loving our neighbor
reflecting god's love
Summer 2015
The Alumni Publication of the Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis
From the President
Kudos
Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.� Matthew 28:19
Congratulations to the Lutheran North and Lutheran South Classes of 2015! The combined 203 students were offered $15 million in scholarships and grants and accepted $6.1 million over four years.
Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior! I am pleased to announce that the Lutheran High School Association has begun a year-long process of developing an exciting new master plan for the future of our Lutheran high schools. The process will include input from the community, faculty and staff, parents, congregations, alumni and donors as we determine the correct next steps. We are fully committed to continuing to provide a nurturing Christian environment and academic excellence for generations of students to come. If you have input you would like to share, please call or email me. As we begin these plans for our future, we are mindful that our schools exist in an ever-changing global world. We are always seeking new ways to share the gospel message within our schools, in our communities, and throughout the world.
Lutheran South's valedictorians are from left Nick Taylor (University of Missouri-Columbia/Chemical Engineering), Liz Kirkman (University of Missouri-Columbia/Pre-Vet Scholar), and Kim Hart (Truman State University/Nursing). The LHSS salutatorian is Ian Crane (Truman State University/English & Spanish).
In this issue of the Herald, we will share how several of our faculty members and alums are making passionate global connections. These individuals are learning more about what it means to love your neighbor as they share the gospel message, bringing hope and understanding to many in countries that have limited resources. They are then able to connect with our students, sharing their experiences and providing opportunities for our school communities to support their brothers and sisters around the globe. We continue to be blessed with incredible students and families. We are even more blessed by the wonderful and generous support of our alumni. Many thanks to all of you for that continued support! In His Abounding Grace and Peace, Tim Hipenbecker, President
2
Lutheran North's valedictorians are from left Josh Fackler (Truman State University/Visual Communications), Lydia Snyder (University of MissouriColumbia/English & East Asian Studies), and Donovan Ambler (Missouri University of Science & Technology/Computer Science). The LHSN salutatorian is Olivia Thompson (University of Missouri-Columbia/Business Management).
On the cover:
In a small village in Tanzania, Dan Harms N'68, LHSS Dean of Students, holds his adopted grandson, Daniel, who was named after him. See story on page 4.
Retiring Teachers Honoring Exemplary Role Models - Thank you! RETIRING FROM LUTHERAN SOUTH
“I have a deep respect for the people who teach here and I love the students.” Tom Reck
Ann Omura is retiring after a total of 17 years at LHSS. She first taught English I as Ann Kissinger in the late 1970’s, while also serving as the Troubadour and Yearbook advisor and assistant track coach. She returned to LHSS in 2000, teaching Freshman and Sophomore English, Freshman Honors English, Intermediate Composition, US Literature, Creative Writing and Yearbook. Mrs. Omura says she will definitely miss her students and colleagues. “The faith of our students is so amazing,” she said. “The thing that impressed me most was when my daughter had to have emergency surgery just three days into the school year a few years ago. Perhaps even more impressive than the kindness of the administration in allowing me to go to Brook in Korea was Brook's faith in the prayers of the people at LHSS. I've never forgotten that Laurie Senkbeil (Laurie Labore Senkbeil S'84) walked up to the challenge of teaching a full load of classes without batting an eye. The way I was treated by students and staff was so gratifying. It made me know that families matter the most.” Her plans include learning French and a trip to France in the fall, applying to be a docent in older homes in St. Louis, auditing art history and art appreciation classes, and eventually traveling more with her husband after he retires. Thank you Mrs. Omura!
RETIRING FROM LUTHERAN NORTH Elaine Hunt is retiring after more than 30 years at LHSN teaching physical
education and health. For over a decade, Mrs. Hunt also served as the assistant girls' athletic director. She has also coached girls' softball, girls' tennis and boys' golf. Mrs. Hunt plans to enjoy retirement, spending her days golfing, watching grandchildren, traveling throughout the United States (especially Denver to see some grandchildren), and continuing as a substitute teacher at Lutheran North. Mrs. Hunt, who had always been involved in sports, has found the role of physical education teacher rewarding. "Being able to see the differences in students over their four years at North is something I'm really going to miss," said Mrs. Hunt. She will also miss the faculty and staff, adding, "They really are like a family." During physical education, Mrs. Hunt would walk quickly to the designated field for the day. The unlucky students who arrived behind her would have to run around the field to remind them to pick up the pace! Known for her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to walk on the balance beam and do hand springs, Mrs. Hunt will truly be missed on North's campus. Thank you Mrs. Hunt!
