the north and allowed for expanded parking, increased physical education/athletic area. The Delegates also approved the sale of 8.6 acres in the northwest corner of the property to Lutheran Hospital for $100,000. Part of the income was used to pay for the Jergens property. Domke Construction purchased 50,000 cubic yards of sand for .35/yard. The money was used to relocate and 7 1986-1987 “We are not in darkness for Christ is our lamp unto the future” -class of ‘87 motto A long range planning committee was appointed by the board chairman, Pastor Kloehn. The first annual Area Lutheran High School Principals’ Conference met in Arizona. The theme was “The Distinctive Christian Nature of our Schools.” Janine Carmichael, a sophomore from St. John’s Nodine, was taken to her Lord after a long illness. Willie Veglahn, a junior from First Lutheran, La Crescent, was taken to his Lord after suffering a severe asthma attack. A study concerning third source funding was begun. A committee to plan the celebration for teachers who have completed 25 and 40 years of teaching was appointed. Pastor Bartling accepted a Call to be pastor at Mt. Calvary, La Crosse. The Senior Class was granted permission for an overnight stay for their class trip. The dress code was changed to permit blue jeans for a one year trial period. The Board of Control allowed the band to withdraw from the Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade because of previous problems with unruly people on the parade route. 1987-1988 “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:01 -class of ‘88 motto Freshman Richard Clark was taken to his Lord as a result of a drowning accident. Gale Peterson celebrated 25 years in the teaching ministry. Clyde Wobeck was assigned duties to become the “Special Help Coordinator” for students that need extra help with classes. Luther High School Foundation for long range funding was established with Marvin Manske as president. A deficit reduction fund was also established. Steve Hinz directed the Sound Foundation for the year as David Adickes asked to step down as director. 1988-1989 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 -class of ‘89 motto Congregations were encouraged to give the Direct Regular Contribution Fund careful consideration. The First annual All Association Picnic was held in May, 1989, to reintroduce the Luther rallies held in the school’s early years. Eric Lange helped cover classes. He remained on staff until the end of the year while Gale Peterson had leg surgery and struggled with kidney problems. Roland Helmreich and Clyde Wobeck celebrated 25 years in the teaching ministry. Richard Pinski accepted a Call to Shoreland Lutheran High School, Somers, Wisconsin. Gale Peterson resigned due to poor health. Until Pastor John Boehringer accepted the Call to teach religion and direct Sound Foundation, area Pastors and 8 new entrance from the parking lot, improved parking facilities, and a separate storage building. The second phase would be an association center, incluing an expanded gymnasium and a chapel/auditorium. 1989-1990 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:31 1991-1992 “We know not what the future holds, but we know who holds the future” -class of ‘92 motto Conference of Delegates approved the Phase I of the building program. -class of ‘90 motto Kristin Boswell accepted the Call to teach English and coach. Joel Babinec accepted the Call to teach math and science, and Keith Wordell accepted the Call for band director. Cathy Starke accepted the Call to teach English. Otto Mammel had colon surgery. WIAA announced that Luther would become a member of the Dairyland Conference beginning with the 1991-1992 school year. Tom Mellon accepted a Call to teach biology at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Jackson, Wisconsin. 1992-1993 “Fear not tomorrow, God is already there” Luther granted the City of Onalaska a three foot easement for the sidewalk that runs west from the driveway on Wilson Street. 1990-1991 “The Lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” Psalm 121:7-8 -class of ‘93 motto The Conference of Delegates approved having dancing as a social activity at Luther. The first dance was held January 22, 1993. The Building Up Blessings for Our Youth program was started to gather funds for the building project. Between the anniversary fund, bequests, and gifts, $700,000 had been collected. The Conference of Delegates at the May, 1993, meeting was able to approve construction of all three parts of Phase I of the building program: commons/kitchen area, second music room, five classrooms, chemistry lab and office complex. Estimated cost was $940,000. Carlson Engineering, Tomah, Wisconsin, drew up the plans, and Joe Lee was the overseer of the project. -class of ‘91 motto Luther was recognized by The National Assessment of Education Progress in its annual study of schools in the nation. Otto Mammel celebrated 40 years in the teaching ministry. Cathy Starke accepted a Call to teach K-3 in Hoskins, Nebraska. Mark Loersch accepted the Call to teach biology and math and coach. Pastor John Boehringer accepted a Call to St. John’s, Watertown, Wisconsin. Tim Spaude, a Seminary student, accepted a one year Call to replace Pastor Boehringer. Kurt Wittmershaus accepted the choral/academic Call. Pastor Kevin Lisk accepted the Call for religion and foreign language. The Conference of Delegates considered a two phase capital improvement plan from TCI Contractors. Phase I would include additional classrooms, new kitchendining facility, music facilities, relocation of the office complex, modification of some existing classrooms, a 9 1993-1994 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:31 -class of ‘94 motto The building addition consisting of commons/kitchen, classrooms, and entryway/office complex was dedicated in February. setting tuition rates based on each congregation’s percent of reaching or exceeding their fair share. The proposal was not accepted. A four level discipline process was implemented and also a revised pregnancy policy was instituted. Pastor Nommensen retired in January of 1993. The Friends of Luther support group was organized. Because of financial shortages, a plan was proposed 1994-1995 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not ot harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 -class of ‘95 motto “Open Commons” was tried for the activity period with the purpose of keeping the students on campus instead of going downtown. Concert Choir 2 (Cantate Choir) was started for the freshmen and sophomores to give these classes the opportunity to cultivate musical talents all year rather than just before Christmas and Easter concerts. The area under the stage was remodeled for wrestling and weight training. Otto Mammel retired at the end of the school year. After serving as Luther’s Principal for 19 years, the Lord suddenly called Dr. Raabe to his eternal rest in a tragic automobile accident on August 1, 1995. “Doc” had faithfully fed Christ’s lambs throughout his ministry. Prior to coming to Luther, Dr. Raabe served as Principal at Saint Paul Lutheran School, Wonewoc, Wisconsin. He was survived by his mother, wife, and three children. 1995-1996 “We don’t know what tomorrow holds but we know who holds tomorrow” -class of ‘96 motto Kevin Westerman was hired as business manager. Upon Dr. Raabe’s untimely death, Pastor Roy Hefti served as interim principal. Becky Lussky was added to the staff as part-time teacher to cover Spanish, and Connie Bader became a part-time teacher for the business department. Jim Rupprecht accepted the Call to serve in the Lutheran Elementary Band Program (LEB). Joanna Siegler took over LEB lessons for Keith Wordell. After Barbara Dettmering resigned, Marion Radichel became the school secretary. 10 1996-1997 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:31 -class of ‘97 motto David Kuske preached for the anniversary service. Paul Wichmann accepted the Call for principal. Luther entered the computer age as the Board called James Mahnke to head the technology department. After 40 years of faithful service, Lois Buss retired from the teaching ministry. Kristen Boswell resigned to get married. Kurt Wittmershaus resigned to work, travel, and study in Germany. Paul Adickes accepted the Call to direct the Concert Choir and Sound Foundation and teach math and English. Kari Rosenberg accepted the Call to be girls’ physical education instructor and teach English and math. Kristine Klug was called to teach English. Keith Heinze and Paul Dable celebrated 25 years in the teaching ministry. A building committee was formed for the upcoming addition. Luther was chosen as one of the exemplary WELS Lutheran High Schools through the Ministry in Lutheran High Schools Recognition Program sponsored by AAL. The Board of Control authorized a self study which would evaluate Luther’s educational program based on scriptural and sound educational principles and provide the basis for developing a plan for improvements by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Luther High celebrated its fortieth anniversary under the theme “Sharing the Promise -The Mission Continues.” Former Principal and current Seminary Professor 1997-1998 “For this God is our God for ever and ever, He will be our guide even to the end” Psalm 48:14 - class of 98 motto After receiving a $1 million matching fund grant, plans began for a new building project: Including, Phase l - gymnasium ($1.5 million); Phase II -chapel/auditorium, 535 seats ($890,000); Phase III – classrooms ($565,000). The part-time Calls for Becky Lussky and Connie Bader were extended for the 1997-98 school year. Connie Bader began the Individual Instructional Assistance Program. Joanna Siegler resigned to pursue WELS certification at MLC. Dan Kunz celebrated 25 years in the teaching ministry. Because Lois Buss retired, Zimmerman Driving School took over Driver’s Education. LHS completed the self study. Delegates approved the selling and removal of the principal’s house on the hill for $8,200. The sand in the hill was sold to Swanson Heavy moving for .75/yard. Construction of an eight lane asphalt running track was completed. 11 Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Burr Oak, Wisconsin, was accepted into the Luther High School Association. 1998-1999 “God has said, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 -class of’99 motto A Parent Network to foster communication between families was organized. Wisconsin Non-Public School Accrediting Association granted accreditation to LHS. Technology continued to progress with an internet connection and web site. Phase I of the building project at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. A service of thanksgiving and groundbreaking ceremony was held May 19, 1999. Henry Leibl agreed to be the construction manager and Keith Heinze was the approved representative of the building committee. Jim Rupprecht accepted the Call to direct Cantate Choir and the Lutheran Elementary Band (LEB) program and teach in another discipline. Nate Amundson accepted the Call to teach in the LEB program. Dave Adickes and Roger Hinz celebrated 40 years in the teaching ministry. The Conference of Delegates engaged Dave Hollstrom of Construction Express to draw up plans for the three phase building project. At the February, 1999, meeting the Conference of Delegates voted to proceed with 1999-2000 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand” Isaiah 41:10 -class of ‘00 motto campus in exchange for $43,000 over ten years. Becky Lussky and Connie Bader accepted permanent full-time Calls. David Adickes became a parttime instructor. Clyde Wobeck and Roger Hinz retired at the end of the school year. Kristine Klug resigned to get married. The Luther family reached the third generation when Jamie Kroll enrolled. Her father, John Kroll, graduated in 1981 and her grandmother, Linda (Ragner) Kroll, was a member of the second graduating class. Dedication of Phase I (The Association Center) was held August 20. Pastor Warnecke (class of 1975) was the guest speaker. Luther received $1,030,000 in pledges and $1.1 million in matching funds. A new parking lot for 172 cars was added north of the softball field. Dr. Wayne Schmidt, Luther’s first principal, was called to his eternal rest, June 3, 2000. He was 73 years old. During his service at Luther from 1957-71 he also served the Lord’s kingdom as a pulpit assistant at First Lutheran, La Crosse, (1963-71) and campus pastor at UW-L (1966-69). He was survived by his wife, Bonnie, and two children. The Board of Control signed a contract with Pepsi Cola giving them exclusive rights to sell beverages on the Luther 12 2000-2001 “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” Revelation 2:10 -class of ‘01 motto The 40th anniversary of Heidelberg was celebrated. The Conference of Delegates approved a classroom window infill project for energy efficiency. English and coach. Pastor Jonathan Bilitz accepted the Call to teach religion and social studies and to coach. Mark Ross accepted the Call to teach math and coach women’s sports. James Mahnke accepted a one year Call to do Activities Director duties, and Roland Helmreich accepted a one year Call to be Attendance Officer. Stephanie Riley, an MLC STEP graduate, was assigned to Luther to teach Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cochrane, Wisconsin, was accepted into the Luther High School Association. 2001-2002 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 -class of ‘02 motto Trees were planted in the area on each side of the foot ball concession stand. Acoustical baffles were installed in the new gym. Mark Otte accepted a Call to Kettle Moraine High School, Jackson, Wisconsin, to teach science and coach football. Keith Wordell accepted a Call to West Lutheran High School, Plymouth, Minnesota, to take over the band program. James Rupprecht accepted the Call to direct band and Cantate Choir and be music department chairman. Stephanie Riley resigned to get married. Over one hundred grandparents attended the first annual Grandparents Day. 2002-2003 “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:20b -class of ‘03 motto Phase l of Association center was paid. Greg Schibbelhut accepted the Call to teach science and coach. Patti Appold accepted the Call to teach English and coach. The one year calls for James Mahnke and Roland Helmreich were extended for one more year. Roland Helmreich celebrated 40 years in the teaching ministry. The Board approved using the FACTS tuition management program to handle tuition payments. As part of the capital improvement plan, furnaces on the east end of the building (original wing) were replaced with 5 energy efficient furnaces. A revised constitution and by-laws for LHS were approved by the Conference of Delegates. The debt for 13 2003-2004 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 -class of ‘04 motto Conference of Delegates authorized adding the position of Association Resource Coordinator (ARC) to develop financial support for the high school. Ken Brueske was hired for this position. The Good Steward Store provided a gift of $40,000 to be matched by other gifts to the high school. Grace Lutheran Church, Ridgeway, Minnesota, and English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Viroqua, were accepted into membership in the Luther High School Association. the Recruitment and Development Committee to its structure. Each of the existing committees was reduced by one to accommodate the addition. After being approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), Luther was authorized by the government to enroll foreign exchange students. Century Tel paid $3500 for an easement on a 30’x30’ piece of Luther property to house its switch equipment. The Board of Control approved the withdrawal of the marching band from Oktoberfest Parade because of problems with the rowdy crowd. James Mahnke’s one year administrative Call was made permanent. Roland Helmreich and David Adickes retired from the teaching ministry. The Board of Control added 2004-2005 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” Psalm 91:11,12 -class of ‘05 motto The class of 1964 celebrated their 40th anniversary. The Good Steward store matched up to $50,000 in donations. Rick Cody, Principal of Christ West Salem, filled in as math instructor upon Roland Helmreich’s retirement. Luther’s facilities while they were participating in the Heartland Defense Exercise, which culminated in a mock train derailment August 8 in West Salem. The organizers requested Luther’s help because it is centrally located and using an area school would simulate what they would do in the event of a real disaster. It was a privilege and an honor to assist the military and the community in this exercise. Let us pray that the experience gained from this drill never has to be put to use in a real disaster. The Sound Foundation and the band had the privilege of performing at a rally for President George W. Bush held at the Omni Center in Onalaska. The 452D Combat Support Hospital personnel, who had just returned from a ten month tour in Afghanistan, used 14 Luther High received accreditation from Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation (WELSSA) and Wisconsin Religious and Independent School Accreditation (WRISA). 2005-2006 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand” Isaiah 41:10 The library was converted to a combination library/ study hall. Jason Hagedorn accepted the Call to teach math and coach athletics. Dan Kunz retired from the teaching ministry. Kevin Westerman resigned as the school bookkeeper. Gwen Schroeder, a CPA, took his place. -class of ‘06 motto The Good Steward Store matched donations up to $75,000. 