1 50 Years of God’s Grace
Dedicated to our entire KML Family and to our KML Founding Fathers who, along with their wives, gave selflessly in the early years to make KML a reality. We thank God for their service, dedication, and commitment. Written by Paul Snamiska Designed by Crystal Perez (‘03)
T h e H i s t o r y o f K e t t l e M o r a i n e L u t h e r a n High School 5 0 Y e a r s o f G o d ’ s G r a c e
7 Firsts Some firsts are the beginning while others mark the end. Some firsts are continuing, while others may never extend. Some firsts are meaningful and have a place on earth, while others have no ability to show what they are worth. Some firsts teach lessons and are an experience for all while others cast a shadow that may lead to our downfall. Some firsts bring tears of memories held close; and these are the ones which we’ve chosen as those. The Equestrian Staff of 1975 First KML yearbook
8 Jackson! That’s a land of more cows than people, and they want to start a high school out there? - Carl Natzke, Teacher in KML’s first year
INTRODUCTION A Lutheran high school? In Jackson, Wisconsin? A village of 1,000 people and no WELS church? That seems like a foolish idea, but a group of dedicated families had enough commitment, faith and determination to make it work. That was the beginning of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Now, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, it is appropriate that we take time to thank and praise our Lord for blessing this effort. It is also fitting that we remember the history of our beloved KML and share the stories that helped shape this school over the years.
10 * A note of explanation is necessary. For years, there have been references to the KML Founding Fathers. Those men truly were instrumental in the creation of the school, but many of the wives were working faithfully and quietly behind the scenes. To give true honor to those wives and children who helped establish KML, we refer to our Founding Families in this booklet. * A list of those families is included in the appendix.
THE IDEA
12 1 9 7 3 Wisconsin’s Washington and Ozaukee Counties were growing in the 1970s, and there were plenty of families with school-aged children in the area. However, that era was also a time of high inflation and a great deal of political and financial uncertainty. It was in that environment that eighteen men gathered together on February 4, 1973, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grafton to discuss a proposed area Lutheran high school. That meeting was the first step toward creating Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Deciding to start a school was the first step, but numerous other details needed to be handled before the dream could become a reality. There were no constitution, articles of incorporation, federation of supporting churches, faculty or building, but there was determination and commitment among many of those founding families*. The initial idea of an area Lutheran high school came from a parent of an eighth grader I had in class. The mom wanted me to just have the student stay at Our Savior and I could teach him in 9th grade. Pastor Herbert Winterstein was part of that conversation and thought it might be a good idea to explore the possibility of an area Lutheran high school. Some phone calls were made to other pastors and principals in the area. The word spread, and some highly interested laymen became involved ... Jim Bilitz - Principal/Upper Grade Teacher at Our Savior, Grafton Deciding to start a school was the first step.
13 “Bilitz continues, “The effort and hope of the original committee was inspiring! When the committee felt that the constituents in the area were ready to consider the concept, a meeting was held at David’s Star. Talk about a major leap of faith! I don’t believe a formal document was prepared to make KML an official entity with the state, but the people present voted to go ahead with plans to start Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. I will readily admit that I was overwhelmed by the blessings God showered on the efforts and faith these early founding families made and had.” That meeting was the first step toward creating Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. *Families at Good Shepherd were getting excited about a possible area Lutheran high school that could serve their children. I have to admit, I was excited too, but I didn’t know if there was enough interest throughout our area. I was determined to find out, so I made my rounds to Slinger, Hustisford and other areas to see if they would be interested in starting a Lutheran high school. I contacted those principals and pastors to ask them. I was happy to hear their responses and started to believe that we really were going to make this happen. Loran Schultz – Principal/Upper Grade Teacher at Good Shepherd, West Bend My parents sent my older sister, Lois, to Wisconsin Lutheran High School and my brother, Dar, to Northwestern Prep. When I came along, my parents didn’t want to drive me that long distance to school. They were determined to see a new high school that was closer to home and could serve our family as well as others in the area. Diane Behm (Schramm) – class of 1978