David McCollister, better known as "Mr. Mac," is retiring after 40 years at LHSN. Well-known for teaching American History courses, Mr. Mac also taught Economics, Sociology and World History throughout his decades at Lutheran North. In addition, Mr. Mac was the head coach for girls' basketball for 26 years and the assistant coach for 5 years. He also coached cross country, track and boys' tennis. Mr. Mac became interested in history after watching the show, The Twentieth Century, hosted by Walter Cronkite. Known for his Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactments, Mr. Mac says that you can read about battles like Bunker Hill, but it leaves you cold. He says, "When it's acted out, it really leaves an impression that no textbook or iPad can give you." continued on page 10
From top left: Reck, Omura, Hunt, Mr. Mac, Holtgrewe
School News
Tom Reck is retiring after 47 years at LHSS, and 48 in the teaching ministry. He has taught all levels of English and has been instrumental in preparing Lutheran South students to write effectively in college. Over the years he has served as head football and baseball coach, athletic director, faculty chairman, and English department chairman. He has monitored the clock for Lancer home football and basketball games for many years and recently coordinated the Faith In Action program. He was honored as the Metro Area Football Coach of the Year in 1984, named to the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008, and received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013. Mr. Reck has plans to travel after retirement, beginning with a trip to Hawaii. He and his wife Laura will continue to be involved with animal rescue organizations and continue their support of the arts, especially The Repertory Theatre and Opera Theatre. He plans to learn to play the clarinet and catch up on his own reading after reading thousands of student compositions. He is also a trained Stephen Minister and Leader and serves as Board Chairman for Stephen Ministries. His love for English began at a young age when his mother made him sit and read aloud to her. He firmly believes that God has directed his life according to Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” He gives credit to the parents of South
students for preparing their children to learn. “At South, I could actually teach,” he says as a credit to the Christian environment and supportive families. “That’s why I’ve stayed so long.” “I have a deep respect for the people who teach here and I love the students,” he says. He will miss them as we will miss him. Thank you Mr. Reck!
3
An Incredible Sense of Community Connecting to our neighbors in Africa
<
Far left: Eric Funke tosses Baraka during a Christmas party at Buhangija
Center for children with albinism and children who are differently abled. Left: Linda Funke laughs with her Deaconess sisters. They are the first deaconesses ordained in their diocese in Tanzania.
Serving Our Neighbor
You may have experienced it. You pursue an opportunity to serve and suddenly discover that you’re gaining more from the opportunity than you’re giving. As we serve others in our families, jobs, schools, churches, and communities, we learn and grow in our faith by walking in the shoes of our neighbors. However, for several Lutheran North and Lutheran South alumni, their passion for global connections has redefined the proximity of "neighbors".
4
computers at Mwadui Lutheran Secondary School. He is working to give his students math and computer skills they will need to be able to receive an education beyond secondary school. After starting with only 10 computers, he has been able to add more computers thanks to several donors, including 25 computers from Lutheran South. Mwadui Lutheran is unique because not many secondary schools in Tanzania have their own computer lab.
When Eric Funke N’00 was a child, he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up: a missionary. Several decades later, he and his wife, Linda, are in Mwadui, Tanzania, working with their new neighbors and sharing the gospel.
Linda is a part-time guidance counselor at Mwadui Lutheran. She also works with the Lutheran diocese on community projects and volunteers at a home for children and teens with albinism, deafness, and blindness.
Eric attended Chapel of the Cross, went to school at Salem Lutheran School and Lutheran North, graduated from Valparaiso University, and became a math and science teacher at Lutheran North. While many leave behind childhood aspirations, Eric did not forget his dream of becoming a missionary in Africa.
Mwadui, Tanzania is a diamond mining community, which means it is gated and maintained by the mine. With about 8,000 residents, it has a small town feel. While this means that most in Mwadui have access to more resources than others in Tanzania, there are still many challenges in the dayto-day lives of those in their immediate community and surrounding communities. One challenge is the lack of quality medical care. Linda says, “You see suffering on a very real level.” Another challenge is that most children struggle to access a quality education.
Linda, who is from the Dallas, Texas area, spent a year doing HIV education in Papua, New Guinea, but felt that she needed more tools to be able to connect needs with resources and services in mutually beneficial ways. That brought Linda to St. Louis where she received her Masters in Social Work from Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work. It was in St. Louis that Eric and Linda reconnected after having previously dated while at Valpo. After being married for just over one year, the couple moved to Tanzania in September 2012. Eric teaches math and
The Funkes found their way to the church and school in Mwadui through Pastor James Wetzstein, the pastor at Valparaiso University. He connected them to Global Lutheran Outreach, an independent Lutheran organization that works to connect Lutherans with mission opportunities around the world. Eric says that throughout his life, “My desire to work for the church
took different forms. God never let the desire to serve with the church leave my heart and I often thought, ‘What is he preparing me for next?’ ” He cites attending and working at Lutheran North as a beloved experience and training for future service. Eric speaks of a holy restlessness that has driven him to continue to find new ways to serve God’s people.
