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Summer Update 2025
- pdurkee
- Jul 18
- 8 min read
DMA Message
Dear Lancer Family,
Summer may be a season of rest for some, but here at Manitowoc Lutheran High School, it’s been anything but quiet! From student fitness sessions and Extraordinary Mission work in Arizona to the powerful witness of Lutheran Vanguard and our History Tour, the energy and purpose on campus have been inspiring.
We also pause to give thanks to God for Mr. Wayne Foelske, who retired after 42 years in the teaching ministry—a living example of Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” His legacy reminds us that faithful service leaves a lasting imprint on hearts and minds.
Meanwhile, our dedicated maintenance staff has been hard at work—painting the football scoreboard, updating classroom lighting and ceiling tiles, and installing the new Ever Alert system to keep our campus safe and welcoming. As we look ahead to a new school year under the theme “Scripture Alone” (2 Timothy 3:16), we celebrate the truth that “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness”.
With enrollment expected to top 300 for the first time in over two decades, and exciting events like the Lancer Golf Classic and the “Coach” Heiderich Field Dedication on the horizon, we step forward with gratitude, momentum, and a mission rooted firmly in God’s Word.
Thanks and God bless.
Kevin M. Buch
Director of Mission Advancement
Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Lancer Link Video
Lancer Golf Classic Information
🎉 Only 16 Days Until the 33rd Annual Lancer Golf Classic!
📅 Friday, August 1, 2025
📍 Fox Hills Golf Resort – Red & White on the Creeks Course
Join us for a fun-filled day on the green at one of the area’s premier golf events!
🏌️♂️ 18-Hole Scramble with Cart
🕘 Check-In: 9:00 AM
🚩 Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM
All skill levels are welcome! Choose to compete in a Men’s, Women’s, or Co-ed Flight.
🍱 Boxed Lunch on the Course
🍽️ Dinner Following the Round
👉 CLICK HERE to:
Secure your spot
View available prizes
Become a sponsor
🎟️ Specialty Raffle Highlight: Win a Foursome at Kohler – your choice of:
The Irish at Whistling Straits
Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run
The Baths of Blackwolf Run
💻 Not golfing? You can still bid on two exciting silent auction items—no presence required!
🏆 Golfers, don’t miss this! Bid to win the Concierge Caddy Cart—your personal ride stocked with snacks, beverages, and a course guide to elevate your game.
📌 Golfer’s Registration Deadline: Sunday - July 27, 2025
All proceeds benefit the Manitowoc Lutheran High School Athletic Department.
Thank you for your support—we can’t wait to see you on the course!
Updates around MLHS
We are excited to welcome five new faces to our faculty this year; Mr. Bob Buss, Pastor Seth Bode, Mrs. Rachel Holper, Mr. Mark Stein, and Mr. Mike Wieting. As the school year approaches keep your eyes out for our new teacher introductions on social media and in the Lancer Express! We are also excited to welcome four members to our staff; Tyler Hafner, Jason Jost, Grace Melso (soon to be Lischka), and Renee Popham. We are blessed to have a full faculty and staff of 48 serving over 300 souls this school year.
There has been a lot happening around campus including a complete overhaul of the commons including fresh paint, new signage and fresh look.
With five new teachers joining us, there's quite a bit of change happening in the classrooms. Our maintenance crew is hustling to get the floors done and install new lighting in several rooms around the building, as well as the dozens of other projects going on. We are so appreciate all the hard work done over the summer months to make our school a great place for learning.
Coach Heiderich Field Dedication Ceremony
You're Invited
Coach Heiderich Field Dedication Ceremony
Join us for a heartfelt evening as we honor the legacy of a coach who shaped generations—not only through athletics, but through faith, mentorship, and humble service.
This isn’t just a renaming—it’s a celebration of a life lived in leadership and love. From the first whistle to the final play, Coach Heiderich inspired excellence, built character, and left a lasting mark on our school and community.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” — Hebrews 13:7.
Coach Heiderich lived this verse with quiet strength and unwavering dedication. His life was a sermon in motion—teaching, guiding, and encouraging others to walk in faith. As we dedicate this field in his name, we also commit to carrying forward the values he embodied: integrity, perseverance, and Christ-centered service.
Please plan to join us as we come together to dedicate the field that bears his name—a place where his legacy will live on in every game, every cheer, and every Lancer who takes the field.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM Location: Manitowoc Lutheran High School – 4045 Lancer Circle, Manitowoc, WI 54220.
Join us on the northeast side of the school on the new small parking lot for fellowship before the game. Take a walk down memory lane as you tour the school and see the displays honoring Coach and his time at MLHS. Concessions will be available starting at 5:15.
At 7:00 PM, cheer on your MLHS Lancers as they take on the Roncalli Jets. Then, at halftime, Coach’s family will come out onto the field, and together we will unveil the new sign that will make it official: from this day forward, this field will be known as “Coach” Heiderich Field.
A group photo will be taken of all the Lancer Fans in attendance. Please plan to be in that picture. It will be taken of everyone in and in front of the Lancer bleachers. Coach Heiderich’s family will be front and center of the photo.