14 “ ... I was overwhelmed by the blessings God showered on the efforts and faith these early founding families made and had. - Jim Bilitz
A BEGINNING
In March 1973, 150 interested Christians met at David’s Star Lutheran Church to give official authorization for a study committee to research the feasibility of such a school. A few months later, in October, the committee reported at another mass meeting at David’s Star. Their report included a recommendation to start the school in the fall of 1974. “ The purpose of the school was ... To provide a thorough, Christ-centered education to all students attending this school, and that such education shall rest wholly and solely upon the Word of God. The resolution “that God-willing, we start an area Lutheran high school in the fall of 1974” was passed. 16
17 The following months were filled with meetings to work through the various details such as facilities, staffing, curriculum and more, but first finances needed to be addressed. Starting the new high school would require financial support from area congregations. There clearly was support from the parents who desired the school, but many of the area churches were concerned about the financial responsibilities that would be required of them as members of a federation. The financial stability of KML was a concern for many years, but it never deterred the leaders from trusting in the Lord and moving forward toward their goal. FINANCES FINANCES FACILITY FACILITY FACULTY FACULTY
18 Our new school needed a facility, but finding a place that was available, affordable and convenient could be a problem. A Search Committee was formed and tasked with the challenge to find a location. After some discussion, they concluded that Jackson was centrally located and the right place for the new school. With God’s guidance, Mel Heckendorf suggested a solution. Things were moving along very positively, but we still didn’t have the money to make our new school a reality. I remember sitting at a meeting with eight of us around a table. Then Walter Rathke plunked down a check for $1,000 and said, “Let’s get this done!”. - Loran Schultz When Dad got home, he told Ma he needed to sell some cows to cover that $1,000 check. Selling cows out of season was not financially smart, but that showed the commitment of those early leaders. Brenda Rusch (Rathke) – class of 1978 “ Le t ’ s get this done!”
19 The church in Jackson, an ALC church, had just built a new education wing, and I asked at a meeting if it would be possible for me to ask them if we could rent some space there. I made an appointment with their church council, and they were very receptive to the idea. I thought they would tell me to wait a month for their response so they could share the idea with the congregation, but they agreed right away that we could rent their space. Boy, was it exciting! At the next KML meeting, the chairman asked for a report from the search committee. He asked if the committee had found a spot yet. I stood up and said, “Mr. Chairman, we have a site!” Giving that report was one of my happiest moments! Mel Heckendorf – Founding Father
20 “ Another need was a faculty. During that first year, it was important to get a few teachers who had unique talents and positive attitudes. It wasn’t common for teachers to get a Call to a school with no facilities, no budget, and little organization, but that was the reality when KML called Carl Natzke and Jim Fenske in 1974. Mr. Natzke was available because he was on a sabbatical to continue his education in pursuit of a master’s degree. Mr. Fenske received his call in August but would not be able to leave his current position to arrive in time for the start of the new school year. As Mr. Natzke got organized and a curriculum was developed, the leaders recognized a need for additional teachers. As a result, Mrs. Karen Pautz, Pastor Dale Arndt, Seminarian James Becker and Pastor Paul Pankow also taught that first year. In spite of limited resources, rented facilities and little time for organization and curriculum development, school officially opened on September 3, 1974. The dream that started just a year and a half earlier had become a reality! By September of 1974, we were operating as a school, and it was just amazing! Nobody looked back. We just went ahead and did it! Things moved so quickly those first couple of years. We didn’t have a constitution until 1976. We were looking for land and getting articles of incorporation put together. - Jim Fenske, KML’s First Principal
21 A TEMPORARY HOME
22 Relying solely on our Lord and his blessings, a temporary home was set up in the classrooms and basement at Christ Lutheran Church in Jackson, Wisconsin. Mel Heckendorf took Professor David Kuske to Christ Lutheran to review the facility and see if it would work as a temporary home. After that visit, Professor Kuske agreed that it would work well. His word gave the assurance that this was a viable option. In the early years of KML, Professor David Kuske served as a great source of information, experience and encouragement. He served as a teacher and principal at both Lakeside Lutheran High School and Luther High School before accepting a Call to teach at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. His previous experiences in area Lutheran high schools proved invaluable as he offered wisdom, leadership and advice.