2006-2007 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 -class of ‘07 motto Brad Shaper accepted the Call to teach English and coach athletics. The Board of Control adopted a School Wellness Policy. The Association Resource Coordinator Position was eliminated because of budget constraints. become quite a landmark for Luther High School and the City of Onalaska. Luther’s geographic location makes it a prime spot for the cellular company to serve both the I-90 and Highway 53 corridors. The Lord’s blessings often come in unusual ways. The 50th anniversary committee set ”Education for Eternity” as the anniversary theme. The celebration was held September 16, 2007, in the Association Center with the theme “O Rejoice Ye Christians Loudly.” Pastor Paul Ziemer, a former Principal at Luther, preacher; and Pastor Frank Italiano Jr., class of 1991, served as the liturgist. The Conference of Delegates voted to help the founders’ dream of a tuition free school become a reality by dedicating 50th anniversary gifts to an endowment fund which will be used to reduce tuition. At its special meeting April 17, the Conference of Delegates voted to allow a stealth flag pole/ cellular tower to be placed on Luther property. The lease with Einstein Wireless is renewable every five years for up to twenty years. The first year’s revenue will be $1500 per month with a 4% increase each successive year. The pole (30” in diameter by 120’ tall) is illuminated at night and flies a 25’ x 45’ flag (a Perkins’ flag is 20’ x 30’). It is located beyond the right field fence of the baseball field with an access road from Oak Forest Drive. It has 15 III. Physical Growth of the Building Built on the Rock Following is the description of the original Luther High School property in 1954 as written in the Historical Background Section of the Luther High School Twenty Fifth Anniversary Booklet: Unimproved is too mild an adjective to describe it. One could gain access to the fortyacre plot by means of two small entrances, one at each end of the site. Neither entrance was easy to find for those unacquainted with a plat book of the area. One entrance was from the east off County Trunk SA and the other from the west at the end of Wilson Street in Onalaska. The latter entrance still left the explorer in such a maze that he usually turned around and returned home without realizing that he had actually discovered the proposed campus he was seeking. In addition, the new acreage was very hilly. No spot offered sufficiently level ground upon which to begin to think of erecting a building. However, when a building loan was eventually applied for, the appraisal of the land proved invaluable in obtaining a loan from the First Federal Savings and Loan Company in La Crosse. The property was a wise choice from an investment viewpoint. As the area around the property changed and grew, it impacted the development of Luther. The sand knolls and hills became very attractive to the contractors building new roadways in the area. The sale of sand was a dual blessing. The money funded capital improvements and operating expenses, and the level ground helped expand athletic fields. From the very beginning the Lord has used sandy knolls and hills to continually bless His school. The fond memories of older graduates include sand burrs and blowing sand. Those days are almost over. Even though the building may have been built on changing sand, the firm rock of Christ crucified has been the spiritual foundation of Luther from the very beginning. The motto “Keeping Christ in Higher Education” has remained rock solid for 50 years. Luther Rally Site of Future School 16 First Addition Laying Sod Contin ued Con structio n Changing Landscape Future Association Center What used to be the hot lunch room & kitchen has become the commons & hallway 17 18 Christ West Salem, WI 1962 Christ Cochrane, WI 2001 Immanuel La Crescent, MN 1962 English Lutheran Viroqua, WI 2004 First La Crescent, MN 1962 First La Crosse, WI 1962 Good Shepherd Holmen, WI 1978 19 IV. Member Congregations Bethel Galesville, WI 1978 Goodview Trinity Winona, MN - 1974 St. John’s Caledonia 1980 Immanuel La Crosse, WI 1962 Grace La Crosse, WI - 1962 St. John’s Lewiston, MN 1995 Grace Dakota, MN - 2003 St. Matthew’s Winona, MN 1975 St. John’s Nodine, MN - 1962 St. Paul’s Bangor, WI 1962 Mt. Calvary La Crosse, WI - 1962 20 St. Michael’s Fountain City, MN 1973 St. Peter Hamburg, WI 1962 Christ Burr Oak, WI 1997 St. Peter’s Chaseburg, WI 1962 St. John’s Barre Mills, WI 1962 St. Paul’s Onalaska, WI 1962 St. John’s Sparta, WI 1980 St. Paul Tomah, WI 1975 St. Matthew’s Stoddard, WI 1962 Zion Hokah, MN 1962 21 V. Member Schools St. Paul’s - Bangor, WI First Lutheran - La Crosse, WI Christ/St. John’s - West Salem, WI St. John’s - Lewiston, MN Immanuel - La Crosse, WI St. John’s - Nodine, MN Mount Calvary/Grace La Crosse, WI 22 St. John’s - Sparta, WI St. John’s - Caledonia, MN St. John’s - Caledonia St. Paul - Tomah, WI St. Paul’s - Onalaska, WI English - Viroqua, WI St. Matthew’s - Stoddard, WI St. Matthew’s - Winona, MN 23 VI. Principals Rev. Wayne Schmidt 56/57-70/71 Rev. David Kuske 71/72-72/73 Rev. Paul Ziemer 73/74-75/76 Mr. Paul Wichmann 96-present Dr. James Raabe 76/77-94/95 24 VII. Curriculum 1957-2007 Religion English En History Geography G EconomicsSocialStudEco ies Government vernment C ConsumerEconomics rEconomi Psychology sychology AlgebraMath A Geometry eometry Biology C ChemistryPhysics hemistryPhysics cs Science Latin Lati German Spanish Mus man Music Band Typing ComputerScience Co Religion English Hist gion History Geography EconomicsSocialStudies Econo conomicsSocialS Government overnment Consume ConsumerEconomics merEconomics Psy Psychology AlgebraMath Algebra Geometry etry Biology ChemistryPhysics hemistryPhys Science Latin L German Spanish nish Music Band and Typing T ComputerScience mpute ReligSoionthatEnglish History Geography EconomicsSocialStudies our school and its curriculum best serve our students’ needs, we have regular reviews of the curriculum which entail looking at what we are currently offering, examining post high school Government ConsumerEconomics Psychology requirements, and studying the course offerings and requirements of other schools.AlgebraMath Geometry Biology ChemistryPhysics Science Once needs have been identified, three key factors weigh heavily in the consideration:Latin scheduling, Gerbudget, and staffing. With these pivotal questions in mind, the 2000-2001 school year brought the changes: mfollowing an Spanish Music Band Typing ComputerScience Religion Graduation English History Geography EconomicsSocialStudies requirements rose from 21.8 to 23 Government ConsumerEconomics Psychology AlgebraMath Foundations and general level classes received the same value. Advanced level classes con tinued to receive added value. This change enabled students to achieve a performance based Geometry ChemistryPhysics Science Latin GerGPA at theirBiology respective God-given abilities. man Art, Spanish Music Band Reliband, choir and physical education receivedTyping letter grades, ComputerScience which were included in a student’s GPA and counted as part of the minimum course load for Juniors and Seniors gion English History Geography EconomicsSocialStudies 9th and 10th grade physical education, sophomore religion and freshmen science courses added class hours. Government ConsumerEconomics Psychology AlgebraMath Geometry Biology ChemistryPhysics Science Latin German Regular curriculum review assists Luther in making changes which will best serve our students and assure that our primary focus continues to be “Keeping Christ in Higher Education.” Spanish Music Band Typing ComputerScience Religion English History Geography EconomicsSocialStudies Government ConsumerEconomics Psychology AlgebraMath Geometry Biology ChemistryPhysics Science Latin German Spanish Music Band Typing ComputerScience Religion English History Geography EconomicsSocialStudies Government 25 X General English Am Lit, Adv Am Lit, Brit Lit, Adv Brit Lit Foundations of English Dev. Reading I, II Journalism I, II X Ancient & Medieval History World History Western Civilization Modern European History US History Geography Economics Economic Theory Soc Studies(Sociology/Economics) Social Issues Social Science Sociology Sociology and Government Government Life Issues/Current Events Consumer Economics Consumer Education Psychology Minorities X Algebra/Geometry/Algebra II Pre Calculus Advanced Placement Calculus Pre-Algebra Business Math Advanced Mathematics Basic Math & Consumer Math X Consumer Math Biology/Chemistry/Physics General Science Physical Science Technical Physics Advanced Biology Health Foundations of Biology Agricultural Science Earth Science Scientific Thought X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 2007 X 2002 X 1997 1977 X 1992 1972 X 1987 1967 Religion (all class levels) Introduction to the Bible Church History Gospels Acts & Epistles Old Testament Survey History of Christian Thought CLASS 1982 1962 The Curriculum 1957-2007 1957 VII X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 26 X X X X X Life Science Latin I - IV Latin I - II German I - IV German I - II Spanish I Spanish II Adv. Spanish II Physical Education Life Fitness Chorus/Choir Freshmen Music Music Appreciation Music Theory Instrumental Instruction Band Typing I - II Typing I Personal Typing Keyboarding Computer Science/Computer Literacy Computer Applications I - II Shorthand I Shorthand II Bookkeeping Accounting Office Practice Stenography Library Orientation Driver Education Art/Selected Topics Art 3D/Photo I - II & Painting I - II X X X X X X X X X X X X X 2007 2002 1997 1992 1987 1982 1977 1972 1967 1962 1957 CLASS X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 27 VIII. Graduates from 1982-2006 * = honors V = valedictorian S = salutatorian N – National Merit Scholarship Finalist P = active WELS pastor T = active WELS teacher 1982 (66) Andrus, Eugene-P Aspeslet, David Bateman, David Beffa, Raymond Benson, John Biermeier, Sara*-T Burmeister, Joel Cady, Caryl-T Corton, Elva Dummer, David Emery, Angelia Erbe, Chris Feddersen, Dale*-S Grassman, Karla* Gundersen, Karen Handy, Gwen Hemerley, Jayne Hillert, Brian Holzhausen, Brian Johnson, Denise Kapanke, Susan* Kish, Kristi Kitzmann, Timothy*-V Klug, Timothy Kopp, Jeffrey Kreger, Karen Krueger, Tammy Lamar, Tamara Lenser, Paul Lewiston, Mary Martin, Andrew Matzke, Dawn Miller, Dawn Moe, Michael Noth, Susan Olson, Lottie Olson, Randy Otto, Laurie Papenfuss, Kim Parcher, Ivan Pralle, Scott Preston, Stacy* Proksch, Rodney Ross, John Rudolph, Wade Sattler, John Scheck, Greg Schroeder, Susan* Scriver, Paul-T Seiler, Thomas Smith, Steven Thielker, Susan Torgerud, Tamie Valentine, Sara Volden, Brent Voter, Eric* Warnecke, John Wehrenberg, Diane Wehrs, Denise* Wehrs, Marc* Wendland, Beth*-T Wendorf, Sandra* Witt, Brian Witt, Mark Wrobel, Wayne Zahn, Michael 1983 (60) Asp, Sandra Beckendorf, Thomas Bernhardt, Cynthia Bonow, Tracy Breitsprecher, Trudy Brostrom, Kathleen Brown, Kristine Dahlby, Susan Doelger, Rachel* Duehlmeyer, Jane Dunnum, Scott Eckelberg, Bruce Erbe, Scott Gates, Patricia Gerke, Donald Handy, Jeanne Hemker, David Hemker, Debra Hinz, Steven* Hoppmann, Mary Jandt, Richard Jensen, Kristine* Johnson, Scott Karbula, Michelle Kiekbusch, Lori*-V Kish, Scott Knudson, Susan Knudtson, Roxanne Krause, Sonja Krueger, Allen Lankey, Ruth Leibl, Kristine Lemar, Linda* Lepke, Chris Linse, Crystal Manske, Lori Mendell, Steven Miller, Brent Miller, Christine Miller, Pamela Mittelsteadt, Korene 28 Nommensen, Caroline*-S, N Nuttleman, Rhonda Papenfuss, Kari* Parcher, Karl Proksch, Jon Proksch, Kathy Schwantz, Sara Seeger, Rachel* Seidl, Thomas Sprain, Sandy* Thaldorf, Christine*-S Urbanek, Jeff Walters, Nancy Wehrs, Karl Wehrs, Karla Winjum, David Witt, Wendy Zibrowski, Carson Zibrowski, Craig-T 1984 (53) Albrecht, Daniel* Allen, Sean Anderegg, Denver Bay, Randy*-V,N Betsinger, Brenda* Biermeier, Joel* Burmeister, Nathan Caulum, Sara* Corton, Shelley Dettmering, Michael Dorn, Benjamin* Emery, Cordell Fillner, Jennifer Fischer, John Gady, Paul Grokowsky, Jay* Handy, Denise Helfrich, Cynthia Holland, Wendy Hoppmann, Susan Hoyer, Kevin Johnson, Kristi June, Jay Kiese, Sara Kothe, Peter Leibl, David Lewiston, Katrina*-S Louwerse, Timothy* Martin, David Martin, Liza Mickelson, Todd Miller, Paul Moe, Daniel Mohr, Timothy Mueller, Karen Mulder, Nayva Niemeier, Dawn* Oldenburg, Teresa Path, Julie Preston, Scott Proksch, Chris Proksch, Rhonda* Raabe, Dennis* Ryan, Scott Schlaver, Bruce Schnick, Todd Schultz, Gary Shepherd, Marc Varney, Dale Walders, Ronald Welda, Dawn* Wichelt, Aimee* Wittmershaus, Kurt*-V-T 1985 (54) Andrus, Pearl* Bateman, Mark Beckendorf, Paul Benson, Joel* Bonow, Dana Bradley, Thomas Bruder, Camilla Bruemmer, Daniel Carlson, Carrie Dummer, Margaret Emmons, Roger Erdmann, Amy Feddersen, Kristi Fischer, Philip Gady, Michael Gast, Stephen Genz, Julie Haefs, Kenneth Hoeppner, Kelly Indahl, Lisa Italiano, Maria Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Laura*-S Keene, Jeffrey Kinstler, Daniel Kitzmann, Paul* Kitzmann, Ruth Klein, Dinita Kluver, Michelle Kortbein, Brad Kramer, Julie Krause, Diane Krueger, Todd Manske, Joan Martin, James Mathison, Lisa Miller, Mark Nelson, Kathy*-V, N Niemeier, Cathy Nommensen, Brad-P Papenfuss, Lowell Parcher, Timothy Renken, Michelle Robbert, Ryan Salzwedel, Katherine Schalow, Christine Scheck, Rhonda Schroeder, Kristine Spors, Jonathan Walters, Marcia Wobeck, Martha Wolff, Christine* Wuolle, Sandra 1986 (63) Adickes, Paul-T Aspenson, Michael Baier, Heidi Barney, John* Bartels, Jennifer Bartels, Julie Bay, Cinda*-V Bolstad, Andrea Brown, David* Bush, Lynda Carlson, David DeLoye, Steve Diersen, Stephanie Dummer, Lynn Fortner, Anthony Frey, Russell Gady, Brenda Gast, Tamara* Gmur, Amy Haefner, Holly Handy, Charles Helmreich, Mark* Horstman, Michael Indermuehle, Donna Johnson, Amy Johnson, Gregory* Kastenschmidt, Amy Klug, Mark Kloehn, Renee* Kluver, Wendy* Lawrynk, Anton Linse, Brian Louwerse, Eric Lowrey, Lynn Luetke, Julie Marnach, Betty Martell, Shellie 29 Miller, John Molzahn, Jennifer Mumm, Peter Parcher, Sarah Raabe, Sherri*-V Rudolph, Lance* Schmaltz, Lisa-T Schroeder, Dulcey Schroeder, Steven Schultz, Daryl Shepherd, Sarah Sloan, Steven Smith, Tanya Stellick, Tim Thaldorf, Clark Utke, Rayann* Vaaler, Jason Voter, Melissa Walter, Gregory Wehrs, Paul Wendland, Joel Williams, Michael Wuest, Michael Zahn, Brian Zibrowski, Deanna Zillmer, Brent* 1987 (63) Aspeslet, Kristie Bateman, Robert Bay, Kristine Bolstad, Erik Breidel, Jackie Bruemmer, Brian Burmeister, Aaron* Coaty, Joseph Duehlmeyer, Mary Evenson, Michael Garbers, Tammy Grokowsky, Karl Habhegger, Daniel Hackbarth, Todd*-T Hanson, Carmen* Helke, Kimberly Heuer, Sarah* Hoeppner, John Hoffman, Marla Holum, Sarah Hutchens, William Jerdee, Kevin Johnson, Byron Johnson, Susanne Johnson, Tyler Kiekbusch, Jill-T Klein, Jamie Klum, Kevin Koeninger, Ruth* Kortbein, Timothy* Kramer, Kristin Lehman, Brenda Lehmann, Kathryn Lewiston, Lara*-V, N Lind, Timothy Mc Coy, Steven*-S Mickelson, Teri Miles, Paul Moe, Melissa Myers, Heidi* Neuman, Deanna Neuman, Jill Nichols, Amy Niemeier, Ramon Oitzman, Karla Olson, Christopher-T Otto, Vicki Parcher, Jennifer Riley, Brent Schalow, Anne Schleusener, David* Schuldt, Kathy Sprehn, Scott*N Staats, Leslie Stellick, David Tsugawa, Kimberly Viner, Scott Westedt, Lori Wobeck, Ruth Wooden, Heidi Wuest, Tami Zenke, Rhett Zillmer, Carol 1988 (58) Adickes, Susan Bartels, Nancy Bateman, Cynthia Blado, Caren Brickman, Joseph Brown, Derrick Burkum, Laurie* Cloutier, Scott Davidson, Emily Diekrager, Kristy Diersen, Ginger Dorn, Karl Dulek, Wendell Erbe, Todd Evenson, Stacey Fox, Kathy Gady, LaVerne Gartner, Andrew Gast, Gregory Grosskopf, Kimberly Hansen, Joel Harter, Robert Hoyer, Michael Indahl, Sarah* Indahl, Scott-T Indermuehle, Denise* Johnson, Amanda Kinstler, Mark Knudtson, Kimberly Kortbein, Derrick Kothe, Amy Lau, Jeanette Lepke, Beth Linse, Bradley* Luetke, Lisa Mantzke, Karl Mumm, Jonathan-T Nelson, Andrew Nichols, Cindy Olson, Lerrie Papenfuss, Amy* Parcher, Barbara Path, Richard Rech, Jennifer* Reeck, Susan Roth, Jaina Schmaltz, Susan Schroeder, Terry Strangman, Kevin* Thomas, Allison*-S Thomas, Lisa Tillman, Kristine Viner, Kathy Wappler, Ann Wehling, Cody Welda, Jill Westedt, Heidi Wilson, Bart*-V 1989 (62) Bachmann, Svenja Barnes, Carrie Barney, Donald Baumbach, Christine Berntsson, Thor Blado, Leslye* Brickman, Kathryn Bruemmer, Brad Bruemmer, Joel Dahlke, Cam Doelger, Sarah Dorn, Martin Dummer, Sara Falck, Kimberly Fehlauer, Jason Gilbertson, Michelle Gundersen, Leila Habhegger, Amy Hackbarth, Kirk Hauser, Jason Helmreich, Ann Hemker, Carrie* Heuer, Matthew Holum, Joanna* Indahl, Penny June, Jodie Kapanke, Jason Kasten, Derek Kile, Dennis Kile, Rachel Krause, Michael Leren, Scott Lind, Dawn Lounsbrough, Ralph Maciejczak, Kurt Martin, Daniel Miller, Timothy Mitton, Paula Mohr, Gregory Niemeier, Ricky Nommensen, Joyce Nuttleman, Lori 30 Ohgitani, Chie Piehl, Heidi Schalow, Paul Schroeder, Corey Schroeder, Todd Schweke, Scott Sill, Steven Smith, Andrea Sonsalla, Laura Tauscher, David Teal, Scott Thumann, Daniel Trynowski, Joseph Veglahn, Wendee Wendorf, Sara*-S Williams, Robert Wolff, Stefanie*-V Wuensch, Paul Zietlow, Steven Zillmer, Heidi 1990 (60) Ames, Amy Bateman, Mark Berg, Sarah Bondow, Jennifer* Brown, Rachel Brown, Ryan Dable, Ami* De Witz, Heath* Dicken, David Eckelberg, Kevin Erbe, Tamara Fisher, Michelle Garbers, Tari Gerke, Carl Gibbons, David Hackbarth, Wade Hahm, Joel Helmreich, Sue*-S Hemker, Patricia* Hinz, Nathan Horstman, Eric Jannsen, Douglas Johnson, Dale Kapanke, Steven Kasten, Kari Klawitter, Jennifer Kloehn, Rachel Knutson, Kraig Kortbein, Christopher* Krause, Steven Kufahl, Jennifer Lau, Becky Lawrynk, Thomas Linley, Staci Lund, Julie Manske, Chris Martin, Becky Melin, Jeffery Mickelson, Erica Mitchell, Mary Moldenhauer, Amy Myhre, Jennifer Nelson, Kevin Peper, Heather Peterson, Donald Roebke, Timothy Ruesch, Richard Rusert, Amy Lynn-T Shepard, Robert Smith, Kristina Sonnenburg, Robert* Stender, Mark Strangman, Lisa Thomas, Paul*-S Urbanek, Scott Varney, Tyson Vick, Chad Walkley, Christina Wappler, David Wilson, Eric*-V Wittmershaus, John* 1991 (43) Bahr, Rick Bahr, Scott Bateman, Jodi Bolstad, Anne Carmichael, Rachel Carreno, Augustin Cushman, Connie Doelger, Aaron* Falkenberg, Steven Fink, Gregory Follendorf, Laura Fromm, Julie*-S Gady, Joanne Golnick, Becky Gresens, Elizabeth*-S Hahm, Anna Hansen, Jason Holum, Suzanne Hutchens, Mary Herold, Tim Jansen, Nichole Kinstler, Darin Kinstler, Stacey Kloehn, Jonathan Knudson, David Larson, Aaron Lewis, Heather Lindholm, Lyle* Linse, Marcy Lockington, Cory Loehr, Stephanie* Luebchow, Jennifer Miller, Jennifer Moldenhauer, Brent Newman, Jeremy Papenfuss, Jennifer* Peck, Elizabeth Peck, Sara Peper, Shane* Pralle, Carrie Rabuck, Beth Renken, Margaret Rhode, Melissa Riley, Jason Salzwedel, Carl Sampson, Dennis Schmidt, Laurie Schroeder, Joel Schroeder, Mercy Schuster, Sarah Siegler, Jonathan* Sonnenburg, Patricia Thomas, Jason Thumann, Jon Triebs, Crysanthie Urbanek, Matthew Vonderohe, Scott Wendorf, Anita* Wieman, Erin Zabel, Jessica Italiano, Frank-P Knebes, Kim Knobloch, Christina* Kramer, Joel-T Lange, Amber*-V Larson, Paul Martell, Darin Mathison, Michelle Moe, Amy Myhre, Jill Pearson, Holly Rech, Ann* Rusert, Brett Sachs, Jason Schams, Debbra-T Sheehan, Dan Siegler, Joanna* Sill, Scott Steinfeldt, Joshua Viner, Kimberly Volkman, Nichole Walters, Richard Wendland, Sara Zenke, Garth 1992 (62) Backus, Becky Barnes, Christen Berntsson, Nicole* Bondow, Stephanie Boyle, Patrick Breidel, Jill Brueske, John Bull, John Bunke, Jason*-V, N Carmichael, Elizabeth Dobrunz, Kathy Dolan, Brenda Dumke, Heidi*-S Falck, Jason Falkenberg, Scott Gerke, Dale Grosskopf, Scott Hagedorn, Jason-T Hatz, Jason Havens, Lisa Heinze, Amy* 1993 (64) Bahr, Amy Bahr, Christina Barney, Benjamin Benrud, Jason Crawford, Katherine Daylo, Hernandez*-S 