Mr. Mark Blauert, Principal
Before arriving in 2018 to serve as the school chaplain at WLS, Mr. Blauert served our Lord and Savior as a teacher in California for ten years, and as a staff minister in the Las Vegas and Chicago areas for eighteen years. After five years as the school chaplain at WLS, Mr. Blauert was called to serve as principal in 2023. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota and a master’s degree at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Mr. Blauert and his wife Helen have been blessed with two sons, Sam and Jack. They enjoy traveling, having been to all 50 states and about half the national parks. He enjoys playing board games, fantasy football, spending time with their sons and grandchildren, and following his favorite sports teams - the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
As principal, Mr. Blauert works to lead the staff of WLS to carry out the mission of partnering with families to proclaim the forgiveness of sins, provide a Christ-centered quality education, and prepare the students of WLS for a lifelong love of learning and service to God and the community.
One of Mr. Blauert’s favorite sections of scripture is Psalm 46. As we live in an age of such uncertainty, and everything around us seems to be moving and changing at such a rapid pace, we can feel like the world around us could unravel at any minute. This psalm reminds us of the comfort and assurance that God is our fortress and strength, our ever-present help in trouble. Verse ten in particular stands out as God speaks to us through the words of the psalm writer, calming our troubled hearts - “be still and know that I am God.”
Mr. Jerry Marowsky, Academic Dean and Science
Mr. Marowsky was born in Milwaukee, WI. He attended grades K-8 at St. John's Lutheran School - Jefferson, WI. His high school education continued at Martin Luther Preparatory School - Prairie du Chien, WI. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Dr. Martin Luther College - New Ulm, MN.
Previously, Mr. Marowsky has taught various grades, five through eight, at Trinity Lutheran School - Marinette, WI; Immanuel Lutheran School - Medford, WI & St. Paul's Lutheran School - Franklin, WI.
Mr. Marowsky is the Acadmic Dean, and also teaches math and social studies to the middle school students. In addition, he works with technology integration both on the staff and student levels.
Mr. Marowsky's personal interests include Amateur Radio (FCC License: N0IMJ), bike riding and home improvement.
Hymn 573 "Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying" of Christian Worship - A Lutheran Hymnal offers direction and purpose on a daily basis in his teaching career.
Mrs. Sara Makinen, Student Services Director
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rs. Makinen began her work teaching children as a camp counselor at a Lutheran Kid’s Camp in Michigan. This led her to pursue education at Martin Luther College in New Ulm. After working as a stay at home mother for a number of years, she began working as a tutor at her children' s elementary school in Antioch, IL. This ignited her passion for special education and teaching struggling readers. She obtained her Master’s in special education and taught as a special educator and general education teacher in Antioch and Libertyville, IL and Racine and Milwaukee, WI. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Education through Johns Hopkins University. She is studying the research-to-practice gap in reading and will begin work on creating special education accreditation standards for private schools. Her goal is that all children, regardless of ability, will be able to receive a quality christian education.
Mrs. Makinen is married and has two children- daughter Annabelle and son Emory. She also has a border collie mix and two cats. When she isn’t at school or studying, you will find her playing organ at both First Evangelical and Water of Life, watching Detroit Lions football and her son’s football, basketball, and soccer games, golfing or walking her dog.
Her favorite bible verse is Colossians 3:23-24- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Mr. Paul Marquardt, 8th Grade
Mr. Mr. Paul Marquardt was born in Elgin, Illinois and attended Lutheran schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from Shoreland Lutheran High School in Somers, Wisconsin, in 1984. He intended to make a living either playing guitar in a rock band, or as a writer/director for TV, but the Lord moved him instead to go into ministry. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in telecommunications from Indiana University in 1988, and with a degree in secondary education (history major; psychology minor) from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee in 1990. In 2002, Mr. Marquardt graduated with a master’s degree in systematic theology from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. He holds two WI state teaching licenses, one for grades 6-12, and the other in alternative education. Mr. Marquardt taught for 17 years in WELS schools (Trinity Lutheran, Caledonia, WI; St. John’s Lutheran, Sleepy Eye, MN; and Calvary Academy, South Milwaukee, WI) and served the last 16 years as Family Minister at Garden Homes Lutheran Church & School in Milwaukee. At Garden Homes, he taught many Bible classes, served as evangelist, played guitar in worship, and ministered before our Lord in many other ways.Here at WLS, Mr. Marquardt serves as 8th grade homeroom teacher, and teaches the Word of God, social studies, writing, math, and music.
In 1990, Paul married his beloved girlfriend, Karen Harbach (Thanks be to God!). The Lord has blessed their marriage with 12 children: Christian, Kathryn, Isaiah, John, Mary, Noah, Joseph, Benjamin, Abigail, Esther, Julia, & Gideon, and 5 grandchildren. His favorite times are date nights with Karen, and family time with their children and grandchildren. In 1999, he released a Christian rock CD, Without Love, We Are Nothing, which contains 23 of his compositions. Despite their losing records, Mr. Marquardt continues to root for his favorite childhood teams, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. His most treasured book and source of joy, peace, and guidance is the holy Word of God.
Mr. Marquardt’s favorite Scripture verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” He finds great comfort knowing that no matter what trials or challenges may face us in life, God is still in control and will surely work it out for our good.
Mr. Branden Mueller, 7th Grade and Athletic Director
Mr. Branden Mueller grew up in Howards Grove, WI where he attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School from kindergarten to 8th grade. He then attended Manitowoc Lutheran for high school. He graduated from Martin Luther College in 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in secondary math education and a minor in coaching. Before coming to Wisconsin Lutheran Middle School, Branden married his wife, Nicole who teaches 7th grade at Trinity in Caledonia.
Mr. Mueller is the 7th grade homeroom teacher. He teaches math, reading, religion, and social studies. His interests include; baseball, football, golfing, disc golfing, hiking, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.
Mr. Mueller's favorite Bible passage is John 10: 27-28 which states, “... no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Miss Avianna Holmes, 6th Grade
Miss Avianna Holmes grew up in Sturtevant, WI and attended WLS from K4 to 8th grade. She then went on to attend Shoreland Lutheran Highschool before attending The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations and Media Studies. During her time at UW-Stevens Point she wrote for the campus newspaper and worked as a Resident Assistant. Her work as a Resident Assistant inspired her to work as a Resident Director at Saint Johns Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN. She worked with primarily high school students living on campus. She also substitute taught middle school for the school. She then transitioned to a role as a special education teaching aide at Stone Bank School working with elementary and middle school students. This sparked her desire to continue working in education, and she transitioned into full time teaching in a private school before receiving a call to Risen Savior Lutheran School in 2024 and then WLS in 2025.
Miss Holmes’s background in journalism and media production has influenced her love of reading and writing. She will be leading a middle school club, creating video and written content. She is also the oldest of her siblings, all 6 of the Holmes clan attended WLS and Shoreland. She also has two cats and enjoys spending time with her extended family and friends. She enjoys exploring art in her free time, and finding new ideas for her middle school art class. Mixed Media is her favorite medium to create. She enjoys reading and writing as well, her favorite book she read in middle school is “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinneli.
Mr. Jeff Zilisch, 5th Grade
MMr. Zilisch was born in Fort Atkinson, WI. He attended grades K-8 at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Fort Atkinson. His high school years were spent at Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1988 from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.
Mr. Zilisch is the 5th grade Homeroom teacher and also instructs grades 3 and 4 in technology. He has experience teaching various grade levels from 4th-8th grade. He previously taught at Immanuel Lutheran School in Medford, WI, from 1988-1996, and at St. John’s Lutheran School in Burlington, WI, from 1996-2019. He has also held the position of Athletic Director and has much coaching experience.
He and his wife Angie have three children: Payton, Kaleb, and Lindsey. He enjoys cheering on the Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, and Packers. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking care of his yard, fires in his fire pit, and being outside in general.
Mrs. Janise Janikowski, 4th Grade
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rs. Janikowski was born and raised in Manitowoc, WI where she attended Bethany Lutheran for grade school, and Manitowoc Lutheran and Manitowoc Lincoln for high school. After high school she obtained her Emergency Medical Technician Certification and worked for several different rescue organizations as well as in the emergency and trauma center in Green Bay. She then moved down to Milwaukee to return to school and fell in love with teaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in sociology from UWM and then master’s degree in elementary education from WLC. She has since taught at a variety of schools throughout the Greater Milwaukee area and now Racine. She has a passion for teaching STEM as well.
She and her husband Vince have one daughter, Matilda. She enjoys baking, reading, and exploring local places with her family.
Mrs. Janikowski’s favorite Bible verse is Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Lisa Chamberlain, 3rd Grade
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s. Chamberlain was born and raised in Milwaukee, and graduated from North Trinity and Wisconsin Lutheran High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication/journalism from Loyola University Chicago, and completed her teaching certification in Texas, where she is licensed and where she taught second and fourth grades as an English as a Second Language teacher for eight years. Most recently she taught at St. Philip’s in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, one year in seventh and eighth grades, and another year in first and second.
Her other experiences include 10 years in the US Army/US Army Reserve, serving as an administrative specialist and an intelligence analyst, attaining a final rank of staff sergeant. She worked as a full-time journalist in Chicago and New Jersey, and as a freelance journalist in Wisconsin and Texas. Ms. Chamberlain homeschooled her two (now adult) children for twelve years as well. When not teaching, Ms. Chamberlain enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, knitting, and volunteering in local parks.
Favorite Bible verses include Romans 8:28 (And we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.); Philippians 4:13 (I can do everything through him who gives me strength), and Isaiah 41:10 (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 right hand.).
Mrs. Mary Rathje, 2nd Grade
M rs. Rathje grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary for High School. In 2002, she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Mary is married to Jared Rathje and they have been blessed with four children.
"I am so excited to be able to share the good news of Jesus with my students each day. It is such a great privilege to teach these precious little ones about their Savior."
Her favorite Bible passage is Hebrews 6:19 "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
Mrs. Michelle Schliewe, 1st Grade
Mrs. Schliewe was born in Sheboygan WI, and lived in Random Lake and Fond du Lac, attending St. Peters and Winnebago Lutheran Academy. She graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College/Martin Luther College, in New Ulm , MN. in 1996, marrying Neil , also a WELS teacher and principal at Zion Lutheran in South Milwaukee, where they are members. Mr. and Mrs. Schliewe lived and served at schools in Appleton and Thiensville, WI and Westland, MI. They have 2 (almost fully adult) children, Logan and Alexis. Mr. and Mrs. Schliewe have been back in Wisconsin now for 1 year, while their children are still in MI working and finishing college.
Mrs. Schliewe enjoys being near or in the water…lakes, pools, rivers, oceans–you name it! “I love to visit lake Michigan to see what beautiful ways God changes it throughout the seasons.” She likes going to the YMCA for water fitness classes, growing flowers and other plants, singing, reading and listening to music. She and her husband like to travel to new places, when they can, and visit historical sites. Highlights include WWII sites in London, France and Berlin and ancient ruins in Italy and Greece.
My life has taken many paths and led me to many different unexpected places and jobs and challenges. God always is with me and this is my favorite Bible passage, reminding me he already knows what is ahead for me. Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Mrs. Kim Lash, K5
Mrs. Lash was born and raised in Racine. She attended St. Rita’s Grade School and St. Catherine’s High School. She graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelors of Science in Education with a math minor. She then received her Early Childhood Lutheran Synod Certification from Martin Luther college.
She taught 5th grade at St. Edward’s School for seven years. She took eight years off to raise her three children. She was then called to teach Kindergarten at WLS and has loved teaching Jesus’ little lambs the last eleven years.
Mrs. Lash has coached the WLS 5th – 8th grade math teams, and assisted with the forensics and drama programs. She also enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading and scrapbooking.
Her favorite Bible verse to share with her Kindergartners is John 3:16, “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Mrs. Alanna Walker, K4
Mrs. Alanna Walker was born in Waukegan, Illinois. She attended grades K-8 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran School in Antioch, Illinois. She graduated from Shoreland Lutheran High School, and then attended Illinois State University. She graduated from ISU with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Spanish.
She has taught several grades over the years in both public and private schools. She has taught preschool, kindergarten, 1st, 5th, and 6th grade. She has also taught Spanish to grades 1-8 for many years.
When Mrs. Walker is not teaching she enjoys spending time with her husband Rob and their three children. She also loves working out, cooking, baking, and gardening.
One of her favorite Bible passages is Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..”
Mrs. Abbie Laitinen, Music
Mrs. Laitinen was born and raised in south central Wisconsin. After attending grade school and high school in the greater Madison area, she attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, graduating with a BS in Education.
Abbie and her husband Jeremy have served schools and churches in Kenosha, Sun Prairie, Benton Harbor, MI, and Salina, KS, before moving to Racine. She has spent her time in Racine both long and short term substitute teaching at Shoreland Lutheran High School and at WLS.
Abbie and Jeremy have three sons, all who have either graduated from or are currently attending WLS.
This year, Abbie is teaching part time at WLS and is looking forward to seeing the students and faculty on a regular basis. It’s where the fun happens.
The first chapter of the book of John is a beautiful testament to who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for mankind. He is our light and life (v.4). He is God coming to live among us (v.14). He gives of himself to bless us (v.16). And, he is our salvation (v.29).
John 1:16, “For out of his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.”
Mrs. Katie Hutchinson, Teaching Assistant, K4
Mrs. Kristen Smith, Teaching Assistant, 1st and 2nd
Mrs. Doreen Lueck, Teaching Assistant, 3rd thru 5th
Mrs Lueck was born in Cudahy, WI. She attended grade school at Saint Matthews in Oak Creek. She graduated from Horlick high school in 1986.
Mrs. Lueck previously worked for Warren Industries as well as Hi-Image Services before becoming a full-time mom in 1997.
Before joining WLS as Teacher's Assistant Mrs Lueck was active for many years in volunteer activities for WLS, including Home & School, Room Parent, and filling in wherever needed.
Mrs Lueck treasures time with her husband Mike and daughters Samantha and Savannah. She loves serving her family as well as serving here at WLS.
Her favorite hobby is photography (many photos in our yearbook are courtesy of Mrs Lueck) and she is an avid Packer fan who can be found cheering them on anytime they play.
Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
A close second is Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Pastor John Roekle
Pastor Roekle has been a part of Wisconsin Lutheran School since coming to First Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1996 to serve as pastor. He teaches 7th and 8th grade catechism class, leads chapel services, and has been involved in coaching soccer, basketball and softball. Following his graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1991, he served St. John's Lutheran Church in Florence, Wisconsin for 5 years.
Pastor Drew Dey
Pastor Drew Dey has been part of the WLS family for over a year since he was first assigned to serve as the second pastor at First Evan in Racine in May of 2021. He is involved in leading chapel on campus as well as teaching Catechism and Apologetics to the 7th and 8th graders along with the other pastors on staff. He graduated from Martin Luther College in 2017 and from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2021.
Pastor Pastor Nathan Klusmeyer
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