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Classes began that first year when 35 freshmen and sophomores entered the doors for the first time. The school used two classrooms and the basement at Christ Lutheran, and that was adequate those first couple of years. The hallways would get a little crowded once in a while, but everyone was patient, and it seemed to work fine. Without a gym, the students had recess and practices outside. Carl Schramm built a basketball hoop and installed it in Christ’s church parking lot for the students to use. Mark Gilmore recalled, “One of my favorite memories of high school is having that first basketball practice outside in November and having to come in every few minutes to warm up our hands just so we could keep playing.” I’ve heard of traffic jams, but ... 24
25 We really didn’t have separate freshman and sophomore classes. That first year we all took Geometry and Biology, because the sophomores already had Algebra and Physical Science. Then, in our second year, the sophomores had those freshman classes we missed. Diane Behm (Schramm) – class of 1978 KML didn’t have a lot of “extras” or equipment that the public schools had, but the students didn’t mind. They were just happy to have this special time and wonderful friendships. - Students from the first classes I’m totally convinced, God by his design, chose those 35 kids to do exactly what they did no matter what their abilities or inabilities. They were simply focused in on this thing called a devotion to their Lord and Savior. Carl Natzke – Teacher in KML’s First Year
“““ “ 26 Moments Become Memories, Memories Become Treasures. One of my favorite memories of high school is “The Kannenberg Express.” Lori Braun (Twardokus ‘78) In those first years, there was NO SELF-PITY. EVERYONE had to be involved. We were TOO BUSY TO WORRY about things we didn’t have. Brenda Rusch (Rathke ‘78) KML in Christ Lutheran ... I shiver. That concrete was cold. Joel Nitz (‘78) One word to describe my feeling of KML in the 70s is “close-knit family.” Pam Hartfiel (Filber ‘77)
When I went to KML I didn’t mind that we didn’t have all the computers or swimming pool or lunch tables or gym (Ok, I do mind that one.) or whatever else West Bend had. It didn’t matter to us. Diane Behm (Schramm ‘78) WHITE When we had to vote for the school mascot – Chargers or Vampires – I couldn’t see myself as BLACK & RED. Paul Thiesfeldt (‘78) When we had to vote for the school mascot – Chargers or Vampires – Chargers was my proposal. I also proposed the school colors of GREEN & WHITE. I was surprised that both won out. Brett Thompson (‘77) I voted for CHARGERS Our experience at KML was so unique – being the first of so many things. It truly is incredible to see where KML is today. Yes, our situation was unique. looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Deb Boeldt (Kuske ‘78) I voted for CHARGERS 27
28 “Kids, go outside for recess for a while; I need to finish my Master’s thesis.” Carl Natzke I can start laughing to myself just thinking about the time when Mr. Becker’s car got covered with snow. Randy Gierach (‘78) Throughout my parent’s marriage, Mom and Dad always ate supper together. With the start of KML, Dad spent many nights attending meetings or working on something to make things better for us kids. Of course, that meant Dad came home rather late on many of those evenings. Regardless of the time he got home, Mom had that supper ready for him and they still ate together. We weren’t the only family that had that kind of commitment. Don Kudek (‘79) I remember more than a few times I had to go to Principal Fenske’s office so he could correct me on a “discipline issue.” He was always kind and fair in those discussions. I also remember one summer when I helped him build his new house. Even though I probably caused him a few headaches, he still viewed me as a trusted member of the KML family. Paul Wilkins (‘77)
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30 “fantabulous.” The memories of those first students are fun to read, and the work of the men was critical for the establishment of KML, but the role of the wives and moms can’t be overstated. The wives were supportive of the desire to start the new school, and they showed their support in many tangible ways. Picture the situation in those first years. If the students were going to have a lunch program, the moms made and served the food. If the girls wanted to form a cheerleading squad, the moms made the uniforms. The early history of KML would not be complete if it didn’t include the value and commitment of the women and the important roles they played. - Mr. Natzke
31 FRIENDS ARE: FRIENDS ARE PEOPLE -- SPECIAL PEIOPLE, FRIENDS ARE WITH YOU -- ALL THE WAY. FRIENDS KNOW SADNESS -- YOUR SADNESS. FRIENDS SHINE JOY -- NO MORE GRAY. FREINDS ARE WONDERFUL -- A GIFT OF GOD. FRIENDS ARE A PART -- A MAJOR PART OF OUR LIVING. FRIENDS ARE STRONG -- WHEN YOU’RE GIVING UP. FRIENDS URGE ON -- WHILE CONFIDENCE GIVING. FRIENDS STRENGTHEN -- STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH. FRIENDS ARE FORGIVING -- FORGIVING YOUR MOODS. FRIENDS KNOW -- KNOW WHEN TO LISTEN. FRIENDS ARE TRAVELING -- TRAVELING BESIDE YOU. FRIENDS ARE NICE -- NICE TO BE NEAR. FRIENDS ARE PATIENT -- READY TO HEAR. FRIENDS ARE QUIET -- NEVER MAKE A FUSS. FRIENDS ARE SPECIAL -- WHAT CHRIST IS TO US! -1976 EQUESTRIAN