31 De Witz, Sarah* Degner, Gina Dicken, John Duehlmeyer, Ann Dummer, Paul Fletcher, Tracy Follendorf, Jon Fortun, Chad Garson, Joy George, Kathleen Gilbertson, Lyle* Hahm, Stephen Hanson, Kay Hauser, Jared Hemerley, Lynne*-S Herold, Mindy Hirschuber, William Jandt, Andrew Johnston, Joel Klawitter, Emily Knebes, Amy Knudtson, Tamara Larson, Daniel-T Larson, Jeremy Leren, Sheila Luetke, Carrie Maciejczak Jean Mantzke, Timothy Melin, Becky Menges, Benjamin*-V Mull, Jennifer* Olson, Angela Parins, Mark Pruter, Brenda Ritter, Tina* Rusert, Patricia Sampson, Cheri Schlicht, Heidi Schulze, Nathaniel Sheehan, Kevin Sonnenfeld, Eric Sonsalla, Kevin Stedman, Brian Stender, Annette Stremcha, Matthew* Szwedo, Julie Teal, Julie Tillman, Karl Tokarski, Patrick* Triebs, Karla Trynowski, LeeAnn Veglahn, Bobbee Veglahn, David Webb, Melissa* Wehrs, Kasha Wilson, Kip-T Wrobel, Rebekah Zimmerman, Zachary 1994 (52) Adickes, Christopher Ames, Adam Aspeslet, Angela Bartholomew, Lee Bruemmer, Heather Buch, Nathan-T Burkum, Stephanie* Cogdill, Christina Dable, Kala* Daylo, Hedy Dobrunz, Monica Gerke, Christine* Gloede, Christopher Gresens, Nicholas*N Hackbarth, Chad* Hagedorn, Erin Hanson, Scott*N Hatz, Seth Heinze, Benjamin Helke, Karla A. Helle, Petra Hemker, Melissa Horstman, Kelly Hoyer, Joanna Jenson, Johanna Kendall, Timothy Kramer, David Kufahl, Melissa Kuschel, John Lee, Michelle Lemar, Diana Lindesmith, Abigail Lund, Steven Manke, Jacob Mann, Stasia* Mc Clellan, Eric Newman, Naomi Parins, Brad Salzwedel, Christopher Schedler, Jennifer Schleusener, William Schroeder, April Schuldt, Michael Schuster, Rachel Schwartz, Peter Seiler, William* Siegler, Rebekah*-S Smolek, Rachel Steinfeldt, Andrew Stratman, Jessica*-V Tauscher, Lisa Winsky, Eric Whitedog, Chenoa 1995 (42) Baumann, Eric Benrud, Jarod* Berg, John Bolstad, Aaron Bonow, Jessica* Clark, Ryan Erbe, Ann Fehlauer, Beth*-S George, Joel Gerdes, Jason Gerke, Craig Gilbertson, Laith* Heeter, Mark Jordan, Rebbecca Kinsey, Edward 1996 (56) Bakken, Richard Barney, Kendra Belter, Jeremy Benrud, Jalena-T Blado, Benjamin Bolduan, Jeremy Bruemmer, Dean Bunke, Graham Daylo, JoHannah Diersen, Jayson Duehlmeyer, Erin Eide, Jason Erdmann, Kathryn Fletcher, Scott Forseth, Adriane Fritz, David Fuchsel, Anneliese Laures, Carrie Lewis, Chad Loging, Crista Luetke, Julie*-V Luetke, Paul* Lukasek, Timothy Manske, Amber Mc Nally, Bradley Mehner, Jason Menden, Benjamin Moldenhauer, Leah Olson, Natalie Peck, Cynthia Pralle, Benjamin Radichel, Kay Riley, Joshua* Rockwell, Lynette Salzwedel, Corey Schroeder, Kyle Shepard, Matthew Smith, Stacie Szwedo, Paul Teal, Jamie Volkmann, Tricia Webb, Sara Wehrs, Chad Gilbertson, Leanne* Hagedorn, Dirk Hahm, Sarah Havens, Dawn Hinz, Daniel Holm, Henrik Hoyer, Donna Jordan, Elizabeth Justin, Jessica Kinstler, Adam Klindworth, Debra Kramer, Elizabeth Lee, Kristie*-S Leisso, Nathan Lenser, Samuel* Loehr, Sarah*-V Menges, Nathan Mickelson, Karla Miller, Sarah Nuttelman, Scott Peterson, Ryan Potaracke, Benjamin Quinn, Nicolai Radichel, Kimberly Roellich, Heather Rupprecht, Jessica 32 Rusert, Stephanie Schauf, Michael Schlicht, Erica* Schwartz, Kelly Sebo, Tricia* Sheehan, Brady Staude, Sarah Stelzig, Peggy Stremcha, Jennifer* Thumann, David Wiegman, Aaron* Winsky, Rebekah* Zibrowski, Richard 1997 (54) Bare, Becky*-S Baumann, Sara Beitlich, Dana Boarman, Dominic Boldt, Kelly* Boldt, Kimberly* Brown, Robbie Brueske, William Clark, Cory Clark, Jennifer Cushman, Wendy Dobrunz, Heather Fager, Gregory Gabower, Hannah Garves, Stacy* Gensmer, Billy Graves, Robert Haessig, Clayton Hatz, Kristin* Hemker, Ryan Horstman, Ben Jansen, Paul-P Jenson, Jennifer* Kastin, Kylee Kinsey, Christopher Kinstler, Timothy Kline, Holly* Kufahl, Theodore Kunz, Jessie*-V Lautz, Heather Lenser, Katie Lewis, Tami Lindesmith, Nathan Loging, Tracy Lukasek, Matthew Mehner, Katherine Miller, Mark Molling, Paul Peterson, Gregory Pingel, Jeremy Potaracke, Autumn Riley, Justin Rupprecht, Kyle Sachs, Peter Sampson, Douglas Schoeffel, Rachel Schroeder, Tirzah*-S Shepherd, Mandy Siegler, Sarah* Smith, Darcy* Stratman, Amanda*-S Strom, Benjamin Veglahn, Joseph Webb, Paul* 1998 (56) Ames, Audra Belter, Jenny Benrud, Jana Bunke, Jordan Clark, Timothy Dable, Marci* Danalis, Joseph Eide, Jeremy Emmons, Theresa* Erickson, Dana*-S Gerdes, Jennifer Haessig, Jennifer Heeter, Sarah Hefti, Michael Hilliard, Matthew Holper, Laura*-V Horstman, Jerrod* Jandt, Amanda Jansen, Mark* Johnson, Becky Kendall, Andrea-T Kinstler, Benjamin Koenig, Melissa Kuster, Jennifer Larson, Lisa Leisso, Sara* Lukasek, Carolyn Mc Clellan, Keith Menden, Wendy Menges, Timothy Mull, Eric Paggi, Melissa Pertzsch, Jacob Proksch, Travis Ramos, Sabrina Roellich, Holly* Rundahl, Britt Sachs, Kathryn* Schuster, Christina* Seiler, Matthew Semlar, Ryan Shepard, Jonathon Smolek, Nicholas Sonnenburg, Becky Staude, Stephanie Stender, Nathan Urbanek, Timothy Van Loon, Krista Viner, Kelly Webb, Amanda Wehrs, Shane Wooden, Shawn Wrobel, Amy Wurster, Matthew Wyatt, Michael Zuberbier, Matthew Pingel, Daniel Pingel, Sara* Pralle, Gabriel Roellich, Heidi Rupprecht, Liesl Rupprecht, Ryan Schedler, Jocelyn Schuldt, Joseph Schultz, Michael Schultz, Tiffany Shepard, Holly Sloan, Paul Sloan, Peter Trehey, Brooke Veglahn, Elizabeth Wenzel, Kris Ziehme, Melissa 1999 (57) Aldinger, Jessica* Bakken, Aleah Beitlich, Leah* Berg, Justin Blanchard, Philip Bolstad, Ethan Bunke, Ethan*-S, N Campbell, Kevin Clark, Katie Danalis, Katherine*-T Fabian, Lucas Fillner, Nicholas Gabower, Leah Gates, Nicole Gresens, Joseph*-V Hahm, David Hanson, Chad* Heinze, Joseph* Hilliard, Heather* Hoepfner, Luke Hornberg, Brian*-S Horstman, Douglas Horstman, Jesse Hutchens, Kirsten Jandt, Andrea Johnson, Jacob Jordan, Nathan Justin, Anna Kunz, Rachel Lautz, Audra Loging, Melissa Mach, Jennifer Maenpaa, Phillip Manke, Hilary Martin, Christina Meltz, Joshua Miller, Trisha Noth, Joseph Pagel, Derrick Peterson, Megan 2000 (57) Bader, Jason Bader, Zachary Benrud, Joshua Blado, William Bolduan, Sarah Bonow, Joseph Brown, Danielle Carrell, Loren Dobrunz, Brian Eide, Jamie Erickson, Marcus Gilbertson, Lucas Glende, Jennifer Hanson, Heidi Hayden, Corissa* Heeter, Daniel Hefti, Sarah Hofland, Amber Hoppe, Kurtis*-V Ibisch, Rebekah Itnyre, Christopher Jentz, Tara* Johnson, Chad Johnson, Melissa Kinsey, Elizabeth Klotz, Kelly Leisso, Rachel*-S Lukasek, Emily Mac Farland, Rachel* Matuska, Jennifer Matzke, Mary Mc Lees, Carley Mellor, Angela Menges, Bethany* Nelson, Sara* Nuttelman, Wendy Ollendick, Becky Phillilps, Danielle Pieper, Micah* Pingel, Daron 33 Pingel, Sarah* Pingel, Stephan Rundahl, April Sachs, Carolyn Sampson, Daniel Schmaltz, Chad Schwartz, Nathaniel Sheehan, Darci Spoldi, Fabiana Stettner, Amanda Swogger, Jacob Thorsen, Kirstin Urbanek, John Van Beek, Michelle Volkmann, Chad Winsky, Rhoda* Zuberbier, Ryan 2001 (56) Armstrong, Zachary*-S, N Baumann, Andrew Blado, Dana Boebel, Nathan Boyd, Joshua Branson, Karianne Bronston, Tassia* Clark, Becky* Conradt, Natasha Dammann, Megan Darelius, Jillian Duehlmeyer, John Easton, Kyle Emmons, Dale Engel, Sabastian Fabian, Jenny Fillner, April Forseth, Eric Gloede, Marc Greeno, Curtis Harter, Miles Hefti, Matthew Hoepfner, Kristin* Jandt, Jeremy Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Phillip Kendall, Amy Knobloch, Elizabeth Koenig, Stefanie Lindesmith, David Matzke, Joshua Mendell, Jennifer* Miller, Andrew Miller, Stephanie* Minor, Kenneth Newhouse, Erica Noth, Lindsay Olson, Bradley Parlow, Amanda Pertzsch, Kelly Piurkowski, Seth Renken, Clarissa*-S Robertson, Nicole Schauland, Kirk*-T Schneider, Amanda Schwartz, Luke Shepard, Jeremy Shimek, Michelle*-V, N Sipley, Laura Thurston, Elizabeth Van Loon, Nathan Welch, April* Wichmann, Andrew Wiegman, Zachary Zickert, Isaac Zuberbier, Brittany 2002 (62) Babinec, Emily*-T Bader, Ryan* Bakken, Jonathan* Baumgarten, Jessica* Beitlich, Jacob* Berg, Anne Boebel, Niki Carrell, Julie Eide, Jennifer Ekhoff, Melissa Ekhoff, Nichole Erdmann, Richard Fehr, Amanda Fischer, Jennifer Gabower, Nathan Gady, Sara Garves, Amanda Gates, Virginia Gephart, Michael Gephart, Robert Beitlich, Lisa Berg, Joshua Bode, Kacee* Boettcher, Kelly Branson, Benjamin Brush, Shawn Clark, Sarah Dahl, Jason* Dobrunz, Amanda Erdmann, Lucas* Erickson, Lucas Frame, Jason Gady, Erin Gerke, Sarah Green, Matthew Hammes, Lee Harter, Mathias Hayden, Amber* Hein, Amy Heitkamp, Susan Hoffmann, Joshua*-S Hornberg, Scott Horstman, Heather Horstman, Matthew Ibisch, Timothy* Jandt, Marc Johnson, Jaimie Klankowski, Sara Knuth, Becky Kroll, Jamie Kumlin, Heather Lautz, Briana Litsheim, Jack Lukasek, Jennifer Lukasek, Joanna* Lussky, Kristin*-V, N MacFarland, Katrina Matuska, Christopher Mc Guire, Brenna* Mc Henry, Courtney Menges, Rachel Meyer, Daniel Miller, Douglas Miller, Christopher Mull, Kristin Mysliwiec, Tyler Nelson, Marques* Norcross, Joseph Oevering, Kayla Pederson, Emily*-S Pieper, Kyle Pingel, Becky Piurkowski, Adam Potaracke, Daniel Rhyne, Preston Rick, Carl* Rodriguez, Amy Rossman, Bethany* Rupprecht, Nikki Scharf, Erich Gerdes, Justin Herrman, Nicole Heuer, James Holper, Ryan Itnyre, Jonathan Klankowski, Anna Korthals, Hannah* Kunz, Emily Lau, Martha Lenser, Barry*-S Loehr, Justin* Lukasek, Frederick Mackey, Amber Manske, Nicole Maschka, Damian Mc Lees, Alexander* Meltz, Cassandra* Menges, Micah* Miller, Bryant Molling, Patrick Niemi, Jonathan*-T Olson, Kimberly Pagel, David Pralle, Maria Ritter, Aaron* Rundahl, Beth Schams, Daniel Schedler, Joshua* Schneider, Sara* Schomberg, Joshua Schomburg, Maria* Schultz, Sarah Shepard, Rebekah Sloan, Scott Stanley, James Stuebs, Jacob*-V Swogger, Kyle* Welke, Krista Westerman, Danielle* Winjum, Molly* Ziehme, Joel Zimmerman, Ross 2003 (76) Aldinger, Samuel* Artschwager, Jamie* Asp, Katie*-V 34 Schneider, Timothy Schultz, Jeffrey* Schuster, Leah Schwartz, Jenny* Shimek, Rachel* Smith, Lesley Smith, Naomi Stallman, Joseph Stuebs, Jordan Tesch, Todd Thorsen, Karli Tolvstad, Andrew Wood, Kimberly 2004 (59) Babinec, Elisabeth Bader, Seth Barkeim, Amos Blado, Rebekah* Boyle, Cortney Bruder, Chase Brueske, Stephanie Carrell, Emily Clark, Crystal Clark, James* Easton, Shane Ekhoff, Jessica* Fehr, Laura Forseth, Emma Grams, Amanda* Harter, Naomi* Hefti, David* Heilman, Eric* Hellickson, Diana* Heyer, Christina* Hoepfner, Ryan* Hoffmann, Natosha*-V Houlihan, Cassandra Hurst, Andrea* Johnson, Cassandra Johnson, Joseph Justin, Jamey Kiser, Matthew Klankowski, Lisa Komay, Lisa Koske, Kyle Krajewski, Adam Krause, Eliza Lehman, Steven Leisso, Miriam* Lepke, Chelsie Meyer, Brandon Niemi, Daniel*N Paggi, Megan* Pederson, Eric Rick, Katherine* Rimmert, Juliana Roellich, Jacob Rohde, Kristin Rundahl, Dale Rustad, Tara Sattler, Marcia Schauland, Karl*-S Schultz, Alyssa Schwantz, Brittany Schwartz, Andrew Severson, Lucas Sonnenfeld, Stefan Stanley, Erin Van Loon, Anna Williamson, Lucas Wrobel, Jacob* Youngren, Kristin Zenke, Shana* 2005 (56) Abts, Brett Albrecht, Andrew* Albrecht, Anna* Burge, Rachel* Dable, Jon*N Dahl, Amanda* Darelius, Anthony* Dobrunz, Bethany Farley, Leslie Gerdes, James Gonyier, Denise Guzman, Garrett Hammes, Ashley Hefti, Caleb Heiden, Benjamin Hein, Rachel* Huseboe, Melanie* Ibisch, Jonathan Jentz, Christa* Johnson, Cody Johnson, Michael P. Johnson, Nicolas Justin, Adam* Kastenschmidt, Melissa* Korthals, Rebekah* Krajewski, James Lau, Bethany Lehman, Nicole* Loehr, Jacob* Lukasek, Michael Lukasek, Sara Lussky, Karyn*-V Hayden, Cortney Heck, Leah John, Amanda* Johnson, Amanda Johnson, William J. Kish, Michael Knuth, Zachary Kunz, Hannah* Lautz, Kyle Leibl, Benjamin Lenser, Stephanie Lukasek, Jason Lundskow, Anna* Maedke, Daniel Maedke, Joseph Meltz, Kristin* Mueller, Jennifer Nelson, Richard Niemi, Carol* Oevering, Alyssa Pagel, Dustin Pieper, Hans* Podella, Abbie* Rekow, Michael* Rieke, Caryn* Rimmert, Joanna Rupprecht, Micah Schams, Nicholas Schlicht, Benjamin Schneider, Gregory Schneider, Joshua* Schoeffel, Joshua Schultz, Ashley Schwantz, Lindsay Semke, Elisabeth Smith, Becky Song, Peter* Swogger, Leann* Thiher Nicole*-S Thorsen, Kelsey Vinson, Anthony Williamson, Spenser*-V Woolley, Angela Wrobel, Samuel Zenke, Tyler Zietlow, Sarah* McCauley, Joshua McGuire, Jessalyn* Mendell, Samantha Menges, Emilie* Meyer, Andrew Molling, Phillip Mueller, Stephanie* Nelson, Bethany* Pralle, Elizabeth* Rieke, Erin* Schomberg, Becky Schwedler, Benjamin*-S Severson, Bryan Solum, Alexander Stallman, Heather Strangman, Vicki Stuebs, Miranda* Tessmer, Daniel Tolvstad, Michael* Wehrenberg, Alex Wessel, Laura Westerman, Aaron Wittenburg, Emily Wrobel, Brian * 2006 (65) Abts, Kayla* Alexander, Amanda* Ames, Alyxandra* Asp, Brian Barnes, Jamie Boettcher, Troy Brueske, Michael Burmeister, Dawn Burnham, Alysha Cook, Daniel Cook, Harrison Cox, Julie* Danalis, Kristina Ebert, Christopher Fischer, Travis Frame, Daniel Garbers, Matthew* Grams, Bryce Gullixson, Ruth* Harter, Lloyd* 2007 (44) Bakken, Benjamin Bartels, Rachel*-S Brown, Hillary Bruder, Taylor Dickow, Maria* Dorn, Andrea* Erdmann, Edward Erickson, Christopher Essig, Matthew Fehr, Karla Gilbert, Jennifer* Greene, Adam Greene, Andrew Hefti, Nathan* Heilman, Bryant Hendrickson, Jamie Heyer, Seth Hoepfner, Greg*-V Huerkamp, Amy Kane, Ryan Kastenschmidt, Heather* Knobloch, Krystal Komay, Jeffrey Korthals, Theresa* Mendell, Genevieve Meyer, Christopher* Murry, Daniel Norcross, Jessica Pralle, Caleb Rockwell, Walker Rupprecht, Matthew Schams, Samantha* Schlicht, Bradley* Schwedler, Caroline* Sonnenfeld, Megan Stuebs, Hannah Thesing, Brandon* Thiher, Rachel* Urbanek, Katelyn* Warnecke, John Wehrenberg, Tricia Wessel, Ethan* Wierschke, Joshua Foreign Exchange Students Luther High School has become home to many foreign exchange students over the years. Students with names such as Yosunari Aikyo, Agustin Carreno, Lars Matysiak, Peter Song, and Fabiana Spoldi from Japan, Spain, Germany, Korea, and Italy have had the opportunity to hear God’s message of salvation through Christ and take that message back to their own homes, hopefully telling it to all that they meet. 35 IX. Faculty and Support Staff from 1957-2007 Current Faculty Adickes, Paul Amundson, Nathan Appold, Patti Babinec, Joel Bader, Connie Benrud, Jon Bilitz, Pastor Jon Dable, Paul Hagedorn, Jason Heinze, Keith Lisk, Pastor Kevin Loersch, Mark Lussky, Becky Mahnke, James Rosenberg, Kari Ross, Mark Rupprecht, James Schaper, Brad Schibbelhut, Greg Wichmann, Paul 1997 - Present 1998 - Present 2002 - Present 1989 - Present 1995 - Present 1983 - Present 1999 - Present 1974 - Present 2005 - Present 1972 - Present 1993 - Present 1994 - Present 1995 - Present 1997 - Present 1997 - Present 1999 - Present 1995 - Present 2006 - Present 2001 - Present 1996 - Present Support Staff Over the years, Luther has been blessed with many faithful staff members. In addition to the following, there have been also many dedicated part-time staff. COOKS JANITORIAL SECRETARIAL Diane Arndt Marion Berg Rose Berg Gladys Brueske Amy Churchill Nancy Melin Elizabeth Miller Rosella Nehls Diana Ridlon Sandy Sprain Layne Wyatt Diane Beitlich* Sue Stallman* Ellsworth Berg Leland Hogue Larry Ristey Lee Slack Bruce Secor* Jack Snippen* Barb Dettmering Mary Craig, p Marion Radichel* Dulcey Zillmer* ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING Kathleen Van Loon Kevin Westerman Gwen Schroeder* STUDY HALL SUPERVISOR Mary Wessel* *indicates present staff 36 Former Teachers (Italics indicate deceased) List by maiden name, married in ( ) Adickes, David Albrecht, Margaret Bartling, Pastor Mark Bauer, Rod Berg, Pastor Robert Klug, (Blauert) Kristine Boeringer, Pastor John Boernecke, Pastor LeRoy Bunnow, Rose Buss, Lois Erbe, Larry Fadness, Noel Fedke, Pastor Fred Grams, Herbert Hefti, Pastor Roy Helmreich, Roland Hilliard, Pastor Thomas Hinz, Roger Hopkins, Susan Horstman, Andrew Italiano, Frank Jaster, Pastor Herbert Vomhoff, (Jenson) Lois Johnson, Wayne (Bud) Klumb, Pastor Elwin Kothe, Ted Krohn, (Schemm) Sue Kunz, Daniel Kuske, Prof. David Lange, Eric Lankey, Lori Lau, Pastor John Euler, (Lehninger) Jeanne Lueck, Lyle Luetke, David Mammel, Otto Manthe, Norbert Mellon, Tom Miller, Dr. Frederick Mueller, Pastor Frederick Neubauer, Dan Niedfeldt, Thomas Niedfeldt, (Nierengarten) Betty Nommensen, Pastor Carl Otte, Mark Otterstatter, Jon Parcher, Pastor John Paustian, Pastor Henry Pepperd, Dennis Peterson, Gale Pinske, Richard Raabe, Dr. James Ruppel, Pastor James Schaller, Pastor Loren Schmidt , Pastor Wayne Roeming, (Schmidt) Bonnie Schmiel, Pastor David Schwartz, Pastor Donald Scriver, Neil Selle, Melvin Siegler, Joanna Sommer, Galen Spaude, Pastor Tim Sponholz, Martin Starke, Cathleen Stuebs, Pastor Arden Tessmer, Barbara Turany, (Mendell) Rachel Umnus, David Boswell, (Wade) Kristin Werner, Frederick Werre, Pastor Alvin Wittmershaus, Barbara Wittmershaus, Kurt Wobeck, Clyde Riley, (Wolfram) Stephanie Wordell, Keith Ziemer, Pastor Paul Zuberbier, Paul 1962 - 2004 1959 – 61,67-68 1974 - 1987 1973 - 1981 1969 - 1970 1997 - 2000 1989 - 1992 1959 - 1966 1972 1958 - 1997 1964 - 1974 1960 - 1964 1973 - 1978 1958 - 1972 1995 - 1996 1971 - 2003 1979 - 1982 1973 - 1995 1983 - 1995 1957 - 1974 1957 - 1959 1968 - 1974 1977 - 1982 1961-67, 1969-70 1974 - 1975 1983 - 2006 1964 - 1973 1988 – 1989 1983 1957 - 1959 1975 - 1980 1961 - 1963 1967 - 1977 1974 - 1995 1960 - 1971 1978 - 1992 1959 - 1961 1969 - 1970 1978 1967 1971 - 1973 1962 - 1993 1995 -2001 1984 - 1985 1969 - 1970 1957 - 1959 1970 -1971 1963 - 1988 1983 - 1989 1976 - 1995 1978 - 1979 1978 - 1979 1957 - 1971 1966 - 1970 1961 - 1962 1957 - 1958 1968 - 1983 1962 - 1970 1995 - 1998 1992 - 1993 1970 - 1982 1989 - 1991 1957- 1958 1963 - 1968 1981 -1982 1957 - 1959 1991 - 1997 1973 1972 - 1973 1967 - 1968 1993 - 1997 1983 - 2000 2000 - 2002 1989 - 1995 1973 - 1976 1977 - 1978 Student Teachers Luther Faculty have also served our Lord and our Synod as supervisors of student teachers from Martin Luther College. What a blessing to assist in the training of these future servants in the teaching ministry 37 38 1973 39 2007 X. Music Department THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT 1982-2007 The Music Department has continued with its mission of spreading the Gospel in the Coulee region during Luther’s second 25 years. The school’s tradition of service to the church through musical excellence, established by Frank Italiano and David Adickes, has been maintained by capable directors during its second twenty-five years of history. The performance organizations have established outstanding musical accomplishments both in the community and in the Wisconsin School Music Association. David Adickes was department chairman from 1962 to 1996 when he assumed a greater role in the school’s administration. Keith Wordell assumed those duties from 1996 until 2001 when he accepted a Call to West Lutheran High School. James Rupprecht moved from the elementary band program to become department chair in 2001 and continues to serve in that