Dan Harms N’68, longtime Dean of Students at Lutheran South, became involved in mission that stretched far beyond Lutheran South’s walls after hearing about work his high school friend was doing in the African countries of Rwanda and Tanzania. Dan and Bob Hansen N’68 met while attending St. Jacobi Lutheran School in Jennings, went to Lutheran North together, and maintained their friendship over the years. A few years ago, while in a long car ride after attending the funeral of a mutual friend, Bob shared many stories with Dan from his time spent in Africa. By the end of the trip Dan told Bob, “I’m going to Africa.” Five years later, Dan just completed his sixth 24-day trip to Rwanda and Tanzania. His stories are all about his Rwandan and Tanzanian neighbors. When asked about how this mission ties into his faith, Dan answers, “They witness Christ to me far more than I witness to them. In the face of such adversity, they show such faith.” Bob became interested in working in Africa during a one-year sabbatical from his role as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Organizational Leadership at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. He spent his year in several countries in Africa working mostly at health clinics. He has
Bob says, “If you can help, you must, not just when it’s convenient, but when you are able.” He went on to say that, “You can help in your own families and in your towns. You don’t have to go to another continent, but I don’t consider my neighbor here to be all that different from my neighbor in another country.” Bob is grateful to his Lutheran education for showing him what it means to serve. “It’s not like we [at Lutheran North] do community service and then we live our lives. The service is fully integrated into our lives. Lutheran North gave us great role models in teachers who reached out and helped neighbors.”
It was during one of Dan’s chapel presentations that Beth Palisch Berner S’89, Director of Admissions at Lutheran South, became interested in going on the yearly journey. She just completed her first trip with Dan, Bob and five students from Westminster.
Above left: Four students at
Lutheran South's sister school, Rwamagana Lutheran School in Rwanda, hold solar lamps provided through Lutheran South's "Christmas for Rwamagana Lutheran" campaign. Above right: LHSS Director of Admissions Beth Berner surrounded by the Rwamagana Lutheran students; Right: Dan
"I'd go back tomorrow in a heartbeat," she said. "For a country (Rwanda) that went through what they went through, their sense of community is incredible." During the approximate 100-day period from April 7 to mid-July 1994, an estimated 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandans were killed in the Rwandan Genocide as part of the Rwandan Civil War. In Tanzania, Beth was impressed by the efforts to improve healthcare, especially for women in childbirth. Humanity for Children is working on grants to provide safe birthing kits to traditional birthing attendants along with a "solar suitcase" designed to serve as a portable generator for births in the middle of the night when electricity isn't available. Dan wants to involve as many people as feel called, saying, “Everybody who comes with us comes back and says the same thing: ‘I expected to give more, but I ended up getting more than I gave.’ ”
Eric, Dan and Bob cite their experiences of serving at Lutheran North and Lutheran
Harms (left) and Bob Hansen at Rusumo Falls at the Rwanda/Tanzania border.
South as preparation to work in the ways they now serve through the church. In expanding the way we often think of the term “neighbor,” they are an example of how we too can better love our neighbors–– around the block and around the globe. When people compliment Dan on his good work and seemingly tireless efforts, he responds, “You don’t understand. I’m the one being helped. I’m the one being changed. I’m the one being saved.” Continue to be a part of these journeys! Follow Eric and Linda Funke on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFunkeTimeInTanzania Humanity for Children: www.facebook.com/humanityforchildren
"I expected to give more, but I ended up getting more than I gave." Dan Harms
Serving Our Neighbor
Dan and Bob work through Humanity for Children, an organization committed to improving the quality of life of children in East Africa. Harms and Hansen work especially with Humanity for Children’s microloan program. One example of a project supported through a microloan is the honeybee project, which allows people to buy bees and then pay back the loan (typically set at 3-5%) after selling honey. A pig project supported through a microloan requires that when piglets are born, one be given to a neighbor to raise while the other piglets are sold so the owners can repay their microloan. Other projects include microloans that go toward raising chickens, purchasing a torch for welding, starting a hair salon, and selling wedding dresses. Dan has extended his service to Rwanda by involving the Lutheran South community through presentations during chapels and in his psychology classes. Students and faculty have generously supported fundraising to provide solar lamps for students at
Rwamagana Lutheran School in Rwanda to help the students read when it is dark. Lutheran South has also sent gently-used school uniform clothing to children who often have only a single outfit to wear.