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33 A SECOND YEAR
34 The start of KML’s second year was also filled with excitement, growth and challenges. Imagine the new school starting with 35 students but growing to 90 students in just one year! God’s hand of blessing was certainly evident already in those first years. Mr. Natzke’s service came to an end, but 1975 was the start for others. Jerry Kieselhorst, Ted Nommensen, and Dan Sievert came to KML that fall and gave many dedicated years to the school. In November that year, Rev. Dale Baumler was added to the staff. In addition to teaching, each one also fulfilled a variety of other duties in which they served humbly and faithfully. KML also added Carol Nitz and Carol Fischer as part-time instructors that fall. Mrs. Nitz taught typing classes in two rooms at the same time. She stood in the hallway outside those two rooms to teach and oversee all those students! I don’t think I ever hit 20 words per minute in typing class, but Mrs. Nitz had to pass me since I was the only one able to repair the typewriters when they broke down. - Keith Rusch (‘78) Mrs. Carol Nitz Attended: UW-Madison, Synod Accred. Teaches: Home Ec, typing 1975 NEW ARRIVALS
Already in that second year, Mr. Kieselhorst had organized two choirs, a glee club, and a school band. FRESHMAN CHOIR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR GLEE CLUB BAND 1975 35
36 A number of student organizations were also active, including a student council, pep club, Equestrian staff, The Carrier staff and a Pep Club. The 1976 Equestrian yearbook identified these various groups, and it is apparent that the same students were involved in multiple activities. As the kids said, “If we wanted to have it, we needed to do it!” The boys’ soccer team was in its second year. There were JV and varsity boys basketball teams, a girls basketball team and two cheerleading squads. In the spring, the boys baseball team was ready for action. The leaders were amazed at God’s blessings on the new school but also realized the growing enrollment would require more classrooms, and Christ Lutheran Church did not have more to offer. It was time for KML to look for its own building or land on which to build a school. The process was interesting!
37 A DEBATE During that second year, there was disagreement regarding the location of a permanent facility. A group of people saw value in a Hartford location, especially since a school building was being sold by the school district and could be available at a reasonable sale price. Others, however, felt a site in Jackson would be better since it was centrally located and more than a dozen churches were within 15 miles of that location. In addition to some concerns about the location, it was discovered that the Hartford school was very large but also filled with asbestos. The cost to remove the asbestos and make it ready for the students was prohibitive.
38 A CORNFIELD In an amazing step of faith, a group of people pooled their money and bought a cornfield on Division Road in the Town of Jackson. The site included 48 acres, which seemed like a lot for the needs at the time. The sale came together quickly and was completed on the evening of December 31, 1975. There were a number of families who supported a Jackson location, but money was needed to buy the land on Division Road. The owner of the land wanted it sold before the end of the calendar year which added pressure to getting the sale completed. Finally, on the evening of December 31, enough money was raised, and a few KML leaders met with the attorney and drafted the official papers. That cornfield on the hill was ours, but a building would be needed quite soon! - Mel Heckendorf
39 “Prove me now herewith, sayeth the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. “ - Malachi 3:10
A YEAR OF GOD’S BLESSINGS “Praise waiteth for thee, O God ............ Thou crownest the year with they goodness.” - Psalm 65: 1 & 11 40
41 A PERMANENT HOME
42 When we bought the property, we had more fields to maintain. The weeds were getting high and we couldn’t afford a new tractor to mow the grass. Carl Schramm found an old tractor that could work for us – except it didn’t work! Carl said he thought he could get it going if we were interested. We told him to go ahead. A few weeks later he told us to stop by his house and take a look. We got there and Carl climbed up on the seat and started it up. He said, “Boys, it’s yours if you want it.” Of course, we took it! Carl even cleaned it up and painted it! Bob Kudek - Member of the KML Board of Trustees Now that Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School owned its own property, there was a need to maintain it. The Board of Directors minutes recorded a few examples of the volunteer efforts of many lay leaders at that time. Trustee meeting was held August 23, 1976 at KMLHS. On Saturday the 28th of Aug. the trustees, their wives and some parents vacuumed rugs, dusted and polished desks, wash windows and walls, and other general cleaning. 1_ Carl Schramm and Martin Knuth hauled soccer backstop which had been stored by Schramms, to KMLHS. Carl Schramm then installed backstop to Athletic Directors specifications. 2_ Martin Knuth brought lawnmower and clipped grass to enlarge soccer playing field. 3_ Oscar Rathke brought power tools to repair sticking doors and loose hinges.