capacity. CURRICULUM The Music Department continues to offer a wide variety of courses in its curriculum. In 2000, band, Concert Choir, and Cantate Choir became official classes. Students enrolled in these classes now receive a letter grade and full credit. In the spring of 2007, Freshman Music was changed to Music Appreciation, and Music Theory was added. This new class is intended for students seeking an advanced understanding of music. Students at Luther High School are required to earn four semester credits of a performing group or one semester of Music Appreciation. The Music Department’s academic classes are as follows: Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Cantate Choir, Concert Choir and band. The extracurriculars are piano/organ and vocal instruction, Sound Foundation, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Woodwind Choirs, Brass Choirs, Percussion Ensemble, Handbells, and Color Guard. VOCAL The vocal department enjoyed much success with David Adickes as the head choral director and Music Department Chairman. The Luther High Concert Choir received numerous Wisconsin State Music Association (WSMA) Class A awards during his tenure. The choir visited many association congregations over the years and it continues these visits today, singing praises to God and sharing the Gospel. David Adickes retired from directing the Concert Choir in 1996. He founded the National Lutheran Choral Festival at Luther High School in 1967. The festival returned to Luther for its 25th anniversary. Kurt Wittmershaus directed Concert Choir until the fall of 1997. Paul Adickes accepted the Call to take over the Concert Choir and Sound Foundation. The Concert Choir performs annually at the WXOW TV Channel 19 Holiday Concert in December as well as Heidelberg, Opening Service, Christmas Concert, Lenten Concert and Spring Spotlight. In recent years, the Concert Choir has sung at either the Winona or La Crosse area Reformation services. Sound Foundation continues to function as the choir 40 within the Concert Choir. It provides both sacred and secular venues for the students. Sound Foundation participates in the WELS Choral Fest and has earned top ratings in WSMA as a vocal jazz choir. The group travels to five association congregations during the Lenten season and makes recruitment visits to Luther High Association Elementary schools each spring. The group performed for 5000 people at a rally for President George W. Bush in October of 2004. In May of 2006, the Sound Foundation performed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Spring Concert. show while enjoying snacks and beverages. Knight Revue continues to be a high point for the Sound Foundation, giving the students a chance to perform for an enthusiastic crowd each spring. In the 1994-1995 school year a new freshman/sophomore choir named Cantate Choir came into existence. With Kurt Wittmershaus as its first director, this choir also began visiting various congregations to worship in song during the school year. Joanna Siegler directed the choir in the 1996-1997 school year. James Rupprecht followed in 1998 and still holds the position today. In 2000, Cantate Choir became a part of the opening service at Luther. The Cantate Choir is not only a source for early vocal training for students, it also has a major role in the worship services of the school participating in the Opening Service, Heidelberg, the Christmas Concert, the Lenten Concert and Spring Spotlight. Cantate Choir sings at either the Winona or La Crosse area Reformation services. Knight Revue began in 1995 as an evening of food and entertainment. Guests could purchase tickets for a catered meal and enjoy the variety show in the old gymnasium afterwards. With the addition of the new Association Center, tickets were eliminated, and the show was moved to the larger facility. The format of the evening changed, allowing guests to watch the INSTRUMENTAL The Pep Band plays for football and basketball games as well as tournament games including volleyball. On the average, the Pep Band plays for 15-20 games per year in support of our teams. Various directors have served faithfully in the instrumental department over the past 25 years. Frank Italiano, who was called to his eternal rest this past year, was one of the original founders of the school as well as the person who began the instrumental program. Rod Bauer followed him in 1974 and served until Rachel Turany became the director in 1981. Richard Pinski became the director in 1982 and continued until the 19891990 school year. Keith Wordell became the director in the fall of 1990 and remained until the 2000-2001 school year. In the fall of 2001, James Rupprecht became the director and is currently holding that position. The Jazz Band is also a part of the instrumental program. It tours each spring to our Lutheran Elementary Schools and participates in the Wisconsin School Music Association’s Solo and Ensemble Festival, the Spring Band Concert, and the WLC Jazz Festival in Milwaukee. It also performs for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. The Concert Band continues its role at Luther High as the main instrumental group. Concert Band participates in the Wisconsin School Music Association Large Group Festival and has received numerous high ratings. The Concert Band became part of the Christmas Concert in 2001 when the Christmas Festival was moved into the Association Center, which allowed the entire Association to participate in one large service. In 2002, the Concert Band took on a new look for its concerts with concert attire (tuxedos and long black dresses). The Concert Band and the Elementary School Bands have a joint concert in the spring that continues to grow in popularity. The Marching Knights have received numerous awards in various parades. Annually, the Marching Knights participate in the Applefest Parade in La Crescent, the Warren’s Cranfest Parade and the La Crosse Torchlight Parade in the fall. In spring, the Marching Knights march in the Sunfish Days Parade in Onalaska and the Memorial Day Parade in La Crosse. The band also performed at a rally for President George W. Bush in October of 2004 for a crowd of 5000 people. The band received many positive comments from those in the community for a fine musical performance. Patriotic music, as well as Pep Band music, was enjoyed by all. 41 LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BAND Luther High School has had a Lutheran Elementary School band program for many years. Rod Bauer and Rich Pinski served in the program in addition to their high school duties. Jo Thomas led the program from 1985 to 1995. First Lutheran, Mt Calvary, and St. Paul’s, Onalaska, were the three original schools. successful Lutheran Elementary School programs in the Synod. The rehearsal attendance rate for these Lutheran Elementary School students averages over 98%. After a few years, Sabre Band was added, giving beginners a group playing experience. In the summer of 1998, Nate Amundson was called to take Joanna Siegler’s duties in the Lutheran Elementary School band and James Rupprecht was given Cantate Choir as one of his duties. A Lutheran Elementary School Jazz Band was formed in 1998. In 2001, James Rupprecht was called for the high school band program, and Nate Amundson took over the entire Lutheran Elementary School program with assistance from Mrs. Mandy Rupprecht. Mrs. Kristi Krause now helps Nate Amundson in giving Lutheran Elementary School band lessons. In the spring, the Lancer and Sabre Bands combine and march in two parades and take part in Spring Spotlight at the end of the school year. In 1995, the Luther High School Conference of Delegates decided to offer the Lutheran Elementary School band program to all of the Association congregations. James Rupprecht was called to run the Lutheran Elementary School band program which offered lessons to students in grades 5-8. Many students took advantage of this new opportunity, and before long, thirteen schools were participating. Keith Wordell also helped with lessons as it was not possible for one person to serve all the students wishing to participate. Joanna Siegler was called to help James Rupprecht with lessons so Keith Wordell could devote his time to the high school band program. This new elementary band (grades 6-8 with one year of experience) started meeting on Saturday mornings with limited success. After the first year, the newly named Lancer Band started meeting on Friday afternoons at 3:00. It continues today as one of the most PIANO/ORGAN AND VOCAL LESSONS HANDBELLS Luther High School received a generous donation in December 1998 of a three octave set of handbells. The handbells arrived in May of 1999 and rehearsals began that fall. Handbell choirs have become part of the Christmas and Easter Concerts, and they travel to association congregations during the school year. The handbell choir has received numerous high ratings in Wisconsin School Music Association Festivals in Class A. Each Spring, the handbell choir participates in the WELS Handbell Festival, which Luther High School hosted in 2004, as ten handbell choirs participated. One of the blessings the Luther High School Music Department has enjoyed over the years has been to offer piano and vocal lessons to the students. The school has been blessed with outstanding instructors. Lisa Giertych has been serving as vocal instructor since the early 1990’s. Doris Burmeister gave piano lessons in the 1980’s, Mary Ellen Schlicht in the early 1990’s, and Jean McClellan since 1996. Our vocal and piano students have had much success in WSMA festivals. 42 HEIDELBERG In 2001 the format of the festival was changed. Heidelberg brought back the selection of Buergemeisters and made them honorary positions. Lancer Band was added to the entertainment in 1997. Lutheran elementary schools were invited to participate with a Kindergarten through 12th grade atmosphere. Games for the children were added in the Association Center, encouraging families to stay for the day. The great German food remains, but pizza, walking tacos, ice cream sundaes, and various other food items have been added. Attendance has steadily increased, and every year more people enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Heidelberg. Heidelberg Fall Festival continues to make changes to make it a fun day for everyone. In 2006, the Heidelberg celebration reflected on the past 50 years of the high school and honored all former Buergemeisters who have brought great blessings to Luther High. Forty-five years ago, Frank Italiano and David Adickes began Heidelberg, a celebration of our German, Lutheran Heritage. Although it has grown and undergone many changes, it remains a highlight of the fall season. It is a fun day for the Association featuring entertainment by the Music Department and authentic German food. Brian Berg has been our main German Chef for many years. Heidelberg originally presented three shows starting around 3:30 in the afternoon and ending around 10:00. Over the years, times changed, and Heidelberg became a daytime festival running from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. From 1963 to 1993, Buergemeisters or “village mayors” were selected by the Music Department from various association congregations to organize the event. The Buergemeisters would then organize the events with help from the members of their home congregations FORMER BUERGEMEISTERS 1963-Rudy and Irene Pralle 1964-Bud and Lilly Brendle 1965-Ed and Lois Schnick 1966-Al and Jean Knorr 1967-DuWayne and Carol Bluske 1968-Norm and Bernice Kohlmeyer 1969-Arnold and Alida Schlicht 1970-Dick and Jane Emery 1971-Don and LaVonne Zietlow 1972-Sidney and Luella Kopp 1973-Richard and Shirley Grams 1974-Gene and Betty Falkenberg 1975-Clarence and Jan Fillner 1976-Henry and Janice Leibl 1977-Don and Sherry Kish 1978-Elmer and Lillian Grassman 1979-Ernest and Helen Berg 1980-David and Norma Luetke 1981-Mel and Karen Kuschel 1982-John and Nancy Lautz 1983-Ken and Sue Pinski 1984-Gene and Ruth Roediger 1985-Keith and Sue Schedler 1986-Don and Evelyn Kortbein 1987-Jon and Shari Riley 1988-John and Jane Pinski 1989-Les and Sandy Unnasch 1990-Frank and Lenore Italiano 1991-Pastor Arden and Ora Stuebs 1992-Rod and Lois Jensen 1993-Ralph and Bonnie Mann 2001-Ralph and Bonnie Mann 2002-Gene and Betty Falkenberg 2003-Don and LaVonne Zietlow 2004-Henry Leibl and Lois Buss 2005-David and Gloria Adickes 2006-Former Buergemeisters 43 SPRING SPOTLIGHT (CONCERT ON THE GREEN) COULEE CHORALE Luther High Music Department continues to work with association members, graduates, and parents, even after their children have graduated. An adult choir called the Coulee Chorale was formed in November of 2000. The Chorale is open to any adult who enjoys singing and adult fellowship in a music environment, and is a member of one of Luther’s association congregations. It continues to grow in numbers and popularity. The choir rehearses on Sunday evenings in November and participates in a concert in early December with the Handbells. Luther High School always presented a spring secular concert. Because the association spanned nearly 100 miles, many association members never traveled to Onalaska to hear the concert. During the 90’s, the music department decided to present the secular spring concert outside in parks in the more distant areas of the association. It became known as Concert on the Green and gave the high school a wider public exposure. In the event of inclement weather, the concert would be held at Luther. In 2003, the Conference of Delegates approved making Luther the permanent site and naming the concert “Spring Spotlight.” With weather out of the equation, more and more musical organizations participated in the spring concert, including the Lutheran Elementary Band and Jazz Band. Spring Spotlight audiences now travel to Luther to enjoy an informal afternoon of secular musical entertainment by soloists, small groups and large groups in an atmosphere of fellowship and fun. WSMA MUSIC ASSOCIATES Luther has been a part of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) for many years. Luther High School continues its excellence at all of the festivals and our percentages of firsts at the State competition are outstanding. In the late 1990’s parents of Luther High School music students formed the Luther High School Music Associates to promote greater interest in the various aspects of the music department. The Music Associates provide Christian fellowship for its members and help organize and implement approved projects, which support the Luther High School Music Department. The organization is open to anyone interested in providing service to the music programs. In spring of 2005, Luther High School’s large groups and the Lancer Band chose to participate in a clinic festival format, which has proven to be a very educational experience. Adjudicators are selected by the Luther High Music Staff for their musical excellence and expertise. The adjudicators work with the large groups for 45 minutes. Lutheran Elementary School choirs are invited and encouraged to participate in this event, allowing them to learn and grow musically. This highlights the Music Department’s philosophy that our system of Christian education begins in elementary school. MUSIC AWARDS Psalm 150 reminds and encourages us to praise God in many ways and in many places. Each May, the Luther High School Music Department sets aside an evening to recognize the many talents and blessings that God has given to His children. Awards Night was first held in the spring of 1999, and continues to be an enjoyable evening of music and fellowship. Students are given their WSMA solo and ensemble awards, and Luther’s large groups are recognized. Concert Choir, Cantate Choir, Sound Foundation, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Handbells, Lancer Band, and Sabre Band are all given recognition for their accomplishments. After the success of the spring WSMA Clinic Festival, the Music Department sought another way to bring our Lutheran Elementary Schools together. Luther High School held its first Lutheran Elementary School Choral Festival in the fall of 2005. Fourteen Lutheran Elementary Schools sent students on a Friday morning to work with the Luther High choir directors. They performed the following day at the Science and Fine Arts Fair along with the Sabre and Lancer Band. 44 Music Award Winners (these awards were not listed in 25th anniversary booklet) 1964 Luther Musical Knight Award Ruth Hagedorn Star Letter Award Jim Grasby Lanny Yandt Barb Kletzke La Crosse Music Study Club Award Lanny Yandt Luther Musical Knights Award Ron Zimdahl 1966 Luther Musical Knight Award Sara Bissen Dennis Lemke Allen Myren Debra Osgood Ruth Seeger Judy Warnecke 1967 Luther Musical Knight Award Lauril Zimdahl 1968 Choir Awards Jeff Kile Rick Schlicht Lynn Miller Dorothea Siegler Linda Jenkins-acc. Music Scholarships Jim Wehrenberg Thelma Fredriksen 1971 Choir Awards Lanny Yandt Linda Koll Kathy Karbula Stephan Berg Richard Pinski Ruth Bauman-acc. Band Star Letter Award Dan Italiano Jim Grasby Sue Schreiber Marianne Kile Lanny Yandt Sue Johnson Ray Soucheck Ruth Bauman Deanna Heram Rosalie Schuette Linda Hoefs Jim Grasby La Crosse Music Study Club Award Sue Johnson Luther Musical Knights Award Jim Grasby Bill Homstad Donna Kegler 1973 All Star Quartet Tom Pfaff Neil Ristow Nancy Vlasek Mary Rundahl Kathy Roraff Band Star Letter Award Orchestra Star Letter Awards Don Pieper Sue Johnson Nancy Johnson Marjean Austin La Crosse Music Study Club Award Lynn Miller Luther Musical Knight Award Lynn Miller Thelma Fredriksen Jim Wehrenberg Nancy Kohlmeyer La Crosse Music Study Club Award Jeri Schnick Luther Musical Knights Award Lanny Yandt Dan Italiano La Crosse Foundation Scholarship Don Pieper La Crosse Study Club Award Jeff Hugo Luther Musical Knight Award Susan Johnson 1969 1972 Choir Awards All Star Quartet 1974 Jan Breitenfield Joanne DePaolo Tom Gilbertson Mike Lenser Sue Miller-acc Ruth Petersen Brian Berg David Schaller Bill Homstad La Crosse Music Study Club Award Chris Karbula Luther Men of Note Award Glenda Kohlmeyer Deanna Heram Sue Schreiber Jim Grasby Sue Johnson Peggy Schuette Ray Soucheck Marjean Austin Nancy Johnson 1970 Choir Awards Christine Karbula Kathy Lukasek Karen Vlasek Ron Zimdahl Mary Backer-acc. Band Star Letter Award All Star Quartet Todd Peterson Jeff Hugo Vicky Zeitlow Terri Gerke Band Star Letter Award Nancy Johnson Marjean Austin Wendy Johnson Bryon Crawford Jeff Hugo Pam Miller Mary Unnash Orchestra Star Letter Award Deanna Heram Janet Kohlmeyer La Crosse Foundation Award 45 String Star Letter Award Nancy Johnson Wendy Johnson La Crosse Foundation Scholarship James Bakken Jeff Hugo La Crosse Music Study Club Award Ruth Italiano Luther Musical Knight Award Jeff Hugo 1975 All Star Quartet