Contact Manitowoc Lutheran High School for more information at mlhs@mlhslancers.org or 920-682-0215. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
In Loving Memory of Coach Heiderich (November 11, 1934 – June 29, 2020)
Service Trip to AZ
Early this summer, a dedicated group of eight soon-to-be senior Lancers; Abbie Behnke, Logan Haupt, Olivia Laurent, Keira Lenz, Charlee Malley, Colin Rounds, Sarah Welnicke, and Brylie Zirbel, accompanied by two enthusiastic chaperones, Mr. Jason Schultz and Miss Abbie Bosin, embarked on a meaningful journey to the Apache Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona. Their mission was to serve our sister congregation in a variety of impactful ways, contributing to the local community while also deepening their own personal growth and spiritual development.
Upon arrival in Whiteriver, the students quickly immersed themselves in a range of tasks that were both physically demanding and rewarding. One of the primary projects involved the dismantling of an old, dilapidated fence that had seen better days. The process was labor-intensive, requiring teamwork and perseverance as they worked together to remove the old materials. Once the old fence was down, the group shifted their focus to constructing a new, sturdy fence that would not only enhance the aesthetics of the area but also provide safety and security for the local community. This hands-on experience allowed the students to learn valuable skills in construction and teamwork, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they saw their efforts take shape.
In addition to the fence-building project, the group engaged in a significant amount of cleanup work. This included picking up litter and debris in the surrounding areas, helping to beautify the environment, and demonstrating their commitment to stewardship of the land. Each day was structured to include not only physical labor but also time for reflection and spiritual growth. Daily devotionals were a key component of their experience, providing moments for the students to gather, share their thoughts, and connect with one another on a deeper level. These sessions often included discussions about the importance of service, community, and faith, allowing the students to reflect on their own values and the impact of their work.
Throughout their time in Whiteriver, the group enjoyed delicious meals that were prepared with care, often featuring local cuisine that allowed them to experience the culture of the area. Sharing meals together fostered camaraderie and strengthened the bonds among the students and chaperones, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged open communication and friendship.
As a highlight of their trip, the students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. This excursion provided a chance for them to marvel at the stunning landscapes, and appreciate the beauty of creation. Standing at the rim of the canyon, many students found themselves reflecting on their experiences, feeling a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and connect with both nature and their community.
Overall, this trip to Whiteriver was not just about the physical work they accomplished; it was a transformative experience that allowed the students to grow in their faith, develop new friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community service. The memories made and lessons learned during this summer adventure will undoubtedly resonate with them long after they return home, shaping their perspectives and inspiring them to continue serving others in the future.
"I did more more in a week than I have done in a long time, but Jeff and everyone in Whiteriver was so nice and appreciative, and the food was great!" - Brylie Zirbel (MLHS '26)
Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin: A Summer of Music and Memories
Manitowoc, WI - Manitowoc Lutheran High School (MLHS) continues its proud tradition as a founding member of the Lutheran Vanguard of Wisconsin (LVW), a summer marching program that has been enriching the lives of students since 1978. This year, twelve dedicated students from grades 8 to 12 are participating in LVW, showcasing their musical talents and commitment to the program. The ensemble is further supported by the contributions of Miss Scharf, the band director at MLHS, who plays a significant role as a staff member with Lutheran Vanguard.
Meet the Lancer Vanguard of 2025
The Lancer Vanguard for this summer includes the following talented students: Adriel Barthel, Garrett Johnson, Robin Knutson, Paul Krause, Ricky Li, Charlie Manzano, Miley Pekarek, Aiden Reis, Allan Reis, Joseph Ungemach, Elizabeth Vogt, and Will Wagner.
This summer has been particularly eventful for the Lancers, who participated in a series of vibrant parades. Their schedule included appearances in the Brillion Electric Parade, Appleton Flag Day Parade, Chilton Father’s Day Parade, Lake Mills Towne & Country Days Parade, Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, Menomonee Falls Independence Day Parade, Cedarburg July 4th Parade, and the Hartford July 4 Parade. Alongside these festive events, the students enjoyed a trip to Six Flags, numerous camp days, and various performances, making it a summer filled with unforgettable experiences.
Collaborative Spirit of Lutheran Vanguard
Lutheran Vanguard is a collaborative effort that brings together students from various high schools, including Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Manitowoc Lutheran High School, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Northland Lutheran High School, Luther High School, Luther Preparatory School, Shoreland Lutheran High School, Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, and Illinois Lutheran High School. This diverse group fosters a sense of community and shared passion for music, ensuring that each summer is a memorable one for all involved.
Learn more about Lutheran Vanguard by clicking here.
History Tour 2025
Thank You, Mr. Foelske
We say thank you, and congratulations to Mr. Wayne Foelkse who is now officially retired from the public ministry. From the science classroom, to the stage and from the library to the many service trips. We cannot express our appreciation enough and how much we miss you as a teacher, mentor, guide, leader and friend. Well done good and faithful servant!
We asked that our friends and followers on social media share fond memories to give thanks for his 26 years of service to MLHS and 42 years in the ministry, below are some fun ones!
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