43 It was also necessary to start a capital campaign to fund the building. In May 1976, a special service was held to officially begin the fund drive. A goal was set to raise $800,000 in cash and pledges over a three-year period. Bray and Associates was retained to design the new facility. Since contributions were lower than the goal, the General Board authorized construction at a cost “not to exceed $450,000.” That amount was later increased to $470,000, and Ray Anderson was chosen as the general contractor. On December 19, 1976, a little more than two years into KML’s history, a ground-breaking service was held at the present site on Division Road. KML was going to have its own building! Nine months later, on September 11, 1977, the first classroom facility of KMLHS on its permanent site was dedicated in a dedicatory service. The guest speaker was WELS President O. J. Naumann. The KML family was excited about the new building, but there were also some fears among the students.
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45 “ I was a little overwhelmed when I walked into our new school for the first time. Everything at Christ felt small and comfortable. It was truly a family atmosphere there. Now, this was a real high school with a science lab, lockers, hallways and more. I was excited that we had our own building, but I also knew this would change a few things for us. - Sharon Moldenhauer (Kannenberg ‘77)
This new building had classrooms, offices and the famous IMC (Instructional Media Center). That IMC was used for study halls, concerts, chapels, Junior-Senior Banquets and more. The first building was simple, efficient, and affordable for the school at that time. Many years later, Superintendent David Bartelt referred to it as “a Lutheran box.” The cornerstone from 1977 is still visible today, and it commemorates a remarkable time in KML’s history. That first building served well, but it did not have a gym, so adjustments and modifications were necessary. KML needed to find other locations for practices and games, and the students needed to adapt to outdoor athletic facilities that were minimal and underdeveloped. KML also needed to join a conference. According to KML’s Athletic Director, Len Collyard, “Finding an athletic conference was a challenge. We were accepted into the Classic Conference (a group of smaller schools stretching from Racine to Sheboygan to Waupun). Travel and being able to compete were challenges. Later that conference expanded into the Midwest Classic Conference which at one time consisted of 23 schools and served us well for many years.” The first Junior-Senior Banquets were held in the new IMC, a great flex space for many different activities. Glenn Rusch (class of 1980) recalls, “We were able to have a live band at our Junior-Senior Banquet, but we weren’t allowed to dance.” 46
47 A MILESTONE YEAR
48 Historically speaking, it is hard to think of any succeeding years being more significant than those first two years. Yet, 1977 was truly a milestone in KML’s history. Consider these highlights: 01 KML’s first graduating class of 15 students received their diplomas 04 05 06 02 03 KML dedicated its first classroom facility KML’s enrollment was approaching 200 students KML hosted its first Joint Reformation Service for the Federation KML’s faculty expanded to one part-time and nine full-time instructors KML started planning for an addition which would include a gym and additional classrooms as well as a track, soccer field, and a baseball diamond
49 TO YOU, THE SENIOR CLASS OF KML: Because you were the beginning, the end of the beginning is here. During the time you were the majority of the student body, you helped choose school colors, our “Charger” as mascot, and started most school activities... Yes the end of your beginning a new school is here, but the friendships, the anxieties of the future and the spiritual growth to combat the anxieties are just beginning. - Early Equestrian Yearbook
50 A GRADUATION In June 1978, KML celebrated the graduation of the first class to attend all four years in the school. Those 17 students experienced high school like few others ever had. There is no question they were special young adults who worked, played, studied and bonded over their four years. They started in two classrooms in a rented facility, published their own yearbooks, school newsletters, held musical and athletic performances, and even served as the recruitment team for future students. An end of those four years was a time to reflect and celebrate. It was also a time to cry (both happy and sad tears), because, as Diane Behm (Schramm) said, “What is really sad is that after graduation we won’t be seeing each other as much. We will never be as close again.” The graduation for the class of 1978 was so unique, that it caught the attention of a young journalist who was the editor of the Germantown newspaper at the time. Read part of his editorial on the next page.