>
returned to Africa, specifically Rwanda and Tanzania, every year for the past 10 years since his sabbatical.
5
From left, Ted Eberley/ Carl Ramsey; Gary May; TJ Winters & family; Chris & Karli Kaempfe
Camera icon next to alum listing indicates photo on top of page 6 or 7.
North 1968 Carl Ramsey (right), a freshman when Lutheran Central closed in 1965 and Ted Eberley, a freshman when Lutheran Central opened in 1949, pictured together at a Marine Corps birthday celebration. Carl taught at LHSN in 1977-78. North 1981 Gary S. May was recently selected for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentorship. As the College of Engineering Dean at Georgia Tech, May was one of 14 individuals and one organization honored by President Obama with this prestigious award because of his work in cultivating America’s future engineers, scientists, and mathematicians, particularly from groups underrepresented in these fields. North 1989 Carla Eckert Krazl recently had a third book published by Concordia Publishing House. “A Work in Progress” is a Bible study book geared for small groups, serving high-school age and up. Her sister is Connie Eckert Jander N'92. South 1998 Tim Rulo has been hired as the head football coach at Helias Catholic/Jefferson City, Mo. He leaves South Callaway, where he led the football team to a 66-19 record and four district titles in his seven years there. TJ Winters was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod on January 25, 2015. He currently serves as the Senior Director
of Worship Ministries for Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas. He and his wife Rachel married in 2004 and have been blessed with three children—Savannah, 9; Adelyn, 6; Gideon, 3—and are expecting another boy, Asher, in July. TJ is one of the worship leaders at Concordia and is responsible for the planning and preparation of all worship services.
offer from Building Excellent Schools (BES). BES is a highly-selective nonprofit that raises the quality of urban charter schools by supporting entrepreneurial individuals in a year-long, comprehensive program in urban charter school creation and leadership. Her elementary charter school will open in New Orleans, La., in the fall of 2017.
North 1999 Nathan Rueckert is the founder and owner of The Baseball Seams Co. He shares his passion for baseball and art by tearing off the leather from used baseballs and turning the seams into letters, shapes, crosses, American flags, and more: www.baseballseamsco.com. His siblings are Brian Rueckert N'01 and Kate Rueckert Gonzelez N'03.
South 2007 Chris Kaempfe married Karli Courtney on October 11, 2014, in Springfield, Mo., where they now live. Bridesmaids and groomsmen included Chris’ sister, Dana Kaempfe S’12, Chris’ brother and best man, Andrew Kaempfe S’05, and Lutheran South friends Phil Scanlon S’07, Justin Mulligan S’07, Kyle Mackenzie S’07, Ethan Jost S’07 and Steve Odegard S’07. Family of Chris also includes dad Terry Kaempfe N’75.
South 2002 Rick Lewis won the Food Network's "Guy's Grocery Games" in April, and recently opened the restaurant, Southern, located at 3108 Olive Street at Midtown St. Louis. As the head chef, he describes his unique establishment as "taking simple food and making it fun." Southern specializes in Nashville hot chicken and is a collaboration between Lewis and Pappy's Smokehouse co-owner Mike Emerson. Lewis was previously the chef at Quincy Street Bistro. Rick was also named the Post-Dispatch's Chef of the Year in 2013. North 2006 Melanie Askew, currently a manager of teacher leadership development at Teach For America St. Louis, has accepted a 2015-2016 fellowship
Stephen Odegard and Krista Schaefer were married on December 28, 2014, at Christ Lutheran in Valparaiso, Ind. They both graduated from Valparaiso University, Steve in 2011 and Krista in 2012. Krista was a Fulbright Scholar in Nepal after graduation and is working on her master's degree in Public Health at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Steve served in South Africa a year after graduation with the ELCA and is in his final year of medical school at Loyola University, Chicago. Bridesmaids and groomsmen included siblings Dean Odegard S'09, Emily Odegard S'14, and friend Ethan Jost S'07. His family includes mom Kathy Johnson Odegard S'76. South 2009 Dean Odegard and Becky Vasel Odegard
Alum Notes
Alums Earn All-Conference Honors
6
The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) announced the 2015 Baseball All-Conference awards in May. Three alumni who are members of the Westminster College baseball team in Fulton, Mo.. earned All-Conference honors. • •
•
Tanner Branneky N '13, a sophomore, was placed on the SLIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Tyler Branneky N '11, a junior third baseman, earned the SLIAC Player of the Year title and a spot on the First Team All-Conference. He hit .413 with a school record 45 RBIs. Nick Bohlmann S '13, a freshman outfielder, was placed on the SLIAC Third Team All-Conference list and earned a spot on the SLIAC 2015 All-Tournament Team.