Richard Warnecke Brian Roraff Ricky Johnson Claire Ristow Linda Hayden Cheryl Wrobel Band Star Letter Award Mark Albrecht Linda Ross Scott Blakeley Lynee Heram Paula Frick Sue Longcor Carolyn Kegler Bryon Crawford Wendy Johnson Gary Korthals Marlyn Wappler Denyse Christie Liz Schlicht Ruth Italiano Doris Johnson Mary Unnasch Linda Lenser Orchestra Star Letter Winners Wendy Johnson Kathy Italiano Ruth Italiano Betty Wrobel Mary Unnasch Mark Albrecht Marlyn Wappler Liz Schlicht Jerene Semke Don Johnson Brenda Hass Bryon Crawford Jody Ziegler Kathy Italiano Kathy Muhlmann Sharon Lenser Pam Schuette Carol Sloan Scott Henry La Crosse Music Club Award American Bandsman Award Kathy Italiano Jim Schofield La Crosse Foundation Award La Crosse Music Study Club Award Martin Adickes La Crosse Foundation Award Jean Wehrenberg Syda Berg Scholarship Mary Leibl Luther Musical Knight Award Jean Wehrenberg Liz Kile Mary Unnasch Luther Musical Knight Award Bryon Crawford Mary Unnasch 1977 All Star Quartet Tim Mammel Kathy Italiano Diana Lonnquist 1979 Instrumental Star Letter Award All Star Quartet Kelly Schroeder Luanne Heram Mark Frick Liz Schlicht Jean Wehrenberg Liz Kile Mark Grassman Martin Adickes Mitch Klebig Paul Hayden Carol Rundahl Linda Johnson Instrumental Star Letter Award Luther Musical Knight Award La Crosse Music Study Club Award Jean Wehrenberg La Crosse Foundation Award Kathy Kuhlmann Kathy Italiano Syda Berg Scholarship Tim Mammel Luther Musical Knight Award Kathy Italiano Mark Albrecht Lynee Heram Brian Roraff Ruth Italiano 1978 Narrator Special Award John Homstad La Crosse Study Club Award Bryon Crawford La Crosse Foundation Award Ruth Italiano Lynee Heram 1976 All Star Quartet James Roscovius Mark DeGarmo Mary Unnasch Pam Schuette Cindy Berg Instrumental Star Letter Award Mark Grassman Cindy Berg Martin Adickes Luanne Heram Kelly Schroeder Peter Unnasch American Bandsman Award Kelly Schroeder Syda Berg Scholarship Luanne Heram La Crosse Music Study Club Award Marianne Spors Tom Albrecht La Crosse Foundation Award All Star Quartet Deanna Pfaff Janis Lonnquist Craig Mueller David Mendell Martin Adickes Luther Musical Knight Award Martin Adickes Carol Rundahl Kelly Schroeder Instrumental Star Letter Award Brad Ragner Jodi Wuske Jean Wehrenberg Luanne Heram Kelly Schroeder 1980 All Star Quartet 46 Katy Johnson Joni Lonnquist Greg Scriver Scott Roscovius Instrumental Star Award Christine Thaldorf Gaye Baumbach Scott Roscovius Karen Mendell Fay Mueller Dawn Johnson Sandy Brown Peter Unnasch American Bandsman Award American Bandsman Award Steve Hinz Christine Thaldorf Sandy Brown Syda Berg Scholarship Katy Johnson La Crosse Music Club Award Tom Albrecht Christine Thaldorf Syda Berg Scholarship Christine Thaldorf La Crosse Foundation Award Steve Hinz Luther Musical Knight Award 1984 All Star Quartet Luther Musical Knight Award Liza Martin Dennis Raabe Joel Biermeier Kurt Wittmershaus acc. Marianne Spors Semper Fidelis Award La Crosse Foundation Award Marianne Spors 1981 All Star Quartet All seniors in Sound Foundation Instrumental Star Letter Award Chris Thaldorf Steve Hinz Elayne Hass Dee Dee Wappler Peter Unnasch American Bandsman Award Joel Biermeier Syda Berg Scholarship Dan Albrecht La Crosse Foundation Award Liza Martin Luther Musical Knight Award Dan Albrecht 1985 All Star Quartet La Crosse Foundation Award Cathy Neimeier Sandy Wuolle Julie Kramer Jon Spors Roger Emmons Carolyn Adickes Syda Berg Scholarship Peter Unnasch Syda Berg Scholarship Peter Unnasch Luther Musical Knight Award Thomas Albrecht Carolyn Adickes Loran Zibrowski 1982 Instrumental Star Letter Award Dawn Matzke Christine Thaldorf Sarah Biermeier Roger Emmons La Crosse Foundation Award Jon Spors Luther Musical Knight Award Jon Spors 1986 All Star Quartet Syda Berg Scholarship Donna Indermuehle All Star Quartet Ruth Lankey Michelle Karbula Steve Hinz Steve Mendell Instrumental Star Letter Award 1987 All Star Quartet Carmen Hansen Heidi Roediger Aaron Burmeister Tim Lind Jamie Klein Syda Berg Scholarship Kristin Kramer Aaron Burmeister Diane Wehrenberg 1983 Paul Adickes Amy Johnson Clark Thaldorf La Crosse Foundation Award Luther Musical Knight Award La Crosse Foundation Award Luther Musical Knight Award Amy Moldenhauer Diane Wehrenberg Sarah Biermeier Clark Thaldorf Most Improved Instrumentalist Clark Thaldorf Donna Indermeuhle Amy Johnson Betty Marnach Lynn Lowrey Paul Adickes Syda Berg Scholarship La Crosse Foundation Award Spors Scholarship Kim Grosskopf Outstanding Musicianship Scholarship Paul Adickes Outstanding Vocalist Amy Johnson 47 Luther Musical Knight Award Aaron Burmeister 1988 All Star Quartet Denise Indermuehle Lisa Luetke Caren Blado Kim Grosskopf Jennifer Rech Most Improved Instrumentalist Jodie June La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Syda Berg Scholarship Richard Ruesch Luther Musical Knight Award Eric Wilson Richard Ruesch Jessica Stratman Syda Berg Scholarship Bekah Siegler 1991 All Star Quartet Joanna Siegler Rachel Carmichael Aaron Doelger Joel Kramer Frank Italiano Jr. Kris Tillman National Guild of Piano Teachers La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Luther Musical Knight Award Christopher Adickes Nick Gresens Bekah Siegler Jessica Stratman 1995 All Star Quartet Wisconsin Music Teachers Award Laura Follendorf Joanna Siegler Paul Luetke Crista Loging Sara Webb Rich Ruesch Syda Berg Scholarship Kay Radichel Joanna Siegler Syda Berg Scholarship Jennifer Rech Syda Berg Scholarship Allison Thomas Luther Musical Knight Award Jaina Roth Kris Tillman 1989 All Star Quartet Ricky Niemeier Brad Bruemmer Stefanie Wolff Carrie Barnes Leslye Blado Hedi Piehl Laurie Sonsalla La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Carrie Barnes Sarah Doelger Organ Award Richard Ruesch Frank Italiano Jr. Syda Berg Scholarship Heidi Piehl Outstanding Vocalist Heidi Piehl Luther Musical Knight Award Carrie Barnes Laurie Sonsalla 1990 All Star Quartet Jenny Bondow Amy Dable Tyson Varney Richard Ruesch La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Richard Ruesch Patti Hemker Luther Musical Knight Award Anna Luetke Frank Italiano Jr. Joanna Siegler Luther Musical Knight Award 1992 1996 Anna Luetke All Star Quartet Nicky Jansen Scott Grosskopf La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Christen Barnes Syda Berg Scholarship Christen Barnes All Star Quartet Erica Schlicht Leanne Gilbertson Richard Bakken Scott Nuttleman La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Luther Musical Knight Award Jessica Justin Kristi Lee Nicky Jansen Jon Siegler Syda Berg Scholarship Jessica Justin Luther Musical Knight Award 1993 All Star Quartet Tricia Rusert Ann Duehlmeyer Dan Larson Kevin Sonsalla Karl Tillman Kristi Lee Richard Bakken 1997 Syda Berg Scholarship Jessie Kunz La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Annette Stender Syda Berg Scholarship Tricia Rusert Luther Musical Knight Award Karl Tillman Kevin Sonsalla La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Amanda Stratman Luther Musical Knight Award Sarah Siegler 1998 La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award 1994 All Star Quartet Bekah Siegler Abbey Lindesmith Nick Gresens Christopher Adickes 48 Kathryn Sachs Sarah Leisso Syda Berg Scholarship Melissa Koenig Luther Musical Knight Award Laura Holper Kathryn Sachs Rachel Hein 1999 2006 Syda Berg Scholarship Katie Danalis All Star Quartet Luther Musical Knight Award 2000 Sarah Zietlow Ruth Gullixson Josh Schneider Brian Asp All Star Quartet Syda Berg Scholarship Liesl Rupprecht Aleah Bakken Micah Pieper Corissa Hayden sp Kurt Hoppe Emily Lukasek La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Sarah Balduan sp Sarah Hefti Elizabeth Kinsey Syda Berg Scholarship Ruth Gullixson Lloyd Harter Handbell Leadership Award Ruth Gullixson Nikki Rupprecht Luther Musical Knight Award Heather Kumlin Nikki Rupprecht Josh Berg Amy Hein Carol Niemi Luther Musical Knight Sarah Zietlow Dawn Burmeister Carol Niemi Ruth Gullixson Emily Lukasek Carolyn Sachs 2004 Luther Musical Knight Award Megan Paggi Emily Carrell Stefan Sonnenfeld Karl Schauland Sarah Hefti John Philip Sousa Award All Star Quartet 2007 All Star Quartet La Crosse Area Music Teachers Award Heather Kastenschmidt Karla Fehr Ben Bakken Josh Wierschke Luther Musical Knight Award Miriam Leisso Megan Paggi Olivia Krause Clarissa Renken Syda Berg Scholarship 2002 Miriam Leisso Megan Paggi All Star Quartet Handbell Leadership Award Becky Shepard Ginny Gates Jon Niemi Ross Zimmerman Kristin Youngren John Plilip Sousa Award Luther Musical Knight Award National Marching Band Award Miriam Leisso Chelsie Lepke John Philip Sousa Award 2001 Syda Berg Scholarship Zachary Armstrong Jill Darelius Jon Niemi Syda Berg Scholarship John Philip Sousa Award Chelsie Lepke Directors Award (grade school) Syda Berg Scholarship Megan Sonnenfeld Andrea Dorn Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Josh Wierschke Handbell Leadership Award Heather Kastenschmidt Caroline Schwedler Ben Bakken Danielle Westerman Cassie Meltz 2005 Luther Musical Knight Award Luther Musical Knight Award All Star Quartet Caroline Schwedler Ben Bakken Heather Kastenschmidt 2003 Karyn Lussky Mindy Stuebs Tony Darelius Andy Meyer All Star Quartet Syda Berg Scholarship Kristin Lussky Amber Hayden Sam Aldinger Jordan Stuebs Melissa Kastenschmidt Rachel Hein Syda Berg Scholarship John Philip Sousa Award Ginny Gates Kacee Bode Amy Hein Handbell Leadership Award Kacee Bode John Philip Sousa Award Handbell Leadership Award Melissa Kastenschmidt Adam Justin Luther Musical Knight Andy Albrecht Erin Rieke Ben Schwedler 49 XI. Athletic Department T he landscape of athletics at Luther High School has changed considerably through the second half of its first 50 years! Since 1982 Luther athletics has increased from 10 sports offered to 14. More importantly, the number of sport teams has increased two-fold from 15 to 30. This increase has allowed more and more Luther High School students to experience high school sports. This section of Luther’s athletic history will not only attempt to review the past 25 years, but to also tie them together with the first 25 years. took over the reins again for the 2000 season when a coaching need arose. In total, Wobeck led the Luther tennis program for 10 seasons. Highlighting these 10 seasons was the 1986 season, when he guided the firstever WISAA state appearance for the team. In the fall of 1983, Wobeck coached the inaugural girls’ tennis team. His leadership in the girls’ tennis program lasted 12 seasons (1983-1995). Wobeck wrapped up his coaching career in the spring of 2000 when he coached the boys’ tennis team. Jon Benrud began his varsity coaching career with the boys’ track team in the spring of 1983 and continued coaching through 1989. During his tenure he coached two WISAA state individual champions and his 1986 team finished 5th in Class C at the state meet. Athletics at Luther have survived on the dedication of many coaches. Generally, the head coaching position at all levels has been held by one of Luther’s Called teachers. Throughout its history, many assistant or lower level head coaches have volunteered their time to instruct Luther’s studentathletes. What a tremendous blessing these men and women have been to our school. What wonderful gifts they have given in both time and talents. We give thanks to God for these many volunteers who have given so much to help our Christian youth. The 1983-84 school year saw many changes in personnel. In the fall of 1983, Jon Benrud took over the coaching reins of Luther football. Prior to Benrud’s leadership, Wayne (Bud) Johnson had been at the helm for 5 seasons (1977-1981) with Neil Scriver coaching for the 1982 season. Benrud served as an assistant for this season prior to receiving a Call to Luther. The fall 2006 campaign marked Benrud’s 23rd season at Luther. His teams have compiled a record of 92113. During that span he has guided the Knights to three Dairyland Conference Championships (1991, 1993, 1995). Luther’s 1991 squad flexed their muscle often. Competing in the Dairlyand Conference for the first year, they charged through the regular season with an undefeated record (9-0). More impressive than that, they held their opponents to 13 points for those nine games. In the first round of the WISAA playoffs, Luther was to host Aquinas, but a huge early season snow storm saw the game postponed and moved to UW-La Crosse. In what was deemed as Luther’s “Ice Bowl,” the Aquinas Blugolds defeated the Knights 12-6, ending our season earlier than anticipated. In the fall of 1982, Clyde Wobeck began coaching the boys’ tennis program. Wobeck served as the boys’ tennis coach from 1982-1991. He The 1997 season marked the first year in the Coulee Conference. It was also the first year that Luther football won a playoff game in the WISAA tournament. Not only did they win one game, but they continued winning and 50 advanced to the WISAA state football championship game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. A large contingency of fans were disappointed in the loss to St. Mary’s Springs, but were not disappointed in the effort and heart of the team. Beginning with the 2004 season, Luther began playing an independent schedule in football. The 1983-84 season also marked the beginning of Roger Hinz’s leadership of the girls’ basketball program. Hinz coached the Lady Knights for the next 13 seasons (1983-1996) compiling a 125-153 record. Hinz’s most successful years came in a five year span (1985-90) where his teams amassed a record of 7240. The most successful season for the Lady Knights during his tenure was 1989-90. This squad has the distinction of being the first and only girls’ team to advance to the WISAA state tournament, which at the time was played at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. The Lady Knights lost in the semi-final game, wrapping up a 19-4 season. The La Crosse Tribune named Hinz the 1990 Coulee Region “Coach of the Year.” Personnel changes were also evident in the administration of athletics and on the basketball court during the 1983-84 school year. With the departure of Neil Scriver, Tom Mellon took on a greater role in athletic leadership. He accepted the position as Athletic Director, a position he held until 1992. He also took over the varsity boys’ basketball team. Mellon has one of Luther’s best winning percentages (.704) over a 9 year coaching stint, guiding the Knights to a record of 145-61. During eight of his coaching years, Luther played an independent schedule, denying him of any conference championships. In 1986-87 he did lead the Knights to a WISAA Area 2 Championship. During the 1987 WISAA State Championship games, Luther High was awarded the “Sportsmanship Award” which is proudly displayed in the lobby of the Association Center. One of the most exciting games witnessed in these past 25 years was a double overtime loss to eventual State Champions, Northwestern Prep, on February 24, 1990. That loss was Luther’s only of the season (231) and was in the minds of all who saw it “The State Title Game.” The Knights were ranked 2nd in state in the final AP Poll that season. The La Crosse Tribune honored Mellon by naming him Coulee Region “Coach of the Year” for 1989-90 season. Hinz spent a number of seasons assisting the football program and served as the golf coach for 16 seasons. In the spring of 1975 he took over the golf program from Larry Erbe and coached for the next 9 seasons. For the next two seasons (1984 & 1985) Otto Mammel took over the coaching responsibilities. Hinz was back at the helm for the 1986 season and continued coaching for the next 7 seasons. The program was dropped for the 1993 season due to a lack of interest and funding. In 1996 Coach Hinz took the leadership of yet another program, this time the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams. He coached the boys’ tennis team in the spring of ’96-’98 and the girls’ program during the fall of 1996 through 1999. Paul Hayden then took control of the program for the next 3 seasons (2000, 2001, 2002). In his final year at Luther, Coach Hinz filled a coaching need again by serving as the freshmen boys’ basketball coach. Roger Hinz retired from the teaching ministry after the 1999-00 school year. The boys’ and girls’ tennis programs also had a number of non-staff coaches serve as head coaches during the past 25 years. Paul Hayden coached the girls’ team for three seasons (2000, 2001, 2002). Chris Kinsey served 51 score of 21-3 and in the regional final they defeated Hillsboro by a score of 22-7. Kunz also spent many years leading the boys’ basketball teams. In his first year at Luther (1982-83), he coached the freshmen boys’ team. For the next 9 years, he led the junior varsity team and assisted Tom Mellon at the varsity level (1983-1992). He took over the varsity team beginning with the 1992-93 season. For the next 14 years, Kunz led the Knights’ basketball program. Kunz’s teams achieved some great success in the early years. Back-to-back Dairyland Conference Championships (1994, 1995) and three Lutheran Invitational Championships (1994, 1995, 1996) highlighted his coaching career. His 1994-95 team advanced to the WISAA sectional final and received statewide recognition with a #1 state ranking during the season. Kunz compiled a 140-165 record at the varsity level and a 279-214 record throughout his 24 years. Pastor Carl Nommensen never served as the head coach of any sport at Luther High School, but his impact was certainly felt in a number of areas. Over the course of his ministry at Luther (1963-1993), Pastor Nommensen assisted with football and boys’ basketball. From 1983-1993 he built a great foundation with the freshmen teams. as the boys’ head coach for three seasons (1999, 2001, 2002). Jeremy Shepherd was the last to coach the boy’s tennis team (2003, 2004, 2005). After the 2005 season, boys’ tennis was dropped due to the lack of participation. Susan Hopkins was also called to Luther High School and began her coaching during the 1983-84 school year. Hopkins took over the girls’ track team and experienced some early success. During the first three seasons, she coached 6 individual state champions. Her best finish (3rd) at the WISAA state meet came in 1984. After a couple of years off, Hopkins took over the reins again in the 1989 season and continued through the 1995 season. She guided the Luther girls’ track team for 10 years. During her time at Luther (1983-1995) she also coached JV and freshmen girls’ basketball. In the 1984-85 season Jon Benrud organized and started Luther’s wrestling program. During the first year the group participated at a “club” status, becoming a JV level program in its second year and full varsity status for the 1986-87 season. Benrud has been the program’s sole coach since its inception. (There was no team during the 2002-03 season due to lack of numbers.) During his years, Luther has had three In the spring of 1983, another new face joined the coaching staff. Dan Kunz arrived and immediately took over Luther’s baseball program. For the next 24 years, Kunz guided the Knights on the diamond. His first season (1983) also marked the last year that Luther participated in the Mississippi Valley Conference. For the next four years, Luther baseball played an independent schedule. In 1988, Luther joined the Coulee Conference and has been a part of it since. Over the 24 years, Kunz compiled a 172-231-1 record. The 2001 team achieved the program’s first WIAA Regional Championship in resounding fashion. In the regional quarterfinal, they defeated Necedah by a score of 15-2. The regional semi-final saw the Knights defeat New Lisbon by a 52 individual WISAA state wrestling champions. To date, Benrud has compiled a 74-105 record in dual matches. Benrud also guided the Lady Knights’ softball team from 1996 through the 2000 season. In those 5 years, he compiled a 40-56-1 record. In his first two seasons, Benrud’s teams won back-to-back Dairyland Conference Championships (1996, 1997). Joel Babinec was added to the Luther staff in the fall of 1989. He took over the coaching duties of the boys’ track team from Jon Benrud. He continued to coach boys’ track through the 1994 season. During his tenure he coached two WISAA state individual champions, with his 1994 team finishing 6th in Division 2 at the state meet and 2nd in the Dairyland Conference. Babinec assumed the responsibilities of Athletic Director in 1992 and continues to serve in that capacity. In addition to coaching track, Babinec led the junior varsity Lady Knights’ basketball program for two years and then the freshmen boys’ basketball team for 5 years. In 1996, Babinec took over the girls’ basketball program from long-time coach, Roger Hinz. In his 10 seasons of coaching, the Lady Knights have compiled a record of 143-79. Highlighting these years have been WIAA Regional Championships in 2002 & 2004, back-to-back Lutheran Invitational Tournament Championships (2003, 2004) and most recently, a Coulee Conference Championship in 2006. Babinec was also selected to serve as the Head Coach for the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s Summer All Star Game held at the Kohl Center in Madison during the summer of 2005. Luther’s assistant coach, Mark Ross, was also part of the All Star coaching staff. Kristen Boswell was added to the Luther staff in 1991. She coached in the areas of volleyball and basketball. In her first year she coached the freshmen girls’ volleyball team (Up until that time, Lois Buss had coached all three levels.) In her second year, she added the junior varsity team as well. In 1995, she took over the Lady Knights’ varsity volleyball program from Lois Buss, who had started the program and been its only coach for the first 20 years! Boswell held this position for two years, with her teams compiling a record of 1719. During her years at Luther (1991-1997) she also coached the junior varsity girls’ basketball program. Mark Loersch was called to Luther in 1992. Loersch, while attending UW-La Crosse, had previously been a volunteer assistant coach in basketball, football and baseball. He has coached the junior varsity boys’ basketball team since 1992 and began his varsity career with the 2006-07 season. In addition to basketball, he assisted the Knights’ football program from 19922005, serving as the junior varsity coach from 199298, freshmen coach from 1999-00, and the varsity offensive coordinator from 2001-2005. In the spring of 2006 he began coaching the golf team. In that season, Ethan Wessel advanced to the WIAA state meet, the first time in Luther’s history. Kristine Klug and Stephanie Riley also coached teams 53 at Luther. Klug (1997-2000) coached freshmen girls’ basketball and junior varsity softball. Riley (20002002) coached freshmen girls’ basketball and junior varsity volleyball. a solid core of approximately 20 runners per team. Each team (boys and girls) has already produced state runners. Josh Schoeffel became the first boy to qualify for state, finishing as high as 20th at the state meet. On the girls’ side, Erica Babinec became the first girl to qualify and has finished as high as 18th at the state meet. Kari Rosenberg was called to Luther in 1997. Her coaching responsibilities were in the areas of volleyball and track. Rosenberg became Luther’s third volleyball coach. In her nine seasons of coaching, her teams have compiled a record of 67-59. Her greatest success has come in the last four seasons (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) where her teams were 44-12 in dual matches. The 2004 squad finished a perfect 14-0 in regular season play and captured the Coulee Conference Championship. In the spring of the year she has led the Lady Knights in Track & Field as well. Under her guidance, the 2002 team was the first Luther High team to capture a Coulee Conference Championship. She was also named the Girls’ Track & Field District 3 Coach of the Year for the 2002 season by the Wisconsin State Track & Field Coaches Association. Over the years she has coached 2 state champions in WISAA (5 events) and Luther’s first WIAA state champion in 2 events. Mark Otte began coaching in 1995. From 1995 through 2000 he served in a variety of roles in football, including assistant varsity, JV coach, and eventually defensive coordinator. In track and field he served as the head coach of both boys’ and girls’ teams in 1997 and then the boys’ teams from 1998-2001. Pastor Jon Bilitz began coaching at Luther in the fall of 2000. In football he has served in a number of capacities including junior varsity assistant, junior varsity head coach (5 years) and currently an offensive assistant for the varsity team. During his years, he has also been an assistant coach in baseball working primarily with the junior varsity. In 2007 he began coaching the varsity baseball team. Kurt Wittmershaus worked with the track teams from 1994 through 1997. The 1996 boys’ team finished 5th at the WISAA state meet. He had the opportunity to coach seven WISAA state champions. Cross Country entered the scene in 1997, first as a boys’ sport. The inaugural team was coached by Pastor Kevin Lisk. The very next year a girls’ team was added. Over the course of 10 years, the cross country team has grown from a fledgling group to 54 Also joining the LHS staff in the fall of 2000 was Mark Ross. Ross served as the junior varsity girls’ basketball coach from 2000-2006. He also took over the softball program in 2000. After two rough initial seasons (3-36-1), Ross turned the softball program around and in the next 3 years produced teams with a 36-30 record. In the summer of 2005, he was selected to coach at the Wisconsin Softball Coaches Association Summer All-Star game. Through the 2006 season, Ross’s teams have a total record of 47-801. In the fall of 2003 he took over the Lady Knights’ tennis program. In his first four years the Lady Knights compiled a 38-19 record, including back-to-back Coulee Conference Championships in 2005 and 2006. Greg Schibbelhut came to Luther in 2001. He coached the freshmen football team from 2001-2004. During the 2005-06 school year he coached the freshmen boys’ basketball team and then moved to the junior varsity level for the 2006-07 season. During his entire tenure he has coached the track & field teams. The first three years heading up the boys’ program and since 2005 both boys’ and girls’ programs. Patti Appold arrived at Luther in 2002. Since that time she has served as the junior varsity coach in both volleyball and softball. Jason Hagedorn (1992 LHS graduate) began coaching in 2005 as an assistant football coach. He also coached junior varsity baseball and junior varsity girls’ basketball. Brad Schaper, who had served as a volunteer coach for several years, joined the faculty in 2006. He began coaching freshmen boys’ basketball and junior varsity baseball. Dedicated to supporting the various teams at Luther is the Cheerleading Squad. Over the course of the last 25 years, this squad has transformed from a cheer squad into apom squad. In the late 90’s this transformation became greater and greater as the emphasis of the cheer squad moved from sideline cheers to half-time routines. The change became official in the 2004-05 school year as this group was no longer called the “cheerleading squad,” but became officially known as the “Pom Squad.” This group now produces their own routines throughout the fall and winter sport seasons. Luther High staff have served as Advisors for the group, while the coaching has been exclusively done by volunteers. 55 Lois Buss certainly left her mark on the sport’s history pages of Luther High School. Through her career she coached 44 individual sport seasons, achieved 211 victories, and touched the lives of countless youth. She, like all of Luther’s coaches, gave selflessly of her time and talents. The coach who may have had the greatest impact on Luther High School athletics was Lois Buss. She was instrumental in starting the following girls’ sports: basketball, track & field, volleyball and softball. In 1973-74 Coach Buss started the girls’ basketball program. She coached the team through its first 8 years, compiling a record of 5576. In the spring of 1974, she organized and coached Luther’s first girls’ track team. Only a few girls participated in that first year. The 1975 season brought the first full team and track was moving fullsteam ahead. In 1976, only its second year of existence, the Luther Lady Knights won the ultimate goal in track & field, the WISAA State Championship. In 1977 the team brought home another gold trophy as they repeated as state champions. Quite an impressive coaching resume’ – two state championships in three years of coaching! The Bible talks about running a race or competing in an athletic event to receive a prize (I Cor. 9:24). Over the years, athletes and athletic teams have received many awards and set individual and team records. The following excerpt is from an article written by Jon Riley for the 25th Anniversary Booklet: Not all teams have been winners; not all seasons successful. Luther more often than not has played the role of underdog, but the progress that has taken place can be attributed to the determined efforts of many. While it is not possible to mention all the athletes with their individual achievements, records, and “remember whens,” or the hard working coaches and die hard fans, it was their dedication which brought the athletic program from infancy into the well-rounded program it is today. It might be said that the development of Luther’s athletic program has mirrored Luther’s growth as a whole. As the school moves into its second quarter century, its friends can expect again both wins and losses. But whatever the outcomes, the hope is that the athletes, coaches, and fans will continue to demonstrate similar dedication and good sportsmanship. In the fall of 1975, Coach Buss initiated yet another sport at Luther, this time volleyball. Over the course of the next 20 years, Lois would coach all levels and compile a varsity dual match record of 183-53 (.775). The Lady Knights would capture four Mississippi Valley Conference championships in 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980. In addition, three of her teams finished the season as WISAA State Runner-ups (1981, 1982, 1989). Our gracious Lord has certainly blessed Luther High School with many faithful and diligent coaches and student athletes over its 50 year history. To God be the glory! One more sport would begin under her direction. In the spring of 1984, softball was initiated. Coach Buss led the Lady Knights in their first 12 seasons through the spring of 1995. Under her direction the Lady Knights amassed a record of 73-88. Highlighting her years were back-to-back WISAA Area 1 Championships in 1986 and 1987, and a Dairyland Conference Championship in 1992. 56 Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association not listed in 25th anniversary booklet Individual State Champions Boys Track & Field 1969 High Jump Mark Brendle - 5’8” 1972 Long Jump Karl Schoenfeld - 20’2 3/4” Mile Relay - 3:39.9 Brian Bluske Steve Nitz Kurt Seeger Brian Benrud 1978 440 Yard Dash Dan Christie - 52.0 880 Yard Relay David Justin Steve Roubik Larry Pappenfuss Dan Christie 1982 200 M Brian Witt - 22.5 400 M Brian Witt - 50.3 1986 Long Jump Lance Rudolph - 21’5” Triple Jump Lance Rudolph - 42’7 1/4 1990 300 M Hurdles Tim Roebke - 41.39 1994 400 M Relay - 44.79 Ben Pralle Jayson Diersen Jason Gerdes Nathan Buch 1995 400 M Jason Gerdes - 51.47 110 M Hurdles Jayson Diersen - 15.40 300 M Hurdle Jayson Diersen - 41.25 1996 110 M Hurdles Jayson Diersen - 15.61 300 M Hurdles Jayson Diersen - 40.69 400 M Jayson Diersen - 49.75 Diane Dahlby 1998 1980 100M Holly Roellich - 13.11 800 M Sandy Wendorf - 2:25.1 1600 M Sandy Wendorf - 5:22.3 1999 400 M Relay - 44.64 Nick Fillner Ryan Zuberbier Luke Gilbertson Kurt Hoppe 1981 800 M Sandy Wendorf - 2:24.3 Long Jump Dawn Welda 15’3 1/4” 2000 400 M Relay - 44.85 Ryan Zuberbier Luke Gilbertson Kurt Hoppe Jon Bakken 1982 800 M Sandy Wendorf 2:22.5 100 M Low Hurdles Beth Wendland - 16.2 Long Jump Dawn Welda - 16’4 3/4” 400 M Relay - 53.5 Jenny Fillner Dawn Matzke Dawn Welda Kim Pappenfuss Girls Track & Field 1976 Discus Barb Frey 110 Yard Low Hurdles Barb Frey Shot Put Mary Tremain 440 Yard Dash Barb Horstman 880 Yard Dash Sue Wendorf 1983 Long Jump Dawn Welda - 16’11 1/2” 200 M Sarah Shepherd - 27.5 1977 1984 Discus Barb Frey 110 Yard Low Hurdles Barb Frey 220 Yard Low Hurdles Barb Frey 440 Yard Dash Diane Dahlby 880 Yard Sue Wendorf Mile Run Sue Wendorf 880 Yard Relay Katy Johnson Shelly Sutton Barb Frey Diane Dahlby Long Jump Dawn Welda - 16’3 1/4” 800 M Relay - 1:51.2 Sarah Shepherd Dawn Welda Chris Schalow Jenny Parcher 1978 1986 440 Yard Dash Diane Dahlby 880 Yard Sandy Wendorf Mile Relay Val Spangler Karen Dahlby Sandy Wendorf High Jump Emily Babinec - 5’2” 100 M Hurdles Emily Babinec - 15.83 300 M Hurdles Emily Babinec - 47.32 WISAA Track & Field Most Outstanding Athlete - State Meet 1976 – Barb Frey 1977 – Barb Frey 1980 – Sandy Wendorf 1995 – Jayson Diersen 1996 – Jayson Diersen 2000 – Emily Babinec Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Individual State Champions - Track & Field 2002 100 M Hurdles Emily Babinec 300 M Hurdles Emily Babinec WISSA Wrestling State Champions 1992 1985 Jason Falck - 135 pounds Long Jump Jill Welda - 16’3 1/2” 200 M Jenny Parcher - 25.9 800 M Relay - 1:50.8 Sarah Shepherd Jill Welda Chris Schalow Jenny Parcher 1994 Triple Jump Jill Welda - 33’7” 1996 400 M Relay - 53.02 Holly Roellich Beth Kramer Megan Peterson Kristin Hatz 57 1999 Jarod Benrud - 160 pounds 2000 Stephen Pingel - 119 pounds Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association Team State Champions 1976 1977 1981 1982 1980 1987 Girls’ Track & Field Girls’ Track & Field Girls’ Track & Field Girls’ Track & Field Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Basketball Conference Awards Coach Lois Buss Coach Lois Buss Coach Neil Scriver Coach Neil Scriver Team Championships Year 1966 1976 1976 1977 1979 1980 1982 1991 1992 1993 1995 1995 1996 1996 1997 2002 2004 2005 2006 2006 School Sportsmanship Award School Sportsmanship Award Conference – Athletes of the Year Year 1997 1998 1999 1999 2000 2004 2005 Athlete Holly Roellich Emily Babinec Emily Babinec Elisabeth Babinec Emily Babinec Amanda Dahl Carol Niemi Conference Coulee Coulee Coulee Coulee Coulee Coulee Coulee Sport Track & Field Track & Field Track & Field Cross Country Track & Field Volleyball Tennis The 1999-2000 season marked the final chapter of the Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association (WISAA). With the beginning of the 2000-01 school year all public and private schools participate in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) The following is a list of Luther’s WIAA Scholar-Athlete Nominees. School Year 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Male Nominee Jonathan Bakken Carl Rick Dan Niemi Mike Tolvstad Spenser Williamson Female Nominee Hannah Korthals Naomi Smith Megan Paggi Nicole Lehman Leann Swogger 58 Team Boys’ Basketball Volleyball Boys’ Track Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball Boys’ Track Football Softball Football Basketball Football Basketball Softball Softball Girls’ Track Volleyball Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Basketball Girls’ Tennis Conference BI-State Mississippi Valley Mississippi Valley Mississippi Valley Mississippi Valley Mississippi Valley Mississippi Valley Dairyland Dairyland Dairyland Dairyland Dairyland Dairyland Dairyland Dairyland Coulee Coulee Coulee Coulee Coulee Coach Herbert Grams Lois Buss Neil Scriver Lois Buss Lois Buss Lois Buss Neil Scriver Jon Benrud Lois Buss Jon Benrud Dan Kunz Jon Benrud Dan Kunz Jon Benrud Jon Benrud Kari Rosenberg Kari Rosenberg Mark Ross Joel Babinec Mark Ross Senior Athletic Awards Each year, Luther High School presents special awards to seniors who have demonstrated excellence in the athletic arena and in the classroom as well. Three major awards are presented each year: Male Athlete, Female Athlete, and Mens Sana In Coprore Sano (Sound Mind in a Sound Body). Award winners since the inception of these awards are listed below. Year 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77 1977-78 1978-79 1979-80 1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 Male Harry Blair III Fred Lautz Rick Gates Kurt Seeger Dave Lautz Mark Miller Greg Tolvstad Kurt Lenser Mike Gates Jeff Wehrenberg David Doelger Paul Mendell John Kroll Brian Witt Thomas Beckendorf Steven Mendell Gary Schultz Paul Beckendorf Eric Louwerse Chris Olson Kevin Strangman Kirk Hackbarth John Wittmershaus Jeff Melin Joel Kramer Jason Falck Jason Benrud Chad Hackbarth Female Andrew Horstman Allen Justin Paul Seeger Barb Frey None Diane Dahlby Sandy Reissman None Karen Dahlby Dawn Miller Chris Miller Dawn Welda Maria Italiano Donna Indermuehle Mary Duehlmeyer Amanda Johnson Heidi Zillmer Sue Helmreich Jenny Myhre Becky Gollnik Kathy Dobrunz Jennifer Mull Hedy Daylo None Dave Lautz Jeff Brauer Ricky Johnson Scott Zietlow Russ Pieper Gordon Korthals Diane Dahlby Greg Scriver Karen Dahlby Beth Wendland None Jessica Bonow Aimee Wichelt None Brent Zillmer Todd Hackbarth Kevin Strangman Sara Wendorf Sue Helmreich Paul Thomas Elizabeth Gresens Anita Wendorf Ben Menges Jessica Stratman Nick Gresens Josh Riley Jalena Benrud Amanda Stratman None Amanda Stratman Jerrod Horstman Holly Roellich Joe Gresens Kurtis Hoppe Rhoda Winsky Michelle Shimek Jon Bakken Carl Rick Megan Paggi Mike Tolvstad Nicole Lehman Spenser Williamson 1997-98 Jarod Benrud Brad McNally Jayson Diersen Bill Brueske Nate Lindesmith Tim Menges 1998-99 1999-00 David Hahm John Urbanek 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 Nathan Van Loon Micah Menges Carl Rick Steve Lehman Mike Tolvstad Jana Benrud Holly Roellich Megan Peterson Danielle Brown Darci Sheehan Jenny Fabian Emily Babinec Naomi Smith Elisabeth Babinec Nicole Lehman 2005-06 Danny Frame Josh Schoeffel Jennie Mueller Carol Niemi 1995-96 1996-97 Mens Sana In Coprore Sano 59 National Guard was contacted to do much of the initial site work, grading and filling in the hollow. The new 8-lane track was ready for use in the spring of 1997. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and we were forced to cancel the inaugural meet on the newly constructed track. Eventually, the fencing was added to enclose the track area. In 2004, Luther hosted the Coulee Conference track meet. Most recently, the track was resurfaced (fall 2006) and painted. Future plans include a rubberized, all-weather surface. Luther High Athletic Facility From rather meager beginnings in a gym that also served as classrooms, to a larger gym in 1963, to a football field with lights, the athletic facilities have seen steady improvements. In the 1990’s the athletic facilities received a great deal of attention. In 1991, two dugouts were constructed on the baseball field with a storage room attached to the home dugout. At the same time the fencing from the backstop to the dugouts was replaced. Later, an outfield fence was added as well as some “reshaping” of the right field hillside. The home dugout was wired for electricity along with an outlet along the centerfield fence. This outlet would allow batting cages to be used and was in place for a future scoreboard. During the fall of 1998 the principal’s house was removed and excavation on the hill began in anticipation of the next major project, the Association Center. With the addition of the Association Center the weight room now had a room to call its own. It remained in the lower level year round. The wrestling program would now use the east mezzanine for its practice area. During the fall season this mezzanine would be used by the football program for its daily meetings. In the spring of each year, two batting cages are installed. Two full size basketball and volleyball courts, along with the court in the auxiliary gym, allow practice time to go smoothly and efficiently for all six teams during its peak use in the winter season. During the summer of 1993 Luther embarked on an extensive building addition. This project included the band room, front office area, commons and new classrooms. Part of that major project that was not so obvious was the renovation of the weight room. The old universal weight machine in the “upper” weight room was removed and the space was cleared for free weights and benches. In addition, the athletic director’s office was moved from this area to a room in the original wing of Luther’s first building. During the next summer, the “lower” weight room received a facelift. The wall that divided the lower level (under the current choir room) into two small rooms was torn down. The bathrooms and the darkroom were removed and the stairway leading up to the choir room was blocked off. The size of the weight area was now doubled. This room served as the wrestling area/weight room for the next seven years. Final touches for the Association Center included banners reflecting our focus “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” a Luther Knight Banner and Coulee Conference banners. Championship banners were also added. The baseball field continued to be upgraded. The ball park became completely enclosed when fencing was added from the dugouts to the outfield fences. Eventually a safety “fence topping” was added. An electronic scoreboard, aluminum bleachers, and irrigation system were added in 2001. It was also during this year that the “skin” infield was replaced with grass. Some of the future plans for the ball park include construction of an announcer’s booth/concession stand with sound system and the installation of two outdoor batting cages. The next major project had its beginnings in 1996. With tremendous support from the Friends of Luther, a track committee was formed and began to make plans to replace the existing cinder track with an eight lane asphalt track. A $10,000 donation got things started and the Friends of Luther took over from there. Before the new track would be constructed, however, the football field received some much needed attention. Over 60 loads of dirt were hauled in and the field was reshaped and reseeded. A new scoreboard was received through Pepsi. The old cement block storage building was also demolished to make way for the new track. Volunteers helped cut down trees to clear a portion of the land just north of the football field. The The football field and practice area also received more upgrades in the early 2000’s. An in ground irrigation system was first installed on the game field. Two new goal posts were also purchased and installed. A second level was added to the press box, which houses two rooms used for video taping and coaching. During the summer of 2001, the bleachers on the hill overlooking the field were renovated. The practice field just north of the gymnasium also had an in-ground irrigation system installed. 60 Over the course of the last five years, the softball field saw some major improvements. In the fall of 2001, two concrete block dugouts were constructed. The home dugout included a large storage area. During the course of 2001 and 2002, a large area around the backstop of the varsity field was concreted, which houses the bleachers and seating area for games. In anticipation of a second softball field on site, the fence on the original field was moved in from 275’ to 190’ in the fall of 2003. In the summer of 2004, the site work began for the second field. This field sits south of the original field with home plate located in the far southwest corner of our property. An electronic scoreboard was purchased and installed on the varsity field for the 2006 season. In the fall of 2006, an addition to the existing home dugout was built for needed storage of equipment used in upkeep of the softball complex. All of the renovations to the Luther High athletic complex came about because of the dedication of the Luther High coaching staff, many hours of volunteer labor, generous donations from people who have a special place in their heart for the athletes of Luther, and most importantly as gifts from a God who richly blesses our association! “The Hollow” then... “The Hollow” now... 61 XII. Drama Department D rama has had a long, rich tradition. Already in Luther’s first school year, student talent was showcased in the “Senior Variety Show.” For several years, one act plays became an annual drama event. The late 60’s to mid 70’s gave way to the popular Junior and Senior Class plays. In 1974, the Drama Club was organized to give students in every grade the opportunity to get involved. Classic plays such as, Harvey, You Can’t Take it With You, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Miracle Worker, Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore, and Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream were performed. In the 90’s The Hobbit and Les Miserables were featured plays. These productions involved a large number of the student body, having elaborate sets and showcasing the acting and 62 vocal skills of many talented young men and women. Faculty members spent long hours and late nights building the sets and putting up makeshift lighting to transform the gym into a credible fine arts performing center. Early directors included the late David Luetke, Keith Heinze, and Paul Dable. These faculty members gave of their time and talents which allowed many students to have the opportunity to hone their acting skills in dramatic public performances. In recent years, Connie Bader and Becky Lussky have partnered in an effort to continue the quality performances done in the past. A fall Children’s Theatre Production is performed for the lower grades of the area Lutheran Elementary Schools. These drama field trips to the LHS campus have also included opportunities for the children to participate in theatre games and other drama education. Currently, the spring productions alternate between a musical and a drama. Recent productions include Oklahoma, The Miracle Worker, The Music Man, Anne of Green Gables, and Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The Pied Piper of Hamelin will show in October 2007 and the Broadway hit, Thoroughly Modern Millie will be performed in March 2008. Drama is a cocurricular activity which only auditions students who are not involved with seasonal interscholastic sports. In 2005, the Luther Auxiliary funded the replacement of the stage curtains which originally were hung in the 1960’s. Mrs. Bader and Mrs. Lussky continue to utilize the expertise of many individuals who have given selflessly of their time to construct the detailed sets and sew the elaborate costumes used in their shows. The drama department exists independently of the school budget. Generous donations and ticket sales have allowed the drama department to continue bringing quality entertainment to the coulee region. The auxiliary gym continues to be the setting for Luther’s Performing Arts Center. Therein sports practices and drama rehearsals co-exist with a curtain separating the activities. Portable modern lighting trusses have recently replaced older lighting valances. Plans for the Chapel/ Auditorium phase of the building plan are approved pending funding. 63 XIII. Growth in Technology T he use of computers at Luther started in the late 1970’s with a computer committee of Marty Sponholtz, Roland Helmreich and Roger Hinz. After a few meetings it was decided to offer a computer class to seniors. The purpose of the class was to give the students a background in computer terminology through a BASIC programming course. Roger Hinz taught the course. The first three computers and printers were donated TI -85’s and dot matrix printers from a local business that was upgrading its equipment. Through a donation, one new IBM type computer and printer were purchased for use in the library. Through a bequest of about $12,000 a classroom of Apple IIe computers and printers was purchased in the early 1980’s and a new one semester course was added to the sophomore class that introduced the students to computers to be used as tools to do word processing, spreadsheet and data base. We started to get IBM computers from Lutheran Hospital in the early 1990’s and a second classroom of computers was added. In the summer of 1997 James Mahnke was called to be the Technology Coordinator and that fall a new computer lab was funded. It contained 23 IBM compatible computers, a laser printer and one server. Network hubs and wiring needed to be installed. A multimedia projector and new soft ware were acquired. This was also the year we began to move to a computerized school administration program for entering and reporting grades, report cards and transcripts. It was a great improvement from years of having to pass the same report card between many faculty members to handwrite the grades. The following year we purchased 12 additional computers to be used in the main office, athletic office, and music office. Additional network equipment and wiring needed to be installed along with printers and software. All this new technology required learning new, 64 more efficient ways of working. Another big year for new technology at LHS was 1999. The Internet was introduced along with our own e-mail server. The remainder of the school was wired for networking and telephones. A computer was installed in every classroom to bring our total computer count up to about 75. Room 20 was remodeled into an office for the technology director including a datacenter for the servers and other networking equipment. Finally a color laser printer was purchased and a new phone system was installed that included a phone in every classroom with voicemail. New servers and new school administrative software were high on the list for 2000. Skyward, a student information system, improved many aspects from taking attendance via computer versus student runners picking up tardy slips, to better recordkeeping of modern day “blended” families, to giving access of live information via our website to parents. We also purchased a Scantron test scoring machine for correcting quizzes and tests and began our website. In 2001 firewall security software was installed and in 2002 it was time to upgrade all the computer workstations. The following year brought additional security software/hardware in response to the growth of malware on the Internet. In 2004 we purchased an anti-plagiarism program for checking student papers and 2005 was a major upgrade to our servers, color laser printer, backup equipment and networking infrastructure. We also invested in a program called Blackbaud to improve our financial development office, database and mailing capabilities. Finally, multimedia projectors were installed in the science classrooms. What a blessing the Lord has granted Luther High through technology as it enhances our mission of “Keeping Christ in Higher Education.” T he most prominent volunteer organization in Luther’s history in length of service has been the Luther High Auxiliary. Actually, the organization came into existence prior to the first year of operation in 1957. Nineteen ladies met at Immanuel Lutheran School in La Crosse on November 20, 1956. According to the constitution, the purpose of the Auxiliary is “to create, maintain, and increase interest in the welfare of the Lutheran High School, both spiritually and physically.” Now fifty years later, with the Lord’s Blessings, this organization continues in its mission. This important organization has provided much Current officers are: President Kristine Traxler First Lutheran, La Crescent Vice President Jan Westerman St. Paul’s, Onalaska Secretary Lettie Hornberg St. John’s, Nodine Treasurer Patti Spoo St. Paul’s, Bangor Past Presidents: Mrs. Betty (Pollack) Graff Mt. Calvary, La Crosse 195759 Mrs. Don Rice Immanuel, La Crosse 1959-61 Mrs. Wes Proksch St. Paul’s, Onalaska 1961-63 Mrs. Roland Myren First, La Crosse 1963-65 Mrs. George Roellich Immanuel, La Crosse 1965-67 Mrs. AI Knorr Mt. Calvary, La Crosse 1967-69 Mrs. Anthony DePaolo Immanuel, La Crosse 1969-71 Mrs. Ernest Berg Luther High Auxiliary membership is open to all adults of the LHS Association Congregations. All activities are funded through voluntary contributions. Each year the Auxiliary purchases non-budgeted items, which enhance the quality of programs, the physical building and daily life of the Luther student. St. John’s, Barre Mills 1971-73 Mrs. Clarence Fillner Christ, West Salem 1973-75 Mrs. Russell Pertzsch St. Paul’s, Onalaska 1975- 77 Mrs. Vilas Lash St. Paul’s, Bangor 1977- 79 Mrs. Don Kish Mt. Calvary, La Crosse 1979-81 Mrs. Gladys Pralle St. Paul’s, Bangor 1981-83 Mrs. Joanne Brown St. John’s, Nodine 1983-85 Mrs. Ted Kothe St. Paul’s, Onalaska 1985-87 Mrs. Lois Wendorf Grace, La Crosse 1987-89 Mrs. Debra Bolstad Mt. Calvary, La Crosse 1989-91 Mrs. Rod Jensen St. Paul’s, Onalaska 1991-93 Mrs. Ruth Duehlmeyer St. John’s, Caledonia 1993-95 Mrs. Eugene Falkenberg St. Paul’s, Onalaska 1995-97 65 Mrs. Tom Maenpaa St. Paul’s, Onalaska 1997-99 Mrs. Diane Lindesmith Grace, La Crosse 1999-2001 Mrs. Pam Tesch St. John’s, Lewiston 2001-2003 Mrs. James Rupprecht Good Shepherd, Holmen 2003-2005 Mrs. Kevin Westerman, St. Paul’s, Onalaska 2005-2007 CHARTER MEMBERS: Mrs. Henry Wunnecke Mrs. Theodore Johnson Mrs. Frank Italiano Mrs. Henry Horstman Mrs. George Phillips Mrs. Rudolph Sprain Mrs. Anthony DePaolo Mrs. Norbert Nuttelman Mrs. Elizabeth (Pollack)Graff Mrs. Willard Schomberg Mrs. Raymond Groth Mrs. Alvin Stellick Mrs. Ernie Berg Mrs. Robert Reich Mrs. William Trapp Mrs. John Lau Mrs. Harvey Baier Mrs. Herbert Krause (Rhoda Lau) Mrs. Alvin Fabian XIV. Supporting Organizations LUTHER HIGH AUXILIARY needed and appreciated funding for Luther High School. These are some of the benefits the Auxiliary has provided over the years: classroom cabinets, student desks, cafeteria food bar, art kiln, stage curtains, recording microphone, library supplies, chairs for computer room, cafeteria tables, music cabinet, computer tables, kitchen vegetable slicer, student lockers, instructional videos, snare drums, medical kits, stopwatches, and the list goes on. Luther High School Foundation T he Luther High Conference of Delegates at the August 1987 meeting formed a committee to investigate the possibility of establishing a foundation. On October 26 that committee had its first meeting and elected Marvin Manske as chairman and James Blado as secretary. The other members were Paul Wuske, Bruce Linse, Pastor Russell Kloehn and Dr. James Raabe. The five purposes of the Luther High School Foundation are to 1) insure long term perpetuation of the financial stability of Luther High School 2) provide a third source of funding for the opera tion of the school 3) provide an avenue to manage gifts and donations contributed for the existence of Luther High School, 4) assist with tuition payments for students of the school 5) provide a vehicle for funding. The Luther High School Foundation has grown to manage over a million dollars in the 20 years since inception in 1987. The 50th anniversary thank offering will be managed for long term tuition assistance by the Foundation. God’s blessings through your gifts to the Foundation continue to support His mission at Luther High School. In May of 1988 the Conference of Delegates approved the articles of incorporation and by-laws, thereby establishing the Luther High School Foundation. On June 28, 1988 the Foundation became a legally incorporated non-profit entity under the laws of the state of Wisconsin. In August 1988 the committee became the first foundation board, and the officers succeeded themselves. Paul Wuske was elected treasurer. Friends of Luther F service and menu has expanded to basketball, track and other events at Luther High. In 1995 Friends of Luther hosted its first golf tournament, now called the Dr. James Raabe Memorial Golf Tournament. During the first 12 years, this event has raised almost $200,000 for Luther High. From the beginning, Friends of Luther has published a newsletter three times each year. riends of Luther was organized on April 22, 1994. Its original purpose, which continues today, was to “promote Christian education and to strengthen the relationship between Luther High School and the congregations and members of the high school association.” To carry out this purpose, the organization is involved in providing helpful service, enhancing communication and providing financial support. A Coordinating Committee of seven members plus a pastoral advisor and a faculty representative plan and carry out the activities of the organization. To date, the largest single project has been the installation and improvement of an asphalt track at the school. Funds generated from FOL activities have benefited athletics, music, drama and provided direct tuition aid grants to all Luther High students. Friends of Luther encourages all association members to be friends of Luther High and help the school in whatever way they can. One of Friends of Luther’s first activities was serving brats and hot dogs at home football games. That food 66 Wise Managers W ise Managers, Inc. began as an idea of Friends of Luther in 2001 which sponsored the organization until it was incorporated on November 8, 2001. The Wise Mangers board studied the activity of the Twice is Nice Resale Shop in Jefferson, Wisconsin, and patterned the Good Steward Resale Shop on that model. Good Steward made its home in the former Rocky Rococo pizza parlor in Bridgeview Plaza just south of I-90 on US 53 and opened its doors on April 23, 2002. The building has since been gifted to Wise Mangers, Inc. board which consists of nine members plus a pastoral advisor and a faculty representative from Luther High. Wise Mangers Inc. basic purpose is to “Serve one another in love” (Gal. 5:13). More specifically, the organization’s purposes are to... 1) provide financial support for Luther High and other charities 2) provide members of area congregations with the oppor tunity to work together and enjoy Christian fellowship 3) provide people with a useful outlet for used goods 4) provide people with good quality items at low cost All merchandise sold in the store is donated. More than 100 volunteers work receiving, sorting, cleaning, repairing, pricing, tagging and selling goods to the public. Since the beginning six years ago, more than $600,000 has been raised for the benefit of Luther High and other charities. In 2006 a $400,000 expansion was completed, doubling the floor space of the original building. Through God’s grace and volunteer labor we pray that the expanded facility will bring increased blessings to Luther High and God’s kingdom for many years to come. 67 XV. Student Organizations O ver the years, many of the student organizations such as camera club, art club, yearbook and newspaper have been incorporated into the curriculum of credited classes. A photography unit is taught in art class with the final project being a photo entry in the annual La Crosse October Fest Amateur Photography Contest. The yearbook, The Shield, and the newspaper, The Leader, are products of the journalism class. Drama and forensics are now extra-curriculars along with sports, rewarding a “letter” or pin for fulfilling specific criteria. The existing student organizations at Luther High School are Student Council, National Honor Society, Wings Team and Pro-Life Knights. Student Council Student Council is the student government. Its primary purpose is the development of student responsibility and leadership from a Christian point of view. It serves to provide leadership and assistance in planning, promoting and regulating class and school activities; to assist fellow students to promote a good relationship between the student body and the faculty; and to promote the general welfare of the school. The Student Council is comprised of 19 students including a president, a secretary, a treasurer, three representatives from each class and the class presidents. The members are elected by their classmates. Activities which the Student Council oversees are Homecoming, Spring Fling, lyceums, mission offerings and the student body Christmas Service. National Honor Society The National Honor Society is a service organization composed of academically gifted 68 students. Membership is by invitation only. A student will qualify for membership by exhibiting Christian character and leadership and achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.500. NHS students are involved in the following activities: Adopt A Highway, candy store sales, Mission to the Children, Grandparents Day, the Hat and PJ Day benefit, Christmas Dance, faculty birthdays, and Awards Night. Wings Team The Wings Team is a group of students who promote alternative ways of having fun without the use of alcohol and other drugs. The Wings Team organizes the annual Mini- homecoming events at school. The group has also been involved with the Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) through the La Crosse County Health Department. Subsequently, the group makes visits to the Lutheran Elementary Schools to promote Luther High School and the importance of being drug and alcohol free. Pro-Life Knights The Pro-Life Knights is a branch organization of the WELS Lutherans for Life La Crosse Chapter. Their purpose is to educate and inform the students of Luther High School on what God’s Word says about all life issues. Specific topics dealing with the sanctity of life are abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, suicide, and abstinence, as well as ethical situations including cloning and stem cell research. The group participates in a variety of activities including attending the National Lutherans for Life Convention, hosting a Life Week and mini Life Convention on campus, collecting food for the area food pantries, hosting two blood drives, and supporting the New Life Resource Center in La Crosse. These men signed the original constitution between May 20 and September 19, 1945. Harold F. Backer, Pres. Karl A. Gurgel, Vice Pres. Irwin R. Witt, Secretary Karl Brinkman W Zuberbier August J. Pralle A. H. Backer W. R. Trapp Alvin Stellick Theo. J Mueller J. F. Gaureseth Rev. Walter Schuman Rev. Roland Gurgel Albert J. Oitzman Arthur Plitzuweit Fred W. Kapanke Adolph Mueller John Dierson John R Schnell Hugo Hass Rev. Fred A Schroeder Julius A Kletzke Elmer E Hanson Carl Piske Adolph Toepel F. B. Wienke Leonard Brinkman Rev. M Bleichuche A. Haefner W. H. Radtke Rev. Richard C. Stiemke Willy C. Maske Paul Wrobel Elder Stellick O. W. Bernsdorf Rev. Otto Engel Pastor E. G. Toepel Wesley Proksch Edwin Veglahn Gordon Follendorf Harold Loesche Fred F. Pagel Frank Bennington Ed Jungen Ralph E Swantz Martin M. O Connell Fred Frey George C. Phillips George A. Krause E. W. Gaedy Geo. W Burmester Marvin Hohmann Hugo E. Protz Archie Currie Otto Kohlmeyer Herman Schroeder M. E. Hofslien Rev. Gerhard Geiger Elmer Kohlmeier Arnold Veglahn Irvin Husman Grover Gensmer Alfred Gensmer Geo. Muenkee Jr. Arthur Aldinger Victor Schroeder 50 Years of Luther High Board Members * are chairmen Early Years Rev. Harold Backer * Rev. Walter Schumann Ralph Swantz Harold Lubeck George Roellich Gordon Follendorf Harold Molzahn Henry Wunnecke Noel Fadness Rev. Gerhardt Horn William Trapp Rev. Arden Steubs Norman Welke Frank Italiano George Phillips Rev. Herbert Jaster August Pralle 1957 Board (6 Pastors or Teachers & 6 Laymen) Rev. Arden Steubs* Rev. Henry Paustian Rev. Marvin Hanke Rev. John Lau Gordon Follendorf Norman Welke Adolph Wick Harold Lubeck George Roellich George Phillips Alvin Stellick William Trapp 1958 Board Rev. Arden Steubs* Rev. Henry Paustian Rev. Marvin Hanke Norman Welke Gordon Follendorf Frank Italiano Adolph Wick Harold Lubeck George Roellich George Phillips Alvin Stellick Eldon Dummer 1959 Board Rev. Arden Steubs* Rev. Gerhard Albrecht Rev. Marvin Hanke Rev. Henry Paustian Gordon Follendorf Norman Welke Adolph Wick Harold Lubeck George Roellich George Phillips Alvin Stellick Eldon Dummer 1960 Board Rev. Arden Steubs* Rev. Gerhard Albrecht Rev. Marvin Hanke Rev. Henry Paustian Gordon Follendorf Fred Hagedorn 69 Adolph Wick Harold Lubeck George Roellich George Phillips Alvin Stellick Eldon Dummer 1961 Board Rev. Arden Steubs* Rev. Gerhard Albrecht Rev. Marvin Hanke Rev. Henry Paustian Gordon Follendorf Fred Hagedorn Adolph Wick Harold Lubeck George Roellich George Phillips Alvin Stellick Eldon Dummer 1962 Board (4 Pastors & 2 Teachers plus 6 Laymen) XVI. Board of Control Charter Members of the Mississippi Valley Evangelical Lutheran High School Association Rev. Marvin Hanke* Rev. Henry Paustian Rev. Gerhard Albrecht pastor - vacant Fred Hagedorn Gordon Follendorf Harold Lubeck George Roellich George Phillips Eldon Dummer Paul Schwartz Martin Hass 1963 Board Rev. Marvin Hanke* Rev. Gerhard Albrecht Rev. Lloyd Lambert Rev. Walter Paustian Rev. Frederick Miller Gordon Follendorf Paul Schwartz George Phillips George Roellich Harold Lubeck Clarence Niedfeldt Austin Phillips 1964 Board Rev. Gerhard Albrecht* Rev. Norbert Gieshen Gordon Follendorf, Secretary Rev. Walter Paustian Rev. Lloyd Lambert Lester Raabe George Roellich Clarence Niedfeldt Austin Phillips Lester Unnasch Elmer Horstman Harold Lubeck 1965 Board Rev. Gerhard Albrecht* Rev. Norbert Gieshen Rev. Lloyd Lambert Rev. Walter Paustian Lester Raabe Armin Huhn Lester Unnasch Elmer Horstman Clarence Niedfeldt Austin Phillips Bud Brendle Elmer Hansen 1966 Board Rev. Walter Paustian* Rev. Lloyd Lambert Rev. David Kuske Rev. Wm. Godfrey Armin Huhn Lester Raabe Lester Unnasch Elmer Horstman Orville Kile Elmer Hansen Ardell Levendoski Bud Brendle 1967 Board Rev. Walter Paustian* Rev. Reginald Siegler Rev. Lloyd Lambert Armin Huhn Lester Raabe Paul Kramer Lester Unnasch Elmer Horstman Orville Kile Elmer Hansen Ardell Levendoski Bud Brendle 1968 Board Rev. Walter Paustian* Rev. Lloyd Lambert Rev. Reginald Siegler Rev. Rueben Kettenacker Paul Kramer Lester Raabe Lester Unnasch Elmer Horstman Orville Kile Elmer Hansen Ardell Levendoski Bud Brendle 1969 Board Rev. Walter Paustian* Rev. Lloyd Lambert Rev. Reginald Siegler Paul Kramer Lester Raabe Rev. Robert Sievert Lester Unnasch Elmer Horstman Orville Kile Elmer Hansen Ardell Levendoski Bud Brendle 1970 Board Rev. Walter Paustian* Rev. Reginald Siegler Rev. Robert Sievert Rev. Robert Berg Paul Kramer Roger Hinz Orville Kile Elmer Hansen Ardell Levendoski Lester Unnasch Harley Kuhlman DuWayne Bluske 1971 Board Rev. Robert Sievert* Rev. Reginald Siegler Rev. Robert Berg Rev. Frederick Miller Roger Hinz Harold Mears Harley Kuhlman DuWayne Bluske Orville Kile Ardell Levendoski Louis Lautz George Roellich 1972 Board Rev. Frederick Miller* Rev. Reginald Siegler Rev. Robert Berg Rev. Paul Nitz Roger Hinz Harold Mears Harley Kuhlman DuWayne Bluske Orville Kile Ardell Levendoski Louis Lautz George Roellich 1973 Board Rev. Frederick Miller* Rev. Paul Nitz Rev. Frederick Werner Rev. Melvin Smith Armin Huhn Harold Mears Louis Lautz George Roellich Carl Mueller Herb Miller Evan Lowrey Manley Kirkeeng 1974 Board Rev. Frederick Miller* Rev. Paul Nitz Rev. Frederick Werner Rev. Melvin Smith Armin Huhn Paul Kramer Louis Lautz George Roellich Carl Mueller Herb Miller Evan Lowrey 70 Manley Kirkeeng 1975 Board Rev. Frederick Miller* Rev. Melvin Smith Rev. James Liggett Rev. Frederick Werner Paul Kramer Karl Blauert Herb Miller Evan Lowrey Manley Kirkeeng Louis Lautz Carl Mueller Donald Tremain 1976 Board Rev. Frederick Werner* Rev. Melvin Smith Rev. James Liggett Rev. James Mumm Paul Kramer Karl Blauert Louis Lautz Carl Mueller Donald Tremain Herb Miller Evan Lowrey Merle Matzke 1977 Board Rev. Frederick Werner* Rev. Melvin Smith Rev. James Liggett Rev. James Mumm Paul Kramer Karl Blauert Herb Miller Evan Lowrey Merle Matzke Carl Mueller Henry Leibl Roy Bantley 1978 Board Rev. James Liggett* Rev. James Mumm Rev. Erling Carmichael Rev. Marcus Birkholz Paul Kramer Karl Blauert Evan Lowrey Merle Matzke Henry Leibl Roy Bantley Darrel Johnson Robert Wendorf 1979 Board Rev. James Liggett* Rev. James Mumm Rev. Erling Carmichael Rev. Marcus Birkholz Paul Kramer James Hahn Darrel Johnson Robert Wendorf Merle Matzke Henry Leibl Roy Bantley Dean Mendell 1980 Board Rev. James Liggett* Rev. Erling Carmichael Rev. Marcus Birkholz Rev. Kenneth Gast Lee Robbert James Hahn Darrel Johnson Robert Wendorf Merle Matzke Henry Leibl Roy Bantley Dean Mendell 1981 Board Rev. James Liggett* Rev. Erling Carmichael Rev. Kenneth Gast Rev. Roger Sachs Lee Robbert James Hahn Darrel Johnson Robert Wendorf Merle Matzke Henry Leibl Roy Bantley Dean Mendell 1982 Board Rev. Kenneth Gast* Rev. Erling Carmichael Rev. Roger Sachs Rev. Marvin Doelger Lee Robbert James Hahn Darrel Johnson Robert Wendorf Henry Leibl Roy Bantley Dean Mendell Melbourne Moe 1983 Board Rev. Roger Sachs* Rev. Kenneth Gast Rev. Erling Carmichael Rev. Marvin Doelger Lee Robbert James Hahn Darrel Johnson Robert Wendorf Dean Mendell Melbourne Moe James Beitlich Paul Wuske 1984 Board Rev. Roger Sachs* Rev. Kenneth Gast Rev. Marvin Doelger Rev. Glenn Moldenhauer Lee Robbert James Hahn Melbourne Moe James Beitlich Paul Wuske Robert Bateman Buzz Handy John Lautz 1985 Board Rev. Roger Sachs* Rev. Kenneth Gast Rev. Marvin Doelger Rev. Glenn Moldenhauer Lee Robbert John Lau Melbourne Moe James Beitlich Paul Wuske Robert Bateman Buzz Handy Donald Bay 1986 Board Rev. Roger Sachs* Rev. Marvin Doelger Rev. Glenn Moldenhauer Rev. Russell Kloehn John Lau Arnold Nommensen Paul Wuske Robert Bateman Buzz Handy Donald Bay Melbourne Moe Lester Unnasch 1987 Board Rev. Russell Kloehn* Rev. Marvin Doelger Rev. Keith Amborn Rev. Harold Hoeppner John Lau Arnold Nommensen Paul Wuske Robert Bateman Buzz Handy Donald Bay Melbourne Moe Lester Unnasch 1988 Board Rev. Russell Kloehn* Rev. Keith Amborn Rev. Harold Hoeppner Rev. Oliver Lindholm John Lau Arnold Nommensen Paul Wuske Robert Bateman Lester Unnasch Larry Lindesmith Ken Stratman Wayne Johnson 1989 Board Rev. Russell Kloehn* Rev. Keith Amborn Rev. Harold Hoeppner Rev. Oliver Lindholm John Lau Arnold Nommensen Larry Lindesmith Ken Stratman Wayne Johnson Robert Bateman James Bateman Lester Unnasch 1990 Board Rev. Russell Kloehn* Rev. Harold Hoeppner Rev. Oliver Lindholm Rev. Roy Hefti John Lau Arnold Nommensen James Bateman Lester Unnasch Larry Lindesmith Ken Stratman Al Schlicht Charles Lukasek 1991 Board Rev. Russell Kloehn* Rev. Oliver Lindholm Rev. Roy Hefti Rev. Thomas Hilliard Arnold Nommensen John Hahm James Bateman Lester Unasch Larry Lindesmith Ken Stratman Charles Lukasek Paul Hayden 71 1992 Board Rev. Roy Hefti* Rev. Oliver Lindholm Rev. Thomas Hilliard Rev. Mark Bartling John Hahm Jeff Dorn Larry Lindesmith Ken Stratman Charles Lukasek Paul Hayden James Bateman Robert Duehlmeyer 1993 Board Rev. Roy Hefti* Rev. Oliver Lindholm Rev. Thomas Hilliard Rev. Mark Bartling John Hahm Jeff Dorn Ken Stratman Charles Lukasek Paul Hayden James Bateman Robert Duehlmeyer Jon Riley 1994 Board Rev. Roy Hefti* Rev. Thomas Hilliard Rev. Mark Bartling Rev. William Bader John Hahm Mark Murphy Charles Lukasek Robert Duehlmeyer Jon Riley James Bateman Steve Loehr Dwight Helmke 1995 Board Rev. Roy Hefti* Rev. Thomas Hilliard Rev. Mark Bartling Rev. William Bader John Hahm Mark Murphy Charles Lukasek Robert Duehlmeyer Jon Riley Steve Loehr Dwight Helmke John Roellich 1996 Board Rev. Mark Bartling* Rev. Thomas Hilliard Rev. William Bader Rev. Walter Westphal John Hahm Mark Murphy Robert Duehlmeyer Jon Riley Steve Loehr John Roellich Ralph Stellick Gary Klemstein 1997 Board Rev. Mark Bartling* Rev. William Bader Rev. Walter Westphal Rev. Thomas Hilliard Richard Bakken Roger Tews Robert Duehlmeyer Jon Riley Steve Loehr John Roellich Ralph Stellick Charles Lukasek 1998 Board Rev. Thomas Hilliard* Rev. William Bader Rev. Steven Staude Rev. Paul Ibisch Richard Bakken Roger Tews Jon Riley Steve Loehr John Roellich Ralph Stellick Charles Lukasek Paul Zuberbier Ralph Stellick Charles Lukasek Paul Zuberbier Keith Schedler Lee Fehr 2001 Board Rev. Steven Staude* Rev. James Nelson Rev. Daniel Borgwardt Rev. Andrew Schultz Richard Bakken William Scharf Keith Schedler Lee Fehr Ralph Stellick Charles Lukasek Bruce Jentz Paul Hayden 2002 Board Rev. Steven Staude* Rev. James Nelson Rev. Daniel Borgwardt Rev. Andrew Schultz Richard Bakken William Scharf Keith Schedler Lee Fehr Ralph Stellick Bruce Jentz Paul Hayden Gary Korthals 2003 Board Rev. Steven Staude* Rev. Daniel Borgwardt Rev. Andrew Schultz Rev. Nathan Strutz Jonathon Englebrecht David Niemi Keith Schedler Lee Fehr Bruce Jentz Paul Hayden Gary Korthals Loren Molling 2004 Board Rev. Andrew Schultz* Rev. Nathan Strutz Rev. Norris Baumann Rev. John Rimmert Jonathon Englebrecht David Niemi Keith Schedler Bruce Jentz Gary Korthals Loren Molling David Leibl James Mendell 2005 Board Rev. Andrew Schultz* Rev. Norris Baumann Rev. John Rimmert Rev. James Krueger Jonathon Englebrecht David Niemi 1999 Board Rev. Steven Staude* Rev. William Bader Rev. James Nelson Rev. Daniel Borgwardt Richard Bakken William Scharf Steve Loehr John Roellich Ralph Stellick Charles Lukasek Paul Zuberbier Keith Schedler 2000 Board Rev. Steven Staude* Rev. James Nelson Rev. Daniel Borgwardt Rev. Andrew Schultz Richard Bakken William Scharf John Roellich 72 Bruce Jentz Gary Korthals Loren Molling David Leibl James Mendell Richard Dorn 2006 Board Rev. John Rimmert* Rev. Norris Baumann Rev. James Krueger Rev. Mark Wessel Richard Bakken Jeff Essig Bruce Jentz Gary Korthals David Leibl James Mendell Richard Dorn David Ekhoff Luther High School Tuition - 1st Child Association Member XVII. Tuition Throughout the Years $5,000 $4,500 $4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $500 $- 0 8 6 4 2 6 0 8 4 6 4 6 2 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 8 2 0 95 196 196 196 196 196 197 197 197 197 197 198 198 198 198 198 199 199 199 199 199 200 200 200 200 -1 57 959 961 963 965 967 969 971 973 975 977 979 981 983 985 987 989 991 993 995 997 999 001 003 005 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 19 73 74 Number of Students 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 1957-58 1959-60 School Year XVIII. Enrollment Throughout the Years Enrollment History of Luther High School 1961-62 1963-64 1965-66 1967-68 1969-70 1971-72 1973-74 1975-76 1977-78 1979-80 1981-82 1983-84 1985-86 1987-88 1989-90 1991-92 1993-94 1995-96 1997-98 1999-2000 2001-2002 2003-2004 2005-2006 Theme: O Rejoice Ye Christians Loudly Pre-service: A Mighty Fortress Arranged by John Edmondson Accompanied by the band Directed by Mr. Jim Rupprecht Invocation Anthem: O, Rejoice Ye Christians Loudly Arranged by Dr. Lo Accompanied by the band Directed by Mr. Jim Rupprecht Liturgy Concertato: All People That On Earth Do Dwell Pastor Frank Italiano Jr. Arranged by Benjamin Harlan Congregation, LHS Student Choir, Brass Directed by Mr. Paul Adickes Sermon: “Eternity in the Heart” Ecc. 3:11b Pastor Paul Ziemer Choir: “Sing Hallelujah! Arranged by Hanford Johnson Association Choir, Concert Choir Directed by Mr. David Adickes Offering Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Benediction Concertato: God of the Ages Arranged by Lloyd Larson Congregation, LHS Student Choir, Brass Directed by Mr. Jim Rupprecht Organist: Mr. Steve Rhode 75 IX. Fiftieth Anniversary Service Luther High School 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, September 16, 2007 ACE Gymnasium