From left, Tanner Branneky, Tyler Branneky and Nick Bohlmann.
were married on August 16, 2014, at Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens in St Louis. Dean graduated from Notre Dame and Becky from Mizzou in 2013. They both earned master's degrees from Saint Louis University in May 2015— Becky in Speech Pathology and Dean in Biology. Dean is beginning medical school this summer at Washington University in St Louis. Bridesmaids and groomsmen included Dean's siblings Steve Odegard S'07 and Emily Odegard S'14, Jenni Vasel Burbank S'99 and Kevin Vasel S'02, and friends Adam Singer '09, Joe Jackson S'09, Ben Ema '09,, Katie Schmidt S'09, and Sarah Kramer S'09. Ushers were Aaron Hall S'09 and Matt Wilson S'09. Dean's mom is Kathy Johnson Odegard S'76. North 2011 Kayce Gibbs graduated in May 2015 from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in African American history. In the fall she will be starting a master's program in Public Administration with a focus in Non-Profit. Irene Wallace graduated from William Woods University in December 2014 with bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Equestrian Science. She is currently running her own training barn called Saddlebrook Stables operating out of Biggs Mountain Equestrian in Wildwood, Mo. Irene's sisters are Sara Wallace N'14 and Cora Wallace N'18.
Billy Horton graduated from St. Louis University in May 2014 with a Finance degree. He is currently enrolled in law school at Washington University. He is also working for NISA Investment Advisors in Clayton. His career plan is to work in business law after graduation in May 2017. Todd Johnson graduated from St. Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and will be pursuing his EMT paramedic and firefighter licensing starting in the fall. He’s also hoping to be able to coach while doing so. His brother is Kyle Johnson S'05.
Jonathan Lauer graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Geography, along with certificates in GIS and geospatial intelligence. He begins work in August in the Business Process & Technology department at DISH corporate headquarters in Denver, Colo. Jonathan's family includes mom Jayne Evers Lauer S'77 and sisters Courtney Lauer S'07 and Christen Lauer Gorman S'04. Ryan Mulligan graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He is entering dental school at the University of MissouriKansas City this fall. Ryan's family includes mom Jolene Frentzel Mulligan S'80 and brother Justin Mulligan S'07. Ashley Schumacher graduated in May 2015 from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. She is relocating this summer to Houston, Texas, to start working for ExxonMobil in their Environmental Services Company. Her family includes mom Jane Hartman Schumacher S'79, Kelly Schumacher
S'06, and Katie Schumacher S'08. South 2014 On April 17, Raechel Reinitz walked the RED CARPET event in Cape Girardeau for the opening of the movie "Love Chronicles (of the Cape)." The evening included a drive through downtown in the chauffeured convertible, ending at the RED CARPET event where Raechel and other actors in the movie were interviewed as they entered into the movie theater. Check out circa87.com. Raechel's family includes father Andy Reinitz S'83 and brother Gus Reinitz S'11.
From left, Steve & Krista Odegard; Dean & Becky Odegard; Raechel Reinitz; Steve and Roy Pfund
IN MEMORIAM Todd McMurry S'87 served as the Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Park, Minn., for almost 5 years. Prior to becoming a pastor, Todd was a horticulturalist, a Marine, and a Fire Fighter. Todd passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2015. A memorial service was held at Webster Gardens Lutheran Church in St. Louis where he served while a student at Concordia Seminary. FORMER FACULTY NEWS Former Lutheran South science teacher and baseball coach Roy Pfund received the 2015 Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) during the 2015 Hall of Fame Coach of the Year Awards Luncheon in January. Pfund is pictured with his son, Steve Pfund S'78, current science teacher and baseball coach at LHSS. Roy's family includes daughter Lisa Pfund Rivers S'83 and grandchildren Sarah Rivers S'17, Josh Rivers S'13, and Andrew Rivers S'10.
Baebler Makes A Uruguay Connection Adria Baebler S'10 visited Lutheran South in March to give a presentation and thank you to Mrs. Christina Perkowski’s Spanish III and IV classes . As a Fulbright Scholar from Missouri State University, Adria spent eight months in Uruguay last year and coordinated a letter-writing campaign between her English students there and Spanish students at Lutheran South. She talked to the LHSS classes about her experiences and offered helpful advice about college and study abroad opportunities. Adria's brother is Layton Baebler S'13.
Alum Notes
South 2011 Justin Haun graduated from Concordia University-Nebraska in May 2015 and is beginning his first year at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He plans to become a military chaplain. Justin's brother is James Haun S'06.
Sarah Kirkman graduated from DePauw University in May 2015 and is headed to Indiana University-Bloomington Jacobs School of Music for her master's degree in musicology this fall. Afterwards, she plans to earn her PhD at a school yet to be determined to pursue a career in research, editing, and teaching at a university. Sarah's siblings are David Kirkman S'13 and Elizabeth Kirkman S'15.
7
The Annual "Naming of the Gyms"
The naming of the gym at each school is a privilege available for bid at the annual LHSA Fantasy Faire Auction. In chapel on May 1, the LUTHERAN NORTH GYM was
In chapel on April 27, the LUTHERAN SOUTH GYM was
named in honor of former principal Ed Reitz who entered
named in honor of Alicia "Alii" Hoierman. Alii was a vibrant
his heavenly home on October 30, 2014. We remember the
member of the LHSS Class of 2014 who passed away last year
way he lived his life - "You can pretend to care but you can't
from cancer and is missed by all. Pictured from left, back
pretend to be there." His wife Barb displays the gym plaque,
row: LHSA President Tim Hipenbecker and LHSS Principal
joined by former and current faculty and staff, family and
Brian Ryherd; seated are Alii's mom, Kelly Hoeierman, and
friends. Ed and Barb's daughters are Shawna Reitz Loizzi
Alii's uncle, Scott Ashlock.
N'84, D'Linda Reitz N'88, and Sharon Reitz-Tigrine N'86.
Grads Connect in their Jobs at the Federal Reserve Bank
News & Events
Lutheran South and Lutheran North have a bit of a niche at the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis. Read more!
Left to right: Andy Forinash S'96, Katrina Stierholz N'81, Jewel McDaniels N'94, Rashida Bush Dorsey N'97, Mark Buethe S'93, Kristina Stierholz N'81. Not pictured – Cathy Hohl N'78.
8
It’s the classic St. Louis question: “Where did you go to high school?” At the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, there are several who can answer that they went to a Lutheran high school that gave them an excellent education and prepared them for challenging work ahead. You see, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is one of 12 banks that make up the Central Bank of the United States. Currently, Lutheran High graduates are represented in most divisions of the Bank – Research and Economic Education (Katrina Stierholz), Banking Supervision (Mark Buethe, Andy Forinash, and Kristina Stierholz), Legal (Cathy Hohl), and Support Services (Rashida Dorsey and Jewel McDaniels). The type of work performed at the Federal Reserve is wide-ranging and requires skills and experience as diverse as editing and communications, economic or financial analysis, event management, education and staff development, project management, and technology development and support.
2015 LHSA Golf Scramble
Save the Date! Mark your calendars to be part of the fun and spirited events below.
Lutheran North Special 50th Anniversary Worship Service
Clockwise from top left, left to right: Winning team members Craig Fallon and Tim Tepen
Sunday, August 9, 2015 2:30 p.m. At Lutheran North
from Gateway Digital Press with LHSA President Tim Hipenbecker at the Golf Scramble Awards
Lutheran North Homecoming Saturday, September 26, 2015 vs. Lutheran South Lutheran South Homecoming Friday, October 9, 2015 vs. Lutheran-St. Charles
2015 Fantasy Faire Auction Saturday, November 21, 2015 At Doubletree Hotel-Westport
Sem Games Saturday, February 6, 2016 At Lutheran North We're bringing the Sem Games to the schools! Join us in 2016 at Lutheran North for this annual day of North/South basketball. Watch our websites for more details.
April 25!
Richard Mueller and son, David, who were unable to stay for the dinner; Honorees John and Marilyn Brickler. Congratulations!
On April 27, LHSA hosted its 28th Annual Golf Scramble at Norwood Hills Country Club, with more than 180 golfers joining in for a beautiful day on the course. The day concluded with a silent auction and the awards dinner, including some fitting tributes for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf Scramble honorees, John & Marilyn (Kuhlmann) Brickler, LHSS Class of 1962. The Bricklers are longtime supporters of Lutheran South, LHSA and the Lutheran community. Through the support of our sponsors and golfers, the event raised nearly $40,000 for the ministry of our schools!
The 2015 One in Christ Breakfast The "We Are One In Christ" Breakfast on April 16 attracted more than 260 guests who enjoyed the morning learning about the ministry of our high schools. Students from each school shared their stories, complemented by the performance of the combined bands and choirs. LHSA President Tim Hipenbecker shared updates and invited the attendees to enjoy a short video describing what makes our schools unique. At the conclusion of the breakfast, attendees were invited to support our
Breakfast attendees enjoy the performance of the joint choirs.
ministry with a financial gift. They responded generously with gifts and pledges totaling over $50,000! We're thankful
for the opportunity our attendees had to build new relationships, renew old friendships, and hear the stories of our schools.
Check out the "We Are One In Christ" video at http://lhsastl.org/about/ we-are-one-in-christ.
News & Events
This annual event is always a great way to support our high schools and enjoy a wonderful evening.
Scramble on
Dinner; The winning team also included Pastor
Please join us for this celebration of God's blessings followed by refreshments and fellowship.
2015 Homecoming Dates
Join us for the 2016 Golf
9
LHSN Class of 1970 On May 31, members of the North Class of 1970 met at Ethyl's in O'Fallon for an informal reunion and sharing of memories! Left to right: TOP LEFT, front row: Tom Stegman, Joan Peiman Dallavis, Janet Hinrichs Noah, Doug Linder, Beth Grayson Strass, Bob Roglask. Back row: Dave and Renee Mayer Drewes, Dennis Briete; TOP RIGHT, Eugene Hayes and Beth Grayson Strass; BOTTOM LEFT, Randy Moeller, Diane and Doug Linder, Tom Stegman; BOTTOM RIGHT, Joan Peiman, Marilyn Meyer Craig, Janet Hinrichs Noah, Stephanie Palmer Doerr.
Reunions
Retiring Teachers, from page 3
10
"Every single lesson I do, I have to make sure the students understand why this is important and what the lessons of history are," Mr. Mac says. Beloved for his exciting ways of bringing history to life and his care for each student, Mr. Mac will be greatly missed at Lutheran North. In his retirement, Mr. Mac will drink coffee, read the newspaper, and read all the books he hasn't had time to read for the past four decades. He is most looking forward to doing Bunker Hill speeches at local schools. If you would like Mr. Mac to come to your school, contact him through the Lutheran North office. Thank you Mr. Mac!
Jean Holtgrewe is retiring after 12 years at LHSN, teaching Foods I and II, Child Development, and Fashion. In addition, she has helped create costumes for school plays and musicals, worked with the North musical group,
Concentus, and is constantly mending school uniforms. Mrs. Holtgrewe says she will really miss her interactions with her students and she might miss using her teacher voice––sometimes. She enjoyed helping students gain valuable life skills, like grocery shopping and sewing on a button. "Child Development––with Empathy Bellies (pregnancy simulators) and trips to local Lutheran preschools––often brought out a side of a person that you didn't know existed," Mrs. Holtgrewe observed. "I will miss seeing the basketball and football players doing the German polka and the duck dance," said Mrs. Holtgrewe, referring to cultural studies done before exploring foods from specific countries. Mrs. Holtgrewe's main goal for retirement is to work on a healthy lifestyle through more exercise and eating better. She is also planning to spend some time working in her large garden, painting furniture, and being with her grandchildren. Thank you Mrs. Holtgrewe!
Tell Us About You!
Reunion Calendar
by w information Class of LHS 1955: changes or ne y at , an ns of tio us la y Re 60th reunion on Sat., Sept. 19 at Sunset Country of Alumni , please notif are changes Coordinator our database rtant if there eryl Ehrhard, e to update po Club. Contact Herb Eggerding at herbegg@ Ch nu g im nti tin ly co al ac e ci en w nt As or co hat you've be rg. This is espe e form below earthlink.net. e to know w rd@lhsastl.o lik ha e or so hr lin al completing th ce a d e' at us l ease drop or e-mail. W or by e-mai us recently, pl dress, phone d 314-833-2909 ad te e, ac m nt na co t ur to yo Class of LHSN 1965: you haven' or corrections an High. So if u left Luther yo 50th reunion on Sat., Sept. 26, at Orlando e s. nc si to up u! ./Mr./Miss/M rm. Thank yo Rev./Dr./Mrs Gardens in Maryland Heights. Contact Kathy return this fo Young at nurseyoung@aol.com or Kathleen Roellchen Kennedy at kenkat869@sbcglobal.net. Name: applicable) uth North den name if Central So (include mai CIRCLE: Class of LHSN 1975: 40th reunion on Sat., Sept. 26, by attending the Anniv. Date: Class (Year): : Homecoming Game at LHSN and meeting at the us at Marital St alumni tent. There will also be a dinner from Birthdate: Date of Birth: 5:30-10:00 p.m. at Norwood Hills Country Club. e: Contact Susan Arnold Meiners at smeiners@ Spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nam gmail.com. Zip: s: Home Addres State: Class of LHSN 1985:
onse Form
Alumni Resp
30th reunion on Sat., Oct. 3. Location to be determined. Contact Jackie Floyd Branneky at 4tjbranneky@sbcglobal.net.
Class of LHSN 1995: 20th reunion on Aug. 14-16. The reunion will kick-off on Fri., Aug. 14 at the Sheraton Westport Hotel. There will be a picnic on Sat., Aug. 15 at Creve Coeur Park and a banquet later on Saturday at the Sheraton Westport Hotel. On Sun., Aug. 16, worship will be at Memorial Tabernacle Christian Church. Contact Jennifer Jordan at jjordan_msw@ hotmail.com. Class of LHSN 2005: 10th reunion; details to be determined. Contact Andy Mansfield at andrew.mansfield@nmfn. com. Class of LHSN 2010: 5th reunion; details to be determined. Contact Kristi Luther at kluther18@gmail.com.
City: Phone: E-mail: Business: Position: dress:
Business Ad
e:
Business Phon
n:
Congregatio
ald: u for the Her
Update on yo
Class of LHSS 1980: 35th reunion on Fri., Nov. 27 at Helen Fitzgeraldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Contact Lori Hillebrand-Cory at lhcory@sbcglobal.net. Class of LHSS 2010: 5th reunion on Sat., Nov. 28 at Kirkwood Station. Contact Julie Ail at jca998@mail.missouri.edu.
high school?
in during u participate tivities did yo
curricular ac
What extra-
ial Interests:
Current Spec
________
update? ess in Herald e E-mail addr
________
__________
__________
________ __________
Yes
No
Includ
se send to:
Plea
Or fax to:
ciation 1-1599 h School Asso uis, MO 6312 Lutheran Hig ite 103, St. Lo Su , ad Ro t un dH 5401 Lucas an ffice elopment O ev D n: Attentio 314-382-6668
Alumni Services
Class of LHSS 1965: 50th reunion on Labor Day Weekend 2015. There will be a Meet and Greet on Friday night at Lutheran South. On Sat., Sept. 5, there will be a tour of Lutheran South's campus followed by lunch at South. The official event will be held on Saturday evening. Contact Bob Beumer at blbeumer@gmail.com or Dave Lehmann at drl2916@charter.net. Class of LHSS 1975: 40th reunion on Sat., Aug. 1 with a gathering at the LHSS Kuhlmann Center. Contact Karen Lesser Berendt at klarence@sbcglobal.net.
blings, u (parent, si
Religion: relation to yo y their name, tif en id se ea ni -- pl ible. to other alum n year, if poss Relationship and graduatio ol ho sc r ei th spouse) and
11
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
St. Louis, MO PERMIT NO. 724
5401 Lucas & Hunt, Suite 103, Saint Louis, MO 63121-1599
Community Leader
Address Service Requested
The Herald is produced in the winter and summer of each year by the Lutheran High School Association of St. Louis, Missouri, for the alumni and friends of Lutheran High School (Central), Lutheran High School North and Lutheran High School South. Articles, photos, and news from and about alumni are welcome.
>
Clifton Kinnie N'15, was one of the student leaders instrumental in bringing Ferguson Burger Bar's burgers and fries to Lutheran North for lunch one day this past February. Supported by students, staff, parents and friends of Lutheran North, the lunch brought in nearly $2,000 in support of the local business owned by Charles Davis N'85. As a community leader outside of Lutheran North, Kinnie has been involved in the Ferguson Movement, setting up youth voter registration drives, doing community service, and pursuing policy reforms in the Missouri Legislature and the U.S. Congress.
President: Mr. Tim Hipenbecker thipenbecker@lhsastl.org • 314-833-2902 Director of Advancement: Mr. Ken Meyer kmeyer@lhsastl.org • 314-833-2906 Alumni Relations: Mrs. Cheryl Ehrhard cehrhard@lhsastl.org • 314-833-2909 Director of Marketing & Communications: Mrs. Jayne Evers Lauer S’77 jlauer@lhsastl.org • 314-833-2908 The Herald Editor: Miss Claire Flesch N'07 Websites: Lutheran High School Association - lhsastl.org Lutheran High School North - lhsnstl.org Lutheran High School South - lhssstl.